Nancy Liang (13:00 – 13:30)
Title: Modelling the role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s and Mitochondrial disease
Abstract: Mitophagy is a selective form of autophagy in which damaged mitochondrion or mitochondrial fragments are engulfed by an autophagosome, which then fuses with the lysosome for degradation and recycling. Mutations in PARK2 (Parkin) are linked to early onset familial Parkinson’s disease, but the precise role of Parkin in PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy remains unclear. To date, dysregulated mitophagy has not previously been demonstrated in primary fibroblasts from patients with compound heterozygous Parkin mutations. Meanwhile, mutations in POLG, a gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma, are the most common cause of recessively inherited mitochondrial diseases. Understanding mitophagy in these diseases can provide insights into underlying pathological mechanisms, and potentially guide the development of targeted therapies.

Isobel Gordon (13:30 – 14:00)
Title: Quantitative, Non-Contrast MRI of the Breast Tissue to Improve the Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and the worldwide leading cause of cancer death amongst women. MRI is regarded as the most sensitive technique in breast cancer imaging but clinical protocols require the patient to receive an injection of contrast agent and to lie in an uncomfortable prone position. Furthermore, interpretation of patients’ images is reliant on radiologists’ experience and is semi-quantitative at best.
In this seminar Isobel will present her DPhil research which aims to develop non-contrast, quantitative MRI methodologies to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer. She will particularly focus on non-invasive measurement of the properties of breast adipose tissue, which is increasingly recognised as a complex endocrine organ which influences breast cancer risk and progression. Isobel will also describe a quantitative approach to measurement of breast density and will discuss the feasibility of imaging women in the supine position using a specially developed breast support device.