Sophie Graham

• MBBS
• Optimisation of viral transfection in rodent cortical cells

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures, due to abnormalities in or sudden bursts of electrical activity in specific areas of the brain. Optogenetics is a recently developed technique that has potential to be applied as a therapy. Small devices, called optrodes, deliver pulses of light to affected cells and simultaneously record their activity. To do this, a virus is injected into the cells containing genes to make them responsive to light. Delivering light at the right time could alter cell activity and suppress seizures.

Viral infection of target cells has previously been demonstrated. This project investigated the extent of gene expression in cells infected with three different types of virus, at varying concentrations, to identify any particularly efficient vector. Rodent cortical cells were cultured, infected, and visualised using fluorescent microscopy. Subsequent quantification highlighted the success of infection and any resultant damage, with a view to optimise the technique.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Gavin Clowry