Converge

Recent major advances in research into the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental conditions offer hope for the rational development of new treatments.

We now know that small changes in chromosomal structure, referred to as Copy Number Variants (CNVs), are contributors to risk for neurodevelopmental conditions.

Studying people with CNVs, therefore, offers a powerful way of investigating how CNVs affect the brain and what treatments might be helpful.

What is the Converge programme?

Converge stands for the impact of copy number variants on cortical network dynamics.

We are particularly interested in understanding how CNVs affect brain function and whether there are similarities between them by altering the regulation of firing of certain types of neurons in the cortex.

We are also looking at whether this acts to decrease connectivity across the brain, contributing to cognitive difficulties and mental health symptoms.

We use a special brain scan called “MEG” that enables us to harmlessly study brain waves in people with CNVs.

How we work

The human brain is difficult to investigate directly because of its relative inaccessibility.

We therefore adopt an integrated approach combining different methods in humans, animals and neuronal cells to investigate the impact of CNVs on the brain.

These different methods will enable us to build up a more complete picture of the way these CNVs affect the brain. However, it remains a challenge to compare and integrate data across these methods.