Continuing to research neurogenerative disease mechanisms for potential therapy development is the next goal of Dr Alexander Fröhlich. He recently completed his PhD in three years via the University of Liverpool and spent his final year at the Perron Institute in Perth.
“Our lab in Liverpool led by Professor John Quinn has been collaborating with Professor Sulev Koks (Perron Institute and CMMIT, Murdoch University) in Perth, Australia, for many years,” Dr Fröhlich said. “As part of my PhD journey, I was pleased to maintain this collaboration.
“My PhD project addressed the role of transposable elements (part of the dark matter in the genome) in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson´s, to explore their contribution to regulatory mechanisms linked with disease progression.
“Of special interest are retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (the presence or absence of genetic variants) within particular domains of these elements. My research contributed to the identification of disease biomarkers to target specific elements, thereby enhancing potential disease therapy development.
“While at the Perron Institute, I enjoyed analysing large datasets, including RNA sequencing data, which enhanced my coding and bioinformatic skills.
“I’m proud I published three papers, the first in Nature’s Scientific Reports assessing the association of LINE-1 retrotransposon (genetic variant) with Parkinson’s progression.
“The second paper published in Experimental Biology and Medicine explored the transcriptomic composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can increase the confidence in the use of CSF for biomarker development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neurone disease.
“Another paper of special importance published while I was at the Perron Institute highlighted the potential relationship between certain elements and complex diseases with many genetic components, such as Parkinson’s, in an area of our genome called the MAPT locus; a known risk area for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia.
“I am extremely grateful to my supervisors, Professor Quinn and Dr Vivien Bubb (University of Liverpool) and Professor Koks, for their continuous guidance and support throughout my PhD.
“I would like to thank everyone I worked with in the lab, and all at the Perron Institute, especially Taya Hamilton, for arranging everything I needed for my stay in Australia.
“In Perth, I enjoyed the beautiful beaches and the welcoming culture. My highlights included a trip to picturesque Rottnest Island and seeing Coldplay at Optus Stadium.”
Congratulations, Dr Fröhlich.
Photo caption: Dr Alexander Fröhlich with Professor Sulev Koks at the Perron Institute in Perth.