Benedikt Berninger

Researchers have successfully demonstrated how astroglia – cells that support the functioning of the brain – can be reprogrammed into cells resembling interneurons. The research, published in Science Advances, represents not only an important step forward in neuronal engineering, but also has vital implications for regenerative medicine, which researchers hope could be used to restore dysfunctional brain circuits like those seen in people with epilepsy.

On 15 July 2024, Professor Berninger delivered his inaugural lecture as a Professor of Developmental Neurobiology at IoPPN. Professor Matthew Hotopf, Executive Dean at the IoPPN, opened the night by welcoming attendees and introduced Professor Berninger as an accomplished researcher who has contributed greatly to the IoPPN community.

The grant supports the project "Reprogramming of reactive glia into fast-spiking interneurons in a mouse model of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy" Dr Nicolás Marichal, Research Associate at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, has received an Emerging Leader Fellowship award to explore novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. This award is part of the Epilepsy Research UK (ERUK) 2024 research award and their £2m research investment.