The research theme is exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin cell and tissue differentiation, resilience to injury, and repair processes. Highly differentiated tissues, such as the central nervous system, are constantly exposed to a variety of challenges.These include mechanical injury, degeneration, inflammation, and uncontrolled growth. In this theme, groups cooperate to discover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin cell and tissue differentiation, resilience to injury, and repair processes.We employ a variety of cellular models, model organisms, and screening approaches. This maximises synergy between groups in making fundamental discoveries and expediting translation of these to clinical research.Theme Lead:NameResearch interestBrophy, PeterAssembly and structure of nodes of Ranvier and the Axon Initial SegmentFowler, JillMechanisms of neurodegeneration in stroke and dementiaMiron, VeroniqueMicroglia influencing white matter in health, disease, and ageingPaxton, JenniferMusculoskeletal tissue engineeringSieger, DirkMicroglia-tumour interactionsTorsney, CaroleSomatosensory plasticityWyllie, DavidPhysiology and pharmacology of ion channels This article was published on Tuesday 27 October 2026
