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Shi Yu Chan

DPhil Student

I am studying for a DPhil under the supervision of Dr Phil Burnet in the Neurobiology and Experimental Therapeutics Group.

My research focuses on the effect of immune suppression on cognition. Studies have linked microglia and inflammatory cytokines to altered activity of NMDA receptors, and impaired learning and memory. Therefore, we are interested in investigating how the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, will affect NMDA receptor signalling and hence, cognition. Modulation of the immune system will be achieved by using specific cytokine receptor antagonists, and dietary prebiotics which have an anti-inflammatory action. A combination of neural cell cultures, animal models and human studies, will feature in my research.