The main aim of my research is to identify targets for therapy in motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. In particular, we use laboratory models including motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from patients to understand why motor neuron integrity fails in the presence of certain genetic mutations (eg; TDP-43 or C9orf72 in ALS). We also use these models to identify drug targets. Our work takes place in the context of a larger team of researchers in Oxford interested in translational research in neurodegenerative diseases, and we have many national and international collaborations.