Prof Mina Ryten to lead UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge
Professor Mina Ryten, a leading clinical scientist in genetics, has become director of the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge.
The institute is building our understanding of the biological processes behind the earliest stages of neurodegeneration and ageing using cutting-edge techniques that could lead to new treatments.
Prof Ryten has expertise in functional genomics, exploring the function of genes to understand complex and rare neurogenetic disorders.
She was previously professor of clinical genetics at UCL’s Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and honorary consultant in clinical genetics at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Prof Ryten takes over from interim centre director Prof David Rubinsztein, who has been in the role for a year.
She said: "I am delighted to begin my new role as Director of the UK DRI at Cambridge. I am truly excited to lead our brilliant team of researchers and collaborators in pushing the boundaries of science and unlocking vital understanding of the underlying causes of this devastating condition. Together, we will strive to transform the future of dementia research, and bring hope to those affected by this profound challenge."
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus-based centre was set up in 2017 as part of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), the national research institute for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
It has a multidisciplinary approach, using everything from neuroscience, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
In one recent study in mice, a team revealed that a repurposed HIV drug could restore the brain’s ability to clear out toxic proteins that are implicated in diseases such as Huntington’s, and other forms of dementia.
Another study uncovered a mechanism that could help prevent the build-up of these proteins - putting them under mild stress to ‘refold’ the proteins, which become misfolded in a disease state.
Prof Ryten, who also cares for individuals and families with a range of genetic conditions, aims to strengthen links between the centre and the wider Cambridge biotech and pharma cluster, bolstering collaboration and securing translational funding.
She will also drive a UK DRI research programme to boost understanding of Lewy body diseases – neurodegenerative conditions associated with the abnormal build-up of alpha synuclein protein in the brain.
Prof Anne Ferguson-Smith, pro-vice chancellor for research and international partnerships at the University of Cambridge, said: “We look forward to welcoming Mina as director for the UK Dementia Research Institute’s Cambridge Centre.
“Mina brings with her a wealth of experience and scientific leadership. Her appointment comes at a time when research into these devastating diseases has never been more important, with our ageing population meaning we can expect to see an increase in the number of people affected by these conditions over the coming decades.”
