£500,000 grant funds cutting-edge microscopy for dementia research

Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) has been awarded a £500,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation to acquire an ultrafast spinning disc confocal microscope, enhancing research into dementia and cognitive decline.

Led by Professor Roslyn Bill, the AIME team is investigating how brain cell membranes, particularly those containing the water channel aquaporin-4, influence the clearance of proteins linked to dementia. The new microscope, capable of capturing 2,000 frames per second with up to 1,000 laser beams, will enable unprecedented imaging of these rapid biological processes.

In collaboration with the University of Oxford, AIME is developing organ-on-a-chip models to study aquaporin-4 dynamics at the blood-brain barrier. These insights could pave the way for new strategies to slow cognitive decline.

Professor Bill, who previously secured a €2.2 million ERC Advanced Grant for aquaporin research, said: “This cutting-edge microscope will accelerate our understanding of dementia mechanisms and strengthen our partnership with Dr Mootaz Salman at Oxford.”

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, added: “The study of aquaporins at Aston has led to intriguing discoveries. We are pleased to support this vital research, which has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society.”

The new microscope will be a first for the Midlands, providing a crucial resource for neuroscience research in the region.

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