Child Health Research student reports

Examples of student research projects

The examples below illustrate the variety of research undertaken by former students on the scheme, showcasing the breadth of topics explored within the GOS Institute of Child Health’s research departments.

Developmental Biology and Cancer 

Projects previously completed in this area have explored how cells and tissues develop, and how childhood cancers arise at a molecular level. Examples include:

• Imaging of the developing renal vasculature in polycystic kidney disease
• Targeting DUSP6 in neuroblastoma
• Characterising a novel mouse model of Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia
• Identifying force-generating cellular events controlling neural tube closure in vertebrates
   

Developmental Neurosciences

Former student projects in this theme have examined brain and nervous system development, and the impact of neurological conditions on children. Examples include:

• Modelling error in SEEG electrode placement for surgical planning
• Characterisation of Neuropathic Pain in Children
• Histology and time-dependence in diffusion MRI for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Quantifying the effect of activity on muscle microstructure using diffusion MRI

Genetics and Genomic Medicine

Past projects in this research area have investigated the genetic basis of childhood diseases and explored diagnostic or therapeutic innovations. Examples include:

• Investigating the role of BBS1 in cell junction regulation
• Novel Biomarkers for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Testing the potential efficacy of translational read-through inducing drugs for mitochondrial diseases
• Investigating Ift80 expression in mouse models with Jeune Syndrome patient mutations
• Investigating gene expression changes and confirmation of methylation status in a mouse model of Silver-Russell syndrome with hypomethylation of Igf2/H19 ICR

Infection, Immunity and Inflammation

Example projects completed in this department have explored how children’s immune systems develop and respond to infectious or inflammatory conditions, including:

• Gene editing for epidermolysis bullosa
• CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
• Investigating Pryin-mediated Inflammasome activation in WiscottAldrich Syndrome (WAS)

Population, Policy and Practice

Students in this theme have carried out research on public health, behaviours, and systems affecting children and young people. Example past projects include:

• Characteristics and attitudes to HIV care of young people living with HIV in Ukraine
• Transforming the Mental Health of Children with Epilepsy
• Scoping acceptability of discussing possible adverse effects of providing child weight feedback to parents and children as part of the National Child Measurement Programme
• The effectiveness of modular treatment for emotional and behavioural difficulties in children with epilepsy
• Investigating efficacy of mental health interventions for children with chronic illness, without chronic illness and neurological disorders using CORC data