Sanskar Ranglani

Recent work from the Minichiello group has demonstrated that TrkB signalling in the basal ganglia is important for regulation of locomotor control (Bessuso et al, 2013, Nature Comms; Malik and Guo et al, 2024, Nature Metabolism). I will now expand on these promising findings, investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating locomotor dysfunction underlying impaired TrkB signalling. I am generously funded by the Medical Science Graduate School Studentship from the Department of Pharmacology - a Clarendon fund scholarship, and an award from Brasenose college. 

Before coming to Oxford, I graduated with an integrated Masters in Neuroscience from the University of Glasgow (2019-2024). During my time there, I explored several multidisciplinary approaches to investigate neurodegeneration. These included big data analysis and dementia risk prediction using polygenic risk scores using the UK BioBank at the Behaviour, Epidemiology and Genetics group at the University of Glasgow. I also reviewed the role of a high fat diet in inducing gliosis during neurodegeneration. During my placement year, I worked at a biotech company and investigated cellular and molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, for my final year project, I used MRI in humans to investigate the relationship between age, sleep dysfunction, grey matter atrophy and cognitive-motor dysfunction at the Plasticity Lab, University of Glasgow.

Outside the lab, I enjoy running along the river (or on the treadmill, weather dependent). I also established the Indian Society at the University of Glasgow with my friends, and served as Secretary and President of the race equality society. I also like talking about my research to non-scientific audiences. I look forward to pursuing some of my interests alongside my DPhil and explore the very active student community in Oxford.