To aid delivery of the BRC’s strategic objective on synergy we are supporting the development of collaborations between researchers across our Research Themes and the BRC Partnership organisations. We also aim to go beyond synergy by promoting interdisciplinarity, recognising the value of the reciprocal exchange of ideas and methods across clinical specialties and academic disciplines to maximise patient and public benefit. We have established structures to facilitate BRC-wide synergistic programmes of research. We have also made key appointments across our Research Themes to achieve BRC-wide coherence and collaboration and build opportunities for interdisciplinary research.We actively seek opportunities to facilitate interdisciplinary research wherever this may be relevant and of benefit, this includes programmes in five areas that benefit from cross-theme working:
Put in place the necessary structures to establish BRC-wide synergistic programmes of research
Build interdisciplinary research across our themes and BRC wide coherence and collaboration through the appointment of key posts
Establish the level of activity and capacity in cross-BRC theme areas of research, including ageing and MLTC, digital health, and rare disease, to secure significant follow-on funding
In the remit of our Interdisciplinary Research strategy, we aim to provide researchers within NUTH, CNTW and Newcastle University with the opportunity to establish cross-discipline collaborations and develop synergistic programmes of research that align with the BRC’s vision to transform lives through world-class research in ageing and multiple long-term conditions.
Principal Investigator: Tiago da Silva Costa
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the jaw joint and muscles. TMD is common, with up to 1 in 15 people experiencing problems such as pain in the face, headache, and difficulty moving the jaw. Depression is also common among people living with TMD and can be related to the impact of their symptoms on everyday life.
TransFORM-TMD is a feasibility trial, which aims to establish whether a device, which creates painless electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve with a small electrode placed on the ear, can improve TMD and depression symptoms. Some patients will receive a device which functions normally, and others will receive a sham device.
Principal Investigator: Joanna Elson
By looking at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), genetic instructions found within the cells of our body, we can make predictions about how a condition may change over time and help identify suitable medicines or treatments to improve care and treatment options specific to each patient.
The aim of this project was to further our understanding of mtDNA genes to better predict levels of fatigue in patients with a variety of long-term conditions where low energy is an important feature, including mitochondrial disease, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. The project explored whether the course and severity of these conditions can be predicted, leading to better health care decisions for patients living with these conditions.
Principal Investigator: Christopher Hurst
Sarcopenia is the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, affecting 25% of people by age 85. As we age, we lose muscle strength. This is, in part, caused by an increasing amount of fat inside the muscle, which could be related to inflammation. Currently, measuring this muscle fat is only possible via expensive imaging methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).In this project, we are using blood samples and MRI scans to identify if there are specific markers of inflammation that are related to the amount of fat that we can see in the muscles. Better understanding of how specific markers in the blood are related to the fat in the muscle, may lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Principal Investigator: Joseph Inns
Researchers are now using advanced research techniques to identify and study single cells using human tissues. This can advance our understanding of why diseases happen, and lead to improvements in patient care.
Taking advantage of these technological advances allows us to study a rare genetic skin tumour condition, called CYLD cutaneous syndrome (CCS). This project developed a novel methodology and identified what is responsible for causing or sustaining these skin tumours. Once established in skin, the approach was then tested in samples taken from patients with muscle disease.
Principal Investigator: Michael Keogh
Immune cells in the brain play a critical role in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding how genetic mutations of these cells slow neurodegenerative disorders will help us develop new drugs for patients.
In this study, we determined how mutated cells slow the progression and development of neurodegeneration and explored how these cells behave when exposed to conditions that we see in the brain with dementia.
Principal Investigator: Marzena Kurzawa-Akanbi
Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are common neurodegenerative conditions with rapidly increasing prevalence. These disorders are often grouped under the term Lewy body disorders due to their shared characteristic: the presence of Lewy bodies in the patients’ brains. Lewy bodies are abnormal clumps within nerve cells, thought to form to protect the cells from the accumulation of harmful material. Some of these clumps can be more toxic than others and are identified with antibodies, however producing specific antibodies can be challenging.This project proposes a new way to detect toxic clumps by designing synthetic alternatives to antibodies, which are simpler to produce and offer more consistent performance than natural antibodies. These alternatives could improve diagnosis for patients.
Principal Investigator: Edward Meinert
Supporting people with early-onset mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, to manage their conditions from a young age is important with early intervention having the potential to reduce their lifetime impact. Digital tools, such as mobile apps, that can be easily accessed, could be a way of offering support to people who may otherwise be unable or unwilling to seek mental health support services.In this project, we designed a prototype for a new digital health intervention. We identified the needs of young people, their family and carers, and healthcare professionals. We evaluated how they interact with this technological approach to mental health monitoring and explored the implications for re-using this app for similar interventions in older adults.
Principal Investigator: Claire McDonald
Getting older is associated with the development of multiple long-term health conditions (MLTC). People living with MLTC commonly report symptoms such as low mood, tiredness, and muscle weakness, they are less active and find day-to-day activities difficult.Through the MULTIPLE Registry – a database of people living with MLTC, we have recruited 60 participants to complete assessments of their health, social circumstances, mood, fatigue and muscle function. In addition, we have measured their daily activity using a small sensor and collected blood samples to explore biomarkers of ageing. These data are being used to explore the extent to which MLTC and common age-related changes in function, mood and fatigue are inter-related.
Principal Investigator: Robert Muni-Lofra
Neuromuscular diseases are a group of genetic conditions characterised by progressive muscle weakness. Many people with neuromuscular disease experience weakness around their hips and pelvis, the severity and impact of which varies from person to person, with very limited treatments available.This study looks at whether a new wearable device that provides support around the hips and pelvis has an effect on tiredness, daily activities and walking. In the course of a day, patients will carry out assessments based on walking and daily activities. They will be asked about their quality of life and their views on the treatment. We hope this treatment will improve walking ability, daily activities and levels of tiredness in patients with neuromuscular diseases.