Legacy donations to fund research into bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis

Three research projects have been funded via the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience's (IoPPN) internal Legacy Grant Round. This funding was generously provided by legacy donations left to the faculty by two generous individuals; Margaret Potts, who left a gift in her Will exclusivelyfor laboratory research into bipolar disorder, and John Clitherow, who left a gift in his Will to support research into multiple sclerosis.

This funding was awarded via a competitive internal application process, for which we received 14 internationally competitive proposals (seven in each theme),demonstrating the world-leading strength in these areas within the faculty.

We can't stress enough the positive impact of generous donations on driving research exploring innovative therapeutic avenues of neurological and psychiatric illnesses. We were impressed by the quality and originality of the proposals received. I am looking forward to hearing of the discoveries emerging from the three awarded projects.

Professor Corinne Houart, Vice Dean Research at IoPPN

Award from the estate of Margaret Potts

Two projects were funded for laboratory research into bipolar disorder.

Dr Ivo Lieberam and Professor Juan Burrone from the Centre for Developmental Neuroscience received an award of £221,903.50 for their work on 'Modelling Bipolar Disorder with Human iPSC-derived neural circuits'.

The brain is constantly responding to events that take place in the environment. All this information is carried by nerve cells in the brain as electrical signals, allowing communication between nerve cells to take place rapidly and across large distances. The site where these signals are initiated is a highly specialised structure within a nerve cell called the axon initial segment (AIS). Mutations in genes that play important roles in AIS function, like factors that initiate or relay electrical signals, have been linked to several medical conditions that affect the brain.

The aim of the project is to build a cell culture model of the human cortex, the part of the brain responsible for memory, learning, emotions, and consciousness. Using this brain culture system, which will derive from human stem cells, the project will investigate variants of AIS genes that have been linked to bipolar disorderin humans.

Some of these genetic variants increase the risk of bipolar disorder, whereas others are protective. This project will study how the genetic makeup of nerve cells changes their electrical activity and how this affects communication between nerve cells within a network.

We are very grateful for the support from the Margaret Potts legacy donation. This generous funding will allow to explore the etiology of bipolar disorder with the hope uncovering novel targets for future treatments.

Dr Ivo Lieberam and Professor Juan Burrone, Centre for Developmental Neuroscience

Dr Rebecca Strawbridge from the Department of Psychological Medicine received £48,946.63 funding for her project 'Exploring putative biological mechanisms of a lithium supplement in people experiencing depression with mixed features.'

Depression with mixed features (DMF) is serious, common and considered difficult to treat affecting approximately 25% of people with bipolar disorders. Low doses of lithium (which can be bought over the counter as a natural supplement) may be beneficial for people with DMF.

This study aims to find out the feasibility and acceptability of lithium as a treatment for DMF. This legacy funding will be incredibly valuable in allowing the study to test whether, and how, lithium affects a set of six key proteins which can tell us more about who supplementary lithium could help most in the future.

We are ever-so grateful for this opportunity to explore whether supplementary lithium could show anti-inflammatory and/or neuroprotective effects.

Dr Rebecca Strawbridge, Department of Psychological Medicine

Award from the estate of John Clitherow

Dr Sara Simblett and Professor Dame Til Wykes from the Department of Psychology received £198,439 for their research into 'Improving cognitive recovery in multiple sclerosis.'

The project seeks to help people with multiple sclerosis improve their thinking and self-awareness through a new therapy that combines digital tools and in-person sessions. This approach aims to adapt therapy for common difficulties such as fatigue and low motivation while supporting cognitive function and personal goal achievement.

By piloting this therapy and comparing it to standard care, the project hopes to show its benefits and design larger studies to guide aspects of future of healthcare for people with multiple sclerosis.

Cognitive problems in MS are invisible disabilities that can have a serious impact on participation in daily activities and quality of life. We are very grateful to have this opportunity to work alongside people with MS to co-design and adapt cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) to improve coping in everyday life.

Dr Sara Simblett, Department of Psychology

Leaving a legacy to King's

Gifts in Wills play a crucial role in enabling us to respond to the evolving needs of research. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting future research at King's College London through a gift in your Will, we would be delighted to discuss this with you. Please contact Julia Brown, Head of Legacy and In Memory Giving, at 020 7848 2635 or [email protected]