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Welcome to the Kinghorn Lab

Based in the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, London.

UCL Main Campus in winter

UCL Main Campus

In order to develop treatments, we need to fully understand what is going wrong in the cell. Genes related to pathways involved in the breakdown and transport of proteins within the cell, the so-called endosomal-lysosomal system, are increasingly being shown to play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease.  Our research focuses on the study of these aberrant pathways using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as well as cellular models of disease.

Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1 in 500 people in the UK and there is currently no cure. 

Top-down illustration of two fruit flies, male and female side-by-side

Drosophila melanogaster

Photo of assorted blue trays holding test tubes and yellow trays holding breeding flasks for fruit flies

Incubating experimental samples

Over the shoulder view of a scientist's hands with fluorescent green gloves manipulating fruit flies under a microscope with a pipette

Drosophila under the microscope

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If you want to learn more about our lab get in touch. Alternatively, we post regularly on social media.

Side-on view of a labcoat-wearing scientist looking at fly specimens through a microscope

Unrivalled attention to detail

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