Alex Whitworth lab
@labwhitworth.bsky.social
Research group at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge. Interested in all things neurodegeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, in vivo genetics, Drosophila, mitophagy, mtDNA, calcium, gut-brain axis etc
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Really happy to have joined the research committee and looking forward to helping @cureparkinsons.org.uk to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s
We are excited to welcome several new members and interns to our research committee!
This independent group is made up of 16-20 Parkinson’s researchers, clinicians and people with Parkinson’s, who assess our incoming grant applications.
Find out more: buff.ly/zICEKBp
This independent group is made up of 16-20 Parkinson’s researchers, clinicians and people with Parkinson’s, who assess our incoming grant applications.
Find out more: buff.ly/zICEKBp
February 9, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Really happy to have joined the research committee and looking forward to helping @cureparkinsons.org.uk to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
This is wonderful news and a reflection of the work of so many ppl to make the institute a fair and inclusive place to work, particularly Prof Hélène Plun-Favreau, Deputy Director for EDI, EDI project manager Dimitrios Zachos and Athena SWAN leads Prof Gabriele Lignani and Laura Allum.
We are proud to share that ION has been awarded an Athena SWAN Gold Award. Awarded in January 2026 and valid until January 2031, this recognises our sustained, evidence‑based commitment to gender equality and inclusive culture across staff and students.
www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...
www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...
UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology awarded Athena SWAN Gold
The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (IoN) has been awarded the Athena SWAN Gold Award, recognising its sustained and sector‑leading commitment to gender equality and inclusive culture.
www.ucl.ac.uk
January 27, 2026 at 11:15 AM
This is wonderful news and a reflection of the work of so many ppl to make the institute a fair and inclusive place to work, particularly Prof Hélène Plun-Favreau, Deputy Director for EDI, EDI project manager Dimitrios Zachos and Athena SWAN leads Prof Gabriele Lignani and Laura Allum.
Hey, it’s me! Very happy to chat about how to use flies to address biomedical questions.
Our Best Models Working Group can offer advice on the use of a range of model systems.
The next in our series of posts highlighting our diverse expertise features Dr Alex Whitworth, whose group uses Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases.
nmgn.mrc.ukri.org/working-grou...
The next in our series of posts highlighting our diverse expertise features Dr Alex Whitworth, whose group uses Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases.
nmgn.mrc.ukri.org/working-grou...
January 27, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Hey, it’s me! Very happy to chat about how to use flies to address biomedical questions.
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Cute. Nice to know they have time for this while torching university based research.
Spent the day behind the scenes at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences @mrc-lms.bsky.social
We met researchers who grow fat cells, study ageing hearts, and yes, we tried the MRI bike.
Some of the reels from this day are now live on Instagram.
Watch them here: www.instagram.com/weareukri/
We met researchers who grow fat cells, study ageing hearts, and yes, we tried the MRI bike.
Some of the reels from this day are now live on Instagram.
Watch them here: www.instagram.com/weareukri/
January 27, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Cute. Nice to know they have time for this while torching university based research.
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Hey, science community (whoever is here). Can you please help me amplify this message? Postdoc position available in Düsseldorf!
January 5, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Hey, science community (whoever is here). Can you please help me amplify this message? Postdoc position available in Düsseldorf!
Drosophila models have been highly useful in dissecting the physiological roles of PINK1 and Parkin in #mitophagy
Led by 3 talented PhD students, we wrote a review summarising recent exciting discoveries and discussed these in context of current in vitro studies
portlandpress.com/biochemj/art...
Led by 3 talented PhD students, we wrote a review summarising recent exciting discoveries and discussed these in context of current in vitro studies
portlandpress.com/biochemj/art...
January 5, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Drosophila models have been highly useful in dissecting the physiological roles of PINK1 and Parkin in #mitophagy
Led by 3 talented PhD students, we wrote a review summarising recent exciting discoveries and discussed these in context of current in vitro studies
portlandpress.com/biochemj/art...
Led by 3 talented PhD students, we wrote a review summarising recent exciting discoveries and discussed these in context of current in vitro studies
portlandpress.com/biochemj/art...
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
New research led by Devin Clegg that defines how lysosome swelling and lysosome deacidification evoke distinct routes for LRRK2 activation: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
LRRK2 integrates Rab and GABARAP interactions to sense and respond to distinct lysosomal stresses
Increased activity of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is an important risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 localizes to lysosomal membranes, and changes in lysosome physiology are emerging ...
doi.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:06 AM
New research led by Devin Clegg that defines how lysosome swelling and lysosome deacidification evoke distinct routes for LRRK2 activation: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
This is a great paper. Congrats to Derek and the whole team.
Looks like mitochondrial depolarisation is a bone fide PINK1-activating mechanism after all.
Next question: when does this occur at scale in neurobiology?
Looks like mitochondrial depolarisation is a bone fide PINK1-activating mechanism after all.
Next question: when does this occur at scale in neurobiology?
Is there a convergent mechanism for triggering PINK1-Parkin-dependent mitophagy?
Derek Narendra and coworkers find that diverse forms of mitochondrial damage are all sensed by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
Derek Narendra and coworkers find that diverse forms of mitochondrial damage are all sensed by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)
www.embopress.org/doi/full/10....
November 23, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This is a great paper. Congrats to Derek and the whole team.
Looks like mitochondrial depolarisation is a bone fide PINK1-activating mechanism after all.
Next question: when does this occur at scale in neurobiology?
Looks like mitochondrial depolarisation is a bone fide PINK1-activating mechanism after all.
Next question: when does this occur at scale in neurobiology?
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
New paper - MAPL strikes again! Interested in mitochondrial signalling, inflammation, lysosome biology, pyroptosis, and Parkinson's disease? Have a look, there's something for everyone! Feeling grateful! @mitocollier.bsky.social Funded by #CIHR, @asapresearch.parkinsonsroadmap.org.
rdcu.be/eKKz1 🇨🇦
rdcu.be/eKKz1 🇨🇦
October 14, 2025 at 11:50 AM
New paper - MAPL strikes again! Interested in mitochondrial signalling, inflammation, lysosome biology, pyroptosis, and Parkinson's disease? Have a look, there's something for everyone! Feeling grateful! @mitocollier.bsky.social Funded by #CIHR, @asapresearch.parkinsonsroadmap.org.
rdcu.be/eKKz1 🇨🇦
rdcu.be/eKKz1 🇨🇦
Having fun enthusing young and old, expert and novice, about our mitochondria research at Cambridge’s Big Biology Day #PublicEngagement #Outreach @mrc-mbu.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Having fun enthusing young and old, expert and novice, about our mitochondria research at Cambridge’s Big Biology Day #PublicEngagement #Outreach @mrc-mbu.bsky.social
Amazing work @frisophagy.bsky.social and all the Chinnery lab team.
How can mitophagy be an effective quality control mechanism if mtDNA mutations reach high enough levels to cause disease?
This question led us into a dark path, full of concepts of evolutionary genetics, germline stem cell biology and mito-nuclear compatibility.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
This question led us into a dark path, full of concepts of evolutionary genetics, germline stem cell biology and mito-nuclear compatibility.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Ubiquitin-mediated mitophagy regulates the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA mutations
Mitochondrial synthesis of adenosine triphosphate is essential for eukaryotic life but is dependent on the cooperation of two genomes: nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). mtDNA mutates ~15 times as...
www.science.org
October 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Amazing work @frisophagy.bsky.social and all the Chinnery lab team.
Oh, this is sad. A great scientist and great (and modest) human being. I’m very proud that he once told me he liked my talk at the end. High praise indeed.
It is with great sadness that the University shares the news of the death of Professor Sir John Gurdon, founder of the @gurdoninstitute.bsky.social
Read our tribute to the visionary Nobel Laureate and watch an interview from 2012, just after he won: https://bit.ly/4mM8o3r
Read our tribute to the visionary Nobel Laureate and watch an interview from 2012, just after he won: https://bit.ly/4mM8o3r
October 7, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Oh, this is sad. A great scientist and great (and modest) human being. I’m very proud that he once told me he liked my talk at the end. High praise indeed.
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Applications now open for our work experience programme for year 12 students, run with @mrc-mbu.bsky.social & @stcatharines.bsky.social We give students a valuable insight into life as a research scientist and student in Cambridge. Details & application link here: www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/inspiring-sc...
October 7, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Applications now open for our work experience programme for year 12 students, run with @mrc-mbu.bsky.social & @stcatharines.bsky.social We give students a valuable insight into life as a research scientist and student in Cambridge. Details & application link here: www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/inspiring-sc...
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
🌟 We’re hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow! 🌟
Join my lab @sydney.edu.au and help drive cutting-edge research in axon degeneration as part of the Snow Vision Accelerator.
@snowmedical.bsky.social
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_E...
Join my lab @sydney.edu.au and help drive cutting-edge research in axon degeneration as part of the Snow Vision Accelerator.
@snowmedical.bsky.social
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_E...
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neurodegeneration
An exciting opportunity to join the Snow Vision Accelerator Location: Loreto Group, Axon degeneration Lab, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Full time,...
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:02 AM
🌟 We’re hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow! 🌟
Join my lab @sydney.edu.au and help drive cutting-edge research in axon degeneration as part of the Snow Vision Accelerator.
@snowmedical.bsky.social
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_E...
Join my lab @sydney.edu.au and help drive cutting-edge research in axon degeneration as part of the Snow Vision Accelerator.
@snowmedical.bsky.social
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_E...
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Do you need help with mitochondrial image analysis? 🔬
Check out mitographica.com created by
Dane M Wolf
Find out more from his interview on MitoWorld
mitoworld.org/mitochondria...
Check out mitographica.com created by
Dane M Wolf
Find out more from his interview on MitoWorld
mitoworld.org/mitochondria...
mitographica.com
July 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Do you need help with mitochondrial image analysis? 🔬
Check out mitographica.com created by
Dane M Wolf
Find out more from his interview on MitoWorld
mitoworld.org/mitochondria...
Check out mitographica.com created by
Dane M Wolf
Find out more from his interview on MitoWorld
mitoworld.org/mitochondria...
Proud that this being pioneered in the UK 💪
July 16, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Proud that this being pioneered in the UK 💪
Delighted to share our latest work looking at the role of the RNA-binding proteins Clu1 (yeast)/Clu (flies) in regulating the translation of #mitochondria proteins. Really interesting regulator of mito biology.
Huge, long-running effort by PDRA Leonor Miller-Fleming 👏
dx.plos.org/10.1371/jour...
Huge, long-running effort by PDRA Leonor Miller-Fleming 👏
dx.plos.org/10.1371/jour...
Clu1/Clu form mitochondria-associated granules upon metabolic transitions and regulate mitochondrial protein translation via ribosome interactions
Author summary Mitochondria are essential cellular organelles that perform many important roles in regulating metabolism. They are dynamic in form, function and composition which is crucial to maintai...
dx.plos.org
July 16, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Delighted to share our latest work looking at the role of the RNA-binding proteins Clu1 (yeast)/Clu (flies) in regulating the translation of #mitochondria proteins. Really interesting regulator of mito biology.
Huge, long-running effort by PDRA Leonor Miller-Fleming 👏
dx.plos.org/10.1371/jour...
Huge, long-running effort by PDRA Leonor Miller-Fleming 👏
dx.plos.org/10.1371/jour...
Ha. This is so accurate to how I’m spending my days.
Progress with my grant proposal:
July 10, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Ha. This is so accurate to how I’m spending my days.
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
We were shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations made about Raynor and Moth Winn by The Observer. The article has taken everyone by surprise and has made people affected by CBD & PSP feel angry, let down and eager for clarity. Full statement: www.pspassociation.org.uk/news/pspas-r...
July 7, 2025 at 9:32 AM
We were shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations made about Raynor and Moth Winn by The Observer. The article has taken everyone by surprise and has made people affected by CBD & PSP feel angry, let down and eager for clarity. Full statement: www.pspassociation.org.uk/news/pspas-r...
This is quite shocking and saddening if true.
I spent months on this investigation and gathered docs from the UK courts, Land Registry and a French local authority, to show that Raynor and Moth Winn's story is not as they claim. @tortoisemedia.bsky.social @observeruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
The real Salt Path: how the couple behind a bestseller le...
Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal it was far from the truth
observer.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 9:59 AM
This is quite shocking and saddening if true.
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
🎉Excited to share our latest paper, published in Nature Communications!🎉
"Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila"
#redox #metabolism #ageing #Drosophila
@natcomms.nature.com @mrc-lms.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
"Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila"
#redox #metabolism #ageing #Drosophila
@natcomms.nature.com @mrc-lms.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila - Nature Communications
Redox signalling is emerging as an important regulator of metabolism and physiology, which is dysregulated in ageing and disease. Here, the authors show that redox regulation of a key redox sensitive ...
doi.org
June 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
🎉Excited to share our latest paper, published in Nature Communications!🎉
"Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila"
#redox #metabolism #ageing #Drosophila
@natcomms.nature.com @mrc-lms.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
"Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila"
#redox #metabolism #ageing #Drosophila
@natcomms.nature.com @mrc-lms.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1038/s414...
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Check out the #LMSnews story on the @mrc-lms.bsky.social website about our latest study published in @natcomms.nature.com!
Illustrated by multi-talented first author #postdoc #painter @claudialennicke.bsky.social 💛 #redox #cysteine #sciart
Illustrated by multi-talented first author #postdoc #painter @claudialennicke.bsky.social 💛 #redox #cysteine #sciart
Researchers at the LMS have extended the lifespan of female fruit flies by boosting the levels of an enzyme which breaks down the reactive oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, inside cells. This highlights the role of hydrogen peroxide as an important cell signalling molecule.
‘Redox control’ of metabolism improves health and delays ageing in fruit flies
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) have extended the lifespan of female fruit flies by boosting the levels of an enzyme which breaks down the reactive oxidant, hydrogen peroxi...
lms.mrc.ac.uk
June 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Check out the #LMSnews story on the @mrc-lms.bsky.social website about our latest study published in @natcomms.nature.com!
Illustrated by multi-talented first author #postdoc #painter @claudialennicke.bsky.social 💛 #redox #cysteine #sciart
Illustrated by multi-talented first author #postdoc #painter @claudialennicke.bsky.social 💛 #redox #cysteine #sciart
Reposted by Alex Whitworth lab
Delighted to announce Prof Miratul Muqit as Centre Director of our groundbreaking new Parkinson's Research Centre, a partnership with @parkinsons.org.uk!🎉👏
Prof Muqit is a world leader in Parkinson’s research, having made major contributions to understanding genetic risk👉 buff.ly/etNUa4b
Prof Muqit is a world leader in Parkinson’s research, having made major contributions to understanding genetic risk👉 buff.ly/etNUa4b
June 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Delighted to announce Prof Miratul Muqit as Centre Director of our groundbreaking new Parkinson's Research Centre, a partnership with @parkinsons.org.uk!🎉👏
Prof Muqit is a world leader in Parkinson’s research, having made major contributions to understanding genetic risk👉 buff.ly/etNUa4b
Prof Muqit is a world leader in Parkinson’s research, having made major contributions to understanding genetic risk👉 buff.ly/etNUa4b