Dr. Collins graduated from UCC in 2006 with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Neuroscience. She subsequently obtained an M.Sc. (2008) and Ph.D. (2013) from the School of Medicine at the same institution. During this time Louise was a visiting researcher in the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University, United Kingdom, where she conducted her research examining the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway to identify new anti-inflammatory therapeutic targets in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This was followed by postdoctoral fellowships at UCC where she continued her research focusing on neuroprotective drug development for PD and in molecular and cellular biology in the Department of Biological Sciences in the University of Limerick. Louise has considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry having spent time as a Technical Specialist in the Centre of Excellence for Biophysics and Bioassays in the Bioassay Centre of Expertise and subsequently as a Global Regulatory Affairs Specialist (CMC biologics) with MSD Pharmaceuticals. During this time, Louise was the recipient of several prestigious Awards of Excellence for her contribution to the successful submission of the ZINPLAVA® (bezlotoxumab) Biologics Licence Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In 2017 Louise was appointed as a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in Munster Technological University before joining UCC in 2019 as a Lecturer. Louise was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Medical and Health Sciences in 2023.
Dr. Collins’ research group consists of 7 Ph.D., 1 M.Sc. (Res.) and various taught M.Sc. and visiting students. Work in the group is funded by the Irish Research Council as well as the Munster Technological University and is based within the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the Western Gateway Building. Her work has been featured in journals such as Brain Behaviour and Immunity, BRAIN and Molecular Neurobiology.
Dr. Collins’ current research interests include investigating the mechanisms that regulate dopaminergic growth and survival and translating these findings to develop neuroprotective therapies that prevent dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration which is observed in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by nigrostriatal DA degeneration and intracellular alpha-synuclein aggregation. Current pharmacological treatments, such as dopamine-replacement pharmacotherapy, are solely symptomatic, therefore, there is a critical need for the development of disease-modifying therapies based on an understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.
Through the use of both in vivo and in vitro models, Dr. Collins’ current research programme focuses on three key thematic areas:
CURRENT POSTGRADUATE (M.Sc. & Ph.D.) STUDENTS
Biography
Dr. Louise Collins is a Senior Lecturer in Medical and Health Sciences in the School of Medicine, University College Cork (UCC). She is the Academic Programme Co-ordinator and the Year 4 Co-ordinator for the B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences programme (CK707) in the School of Medicine.Dr. Collins graduated from UCC in 2006 with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Neuroscience. She subsequently obtained an M.Sc. (2008) and Ph.D. (2013) from the School of Medicine at the same institution. During this time Louise was a visiting researcher in the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University, United Kingdom, where she conducted her research examining the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway to identify new anti-inflammatory therapeutic targets in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This was followed by postdoctoral fellowships at UCC where she continued her research focusing on neuroprotective drug development for PD and in molecular and cellular biology in the Department of Biological Sciences in the University of Limerick. Louise has considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry having spent time as a Technical Specialist in the Centre of Excellence for Biophysics and Bioassays in the Bioassay Centre of Expertise and subsequently as a Global Regulatory Affairs Specialist (CMC biologics) with MSD Pharmaceuticals. During this time, Louise was the recipient of several prestigious Awards of Excellence for her contribution to the successful submission of the ZINPLAVA® (bezlotoxumab) Biologics Licence Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In 2017 Louise was appointed as a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in Munster Technological University before joining UCC in 2019 as a Lecturer. Louise was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Medical and Health Sciences in 2023.
Dr. Collins’ research group consists of 7 Ph.D., 1 M.Sc. (Res.) and various taught M.Sc. and visiting students. Work in the group is funded by the Irish Research Council as well as the Munster Technological University and is based within the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the Western Gateway Building. Her work has been featured in journals such as Brain Behaviour and Immunity, BRAIN and Molecular Neurobiology.
Research Interests
Dr. Collins is committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3, ‘Good Health and Well-being’ target 3.4, ‘By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being’.Dr. Collins’ current research interests include investigating the mechanisms that regulate dopaminergic growth and survival and translating these findings to develop neuroprotective therapies that prevent dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration which is observed in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by nigrostriatal DA degeneration and intracellular alpha-synuclein aggregation. Current pharmacological treatments, such as dopamine-replacement pharmacotherapy, are solely symptomatic, therefore, there is a critical need for the development of disease-modifying therapies based on an understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.
Through the use of both in vivo and in vitro models, Dr. Collins’ current research programme focuses on three key thematic areas:
- The re-purposing of FDA-approved compounds as potential neuroprotective pharmacotherapy for Parkinson’s disease: A challenge of neurotrophic factor therapy is that the proteins require direct intracranial administration as they are rapidly metabolised in vivo and are unable to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in adequate doses. This may be overcome by identifying clinically approved small molecule drugs or biologics which can cross the BBB and selectively activate the receptors or downstream targets which mediate the action of neurotrophic factors. Through her research, Dr. Collins has identified two commercially available FDA-approved compounds that exert neurotrophic effects on dopaminergic (DA) neurons through modulation of BMP-Smad signalling. Specifically, the group has reported that niclosamide and quinacrine are neuroprotective against degeneration induced by the neurotoxins MPP+, 6-OHDA and by viral-mediated overexpression of alpha-synuclein (AAV-aSyn) in vitro. Current research in the group is aimed at examining the effects of quinacrine and niclosamide in the in vivo AAV-aSyn model of PD and exploring their mechanism of action.
- Targeting the epigenome as a therapeutic approach for Parkinson’s disease: Recent studies have described alterations in histone acetylation in the brains of PD patients. Moreover, alpha-synuclein accumulation has been linked to alterations in histone acetylation and pharmacological strategies aimed at modulating histone acetylation are under investigation as novel approaches to disease-modification in PD. Current strategies are focused predominantly on pan-inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes however, the inhibition of specific HDACs is a more targeted strategy which may allow for future clinical translation. Through her research, Dr. Collins has identified that treatment with MC1568, a class IIa-specific HDI, promotes neurite growth and arbourisation and protects neurite arbours against neurotoxic insult in vitro as well as activating the canonical Smad signalling pathway. Furthermore, peripheral administration of MC1568 in vivo reduced forelimb akinesia and partially protected DA neurons in the substantia nigra and their striatal terminals from 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration. In addition, siRNA targeting HDAC5 or HDAC9 promoted neurite growth in cells overexpressing wild-type or A53T-alpha-synuclein and they have been identified as novel regulators of BMP-Smad signalling. Current research is aimed at examining the effect of specific HDAC inhibition in the in vivo 6-OHDA model of PD.
- Developing neurotrophic factor therapy for Parkinson’s disease: Clinical trials of two neurotrophic factors, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin, have reported limited efficacy in PD patients and have failed to meet their primary endpoints. Therefore, there is a need to identify other neurotrophic factors that can protect against alpha-synuclein-induced degeneration of DA neurons. Dr. Collins has demonstrated that a neurotrophic factor, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), promotes neurite growth and protects against neurotoxin-induced, as well as wild-type- and A53T-alpha-synuclein-induced, neurite degeneration in vivo. Current research in the group is aimed at examining the effect of BMP2 in the in vivo AAV-aSyn model of PD.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Microbial-derived Therapy for the Neurological Impairment of Parkinson's Disease - RISAM AWARD | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-19 | 01-SEP-23 | €76,500.00 | |
| Intracellular Regulators of BMP-Smad Signalling as Novel Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease | Other: Not Listed | 03-JUL-22 | 29-MAY-26 | €100,000.00 | |
| Defining the role of histone deacetylase in dopaminergic degeneration and regeneration in Parkinson’s disease | Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET) | 01-SEP-18 | 01-SEP-22 | €102,125.00 | |
| Defining the potential of gene therapy with bone morphogenetic proteins as a novel therapeutic approach in Parkinson’s disease - RISAM AWARD | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-18 | 01-SEP-21 | €76,500.00 | |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Dopaminergic Degeneration in Parkinson's Disease - (€91,786 - Award declined) | Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET) |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2012) | 'Inflammation in Parkinson's disease: causes and consequences' Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2012) 'Inflammation in Parkinson's disease: causes and consequences' In: Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease - Models and Treatments. Croatia: InTech. [Full Text] [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Human a-synuclein overexpression upregulates SKOR1 in a rat model of simulated nigrostriatal ageing' Morales-Prieto N;Bevans R;O'Mahony A;Barron A;Giles Doran C;McCarthy E;Concannon RM;Goulding SR;McCarthy CM;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2024) 'Human a-synuclein overexpression upregulates SKOR1 in a rat model of simulated nigrostriatal ageing'. Aging Cell, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'A combined proteomics and bioinformatics analysis of ZNHIT1-interacting proteins reveals a significant enrichment in proteins associated with mitochondrial function' Anantha J;Wilson FE;McCarthy E;Morales-Prieto N;Mazzocchi M;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2023) 'A combined proteomics and bioinformatics analysis of ZNHIT1-interacting proteins reveals a significant enrichment in proteins associated with mitochondrial function'. Journal Of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 131 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Bioinformatics and Immunohistochemical Analyses Support Preserved Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptor RET in Parkinson's' Giles Doran C;Wilson F;Goulding SR;Mazzocchi M;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2023) 'Bioinformatics and Immunohistochemical Analyses Support Preserved Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptor RET in Parkinson's'. Movement Disorders, 38 (6) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Gene Co-expression Analysis of the Human Substantia Nigra Identifies ZNHIT1 as an SNCA Co-expressed Gene that Protects Against a-Synuclein-Induced Impairments in Neurite Growth and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in SH-SY5Y Cells' McCarthy E;Barron A;Morales-Prieto N;Mazzocchi M;McCarthy CM;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2022) 'Gene Co-expression Analysis of the Human Substantia Nigra Identifies ZNHIT1 as an SNCA Co-expressed Gene that Protects Against a-Synuclein-Induced Impairments in Neurite Growth and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in SH-SY5Y Cells'. Molecular Neurobiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Growth differentiation factor 5: a neurotrophic factor with neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease' Goulding SR;Anantha J;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2022) 'Growth differentiation factor 5: a neurotrophic factor with neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease'. Neural Regeneration Research, 17 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Peripheral administration of the Class-IIa HDAC inhibitor MC1568 partially protects against nigrostriatal neurodegeneration in the striatal 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease' Mazzocchi M;Goulding SR;Morales-Prieto N;Foley T;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2022) 'Peripheral administration of the Class-IIa HDAC inhibitor MC1568 partially protects against nigrostriatal neurodegeneration in the striatal 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease'. Brain Behav Immun, 102 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'LMK235, a small molecule inhibitor of HDAC4/5, protects dopaminergic neurons against neurotoxin- and a-synuclein-induced degeneration in cellular models of Parkinson's disease' Mazzocchi M;Goulding SR;Wyatt SL;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2021) 'LMK235, a small molecule inhibitor of HDAC4/5, protects dopaminergic neurons against neurotoxin- and a-synuclein-induced degeneration in cellular models of Parkinson's disease'. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, 115 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'NME1 Protects Against Neurotoxin-, a-Synuclein- and LRRK2-Induced Neurite Degeneration in Cell Models of Parkinson's Disease' Anantha J;Goulding SR;Tuboly E;O'Mahony AG;Moloney GM;Lomansey G;McCarthy CM;Collins LM;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2021) 'NME1 Protects Against Neurotoxin-, a-Synuclein- and LRRK2-Induced Neurite Degeneration in Cell Models of Parkinson's Disease'. Molecular Neurobiology, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Quinacrine and Niclosamide Promote Neurite Growth in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Through the Canonical BMP-Smad Pathway and Protect Against Neurotoxin and a-Synuclein-Induced Neurodegeneration' Goulding, Susan R.; Lévesque, Martin; Sullivan, Aideen M.; Collins, Louise M.; O’Keeffe, Gerard W. (2021) 'Quinacrine and Niclosamide Promote Neurite Growth in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Through the Canonical BMP-Smad Pathway and Protect Against Neurotoxin and a-Synuclein-Induced Neurodegeneration'. Molecular Neurobiology, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Association of distinct type 1 bone morphogenetic protein receptors with different molecular pathways and survival outcomes in neuroblastoma' Alshangiti AM;Wyatt SL;McCarthy E;Collins LM;Hegarty SV;Sullivan AM;O'Keeffe GW; (2020) 'Association of distinct type 1 bone morphogenetic protein receptors with different molecular pathways and survival outcomes in neuroblastoma'. Neuronal Signaling, 4 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Growth differentiation factor 5 exerts neuroprotection in an a-synuclein rat model of Parkinson's disease' Goulding, Susan R.; Concannon, Ruth M.; Morales-Prieto, Noelia; Villalobos-Manriquez, Francisca; Clarke, Gerard; Collins, Louise M.; Lévesque, Martin; Wyatt, Sean L.; Sullivan, Aideen M.; O’Keeffe, Gerard W. (2020) 'Growth differentiation factor 5 exerts neuroprotection in an a-synuclein rat model of Parkinson's disease'. Brain, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'STRAP and NME1 Mediate the Neurite Growth-Promoting Effects of the Neurotrophic Factor GDF5' Anantha J.;Goulding S.R.;Wyatt S.L.;Concannon R.M.;Collins L.M.;Sullivan A.M.;O'Keeffe G.W. (2020) 'STRAP and NME1 Mediate the Neurite Growth-Promoting Effects of the Neurotrophic Factor GDF5'. Iscience, 23 (9) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Gene Co-expression Analysis Identifies Histone Deacetylase 5 and 9 Expression in Midbrain Dopamine Neurons and as Regulators of Neurite Growth via Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling' Mazzocchi, M;Wyatt, SL;Mercatelli, D;Morari, M;Morales-Prieto, N;Collins, LM;Sullivan, AM;O'Keeffe, GW (2019) 'Gene Co-expression Analysis Identifies Histone Deacetylase 5 and 9 Expression in Midbrain Dopamine Neurons and as Regulators of Neurite Growth via Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling'. Frontiers In Cell And Developmental Biology, 7 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Gene co-expression analysis of the human substantia nigra identifies BMP2 as a neurotrophic factor that can promote neurite growth in cells overexpressing wild-type or A53T a-synuclein' Goulding, Susan R.; Sullivan, Aideen M.; O'Keeffe, Gerard W.; Collins, Louise M. (2019) 'Gene co-expression analysis of the human substantia nigra identifies BMP2 as a neurotrophic factor that can promote neurite growth in cells overexpressing wild-type or A53T a-synuclein'. Parkinsonism & related disorders, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Staff mentoring in Higher Education: the case for a mentored mentoring continuum' Brigid Lucey, Sarah O'Sullivan, Louise Collins, Ruairi O'Ceilleachair (2018) 'Staff mentoring in Higher Education: the case for a mentored mentoring continuum'. The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning In Higher Education, Vol. 10 (No. 3):3651-36516 [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ inhibits the survival and axon growth of midbrain dopaminergic neurons through a p38-MAPK dependent mechanism' Collins LM, Dal Bo G, Calcagno M, Monzón- Sandoval J, Sullivan AM, Gutierrez H, Morari M, O’Keeffe GW (2016) 'Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ inhibits the survival and axon growth of midbrain dopaminergic neurons through a p38-MAPK dependent mechanism'. Molecular Neurobiology, [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase (MKP)-1 in Nervous System Development and Disease' Collins L.M., Downer E.J., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2015) 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase (MKP)-1 in Nervous System Development and Disease'. Molecular Neurobiology, 51 (June):1158-1167 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'Class-IIa Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Promotes the Growth of Neural Processes and Protects Them Against Neurotoxic Insult' Collins L.M., Adriaanse L.J., Theratile S.D., Hegarty S.V., Sullivan A.M., O'Keeffe G.W. (2015) 'Class-IIa Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Promotes the Growth of Neural Processes and Protects Them Against Neurotoxic Insult'. Molecular Neurobiology, 51 (3):1432-1442 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Expression of endogenous Mkp1 in 6-OHDA rat models of Parkinson's disease' Collins LM, Gavin AM, Walsh S, Sullivan AM, Wyatt SL, O'Keeffe GW, Nolan YM, Toulouse A (2014) 'Expression of endogenous Mkp1 in 6-OHDA rat models of Parkinson's disease'. SpringerPlus, 3 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'The neurite growth inhibitory effects of soluble TNF alpha on developing sympathetic neurons are dependent on developmental age' Nolan, AM,Collins, LM,Wyatt, SL,Gutierrez, H,O'Keeffe, GW (2014) 'The neurite growth inhibitory effects of soluble TNF alpha on developing sympathetic neurons are dependent on developmental age'. Differentiation; Research In Biological Diversity, 88 :124-130 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Canonical BMP-Smad Signalling Promotes Neurite Growth in Rat Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons' Hegarty, SV;Collins, LM;Gavin, AM;Roche, SL;Wyatt, SL;Sullivan, AM;O'Keeffe, GW (2014) 'Canonical BMP-Smad Signalling Promotes Neurite Growth in Rat Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons'. Neuromolecular medicine, 16 :473-489 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 as a neuroprotective agent: promotion of the morphological development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons' Collins, L.M., O'Keeffe, G.W., Long-Smith, C.M., Wyatt, S.L., Sullivan, A.M., Toulouse, A., Nolan, Y.M. (2013) 'Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 as a neuroprotective agent: promotion of the morphological development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons'. NeuroMolecular Medicine, 15 (2):435-446 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Exposure of foetal neural progenitor cells to IL-1β impairs their proliferation and alters their differentiation - a role for maternal inflammation?' Crampton S.J., Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M., O'Keeffe G.W. (2012) 'Exposure of foetal neural progenitor cells to IL-1β impairs their proliferation and alters their differentiation - a role for maternal inflammation?'. Journal of Neurochemistry, 120 (6):964-973 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Contributions of central and systemic inflammation to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease' Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Connor T.J., Nolan Y.M. (2012) 'Contributions of central and systemic inflammation to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease'. Neuropharmacology, 62 (7):2154-2168 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Interleukin-1 beta contributes to dopaminergic neuronal death induced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat glia in vitro' Long-Smith, C.M., Collins, L., Toulouse, A., Sullivan, A.M., Nolan Y.M. (2010) 'Interleukin-1 beta contributes to dopaminergic neuronal death induced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat glia in vitro'. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 226 (1-2):20-26 [DOI] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | RAMI Section of Biomedical Sciences Annual Meeting 2014 Hegarty S.V., Collins L.M., Gavin A.M., Roche S.L., Wyatt S.L., Sullivan A.M., O'Keeffe G.W. (2014) Canonical BMP-SMAD Signalling Promotes Neurite Growth in Embryonic Rat Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons RAMI Section of Biomedical Sciences Annual Meeting 2014 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | Neuroscience Ireland Conference, Dublin Collins L.M., O'Keeffe G.W., Long-Smith C.M., Sullivan, A.M., Toulouse A, Nolan Y.M. (2012) Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 promotes the morphological development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Irish J. Med. Sci. Poster Prize Neuroscience Ireland Conference, Dublin [Details] | |
| (2010) | 5th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference Collins L. M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y. M. (2010) Effect of Interleukin-1b and 6-Hydroxydopamine on MKP-1 Expression in Embryonic Rat Ventral Mesencephalic Precursor Cells 5th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference University College Dublin, , 02-SEP-10 - 03-SEP-10 [DOI] [Details] |
Professional Activities
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | 16th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Disease. AD/PD 2022, Morales-Prieto, N. Goulding, S. Collins, LM. Sullivan, AM. O´Keeffe, GW (2022) Investigation of an AAV-BMP2 viral vector on motor behaviours in a rat AAV-αSyn model of Parkinson’s disease. [Poster Presentation], 16th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Disease. AD/PD 2022, Barcelona, Spain . [Details] | |
| (2021) | Targeting Therapeutics for Brain Disorders, Morales-Prieto, N. Collins, L. Sullivan, A. O´Keeffe, G (2021) BMP5 and BMP7 as potential candidates against neurodegeneration. [Poster Presentation], Targeting Therapeutics for Brain Disorders, Cork, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2021) | The Brain Conference, Susan R. Goulding, Ruth Concannon, Noelia Morales-Prieto, Francisca Villalobos-Manriquez, Gerard Clarke, Louise M. Collins, Martin Lévesque, Sean Wyatt, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2021) Growth differentiation factor 5 is neuroprotective in an α-synuclein rat model of Parkinson’s disease. [Poster Presentation], The Brain Conference, Virtual . [Details] | |
| (2021) | 31st Annual Network for European CNS Transplantation and Restoration (NECTAR) and 16th International Symposium on Neural Transplantation and Repair (INTR), Morales-Prieto, N. Goulding, S. Collins, L. Sullivan, A. O´Keeffe, G (2021) Characterisation of the effects of AAV-BMP2 on behavioural outcomes in the rat AAV-alpha Synuclein model of Parkinson’s disease. [Poster Presentation], 31st Annual Network for European CNS Transplantation and Restoration (NECTAR) and 16th International Symposium on Neural Transplantation and Repair (INTR), Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom . [Details] | |
| (2020) | Young Neuroscience Ireland (YNI), Susan R. Goulding, Ruth Concannon, Noelia Morales-Prieto, Francisca Villalobos-Manriquez, Gerard Clarke, Louise M. Collins, Martin Lévesque, Sean Wyatt, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2020) GDF5 exerts neuroprotection in an alpha-synuclein rat model of Parkinson’s disease. [Oral Presentation], Young Neuroscience Ireland (YNI), Virtual . [Details] | |
| (2019) | British Neuroscience Association (BNA 2019), Susan R. Goulding, Ruth M. Concannon, Louise M. Collins, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2019) Therapeutic efficacy of GDF5 viral vectors in the alpha-synuclein rat model of PD. [Poster Presentation], British Neuroscience Association (BNA 2019), Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2019) | 29th Annual Network for European CNS Transplantation and Restoration (NECTAR), Susan R. Goulding, Ruth Concannon, Noelia Morales-Prieto, Francisca Villalobos-Manriquez, Gerard Clarke, Louise M. Collins, Martin Lévesque, Sean Wyatt, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2019) Growth differentiation factor 5 exerts neuroprotection in an α-synuclein rat model of Parkinson’s disease. [Oral Presentation], 29th Annual Network for European CNS Transplantation and Restoration (NECTAR), Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom . [Details] | |
| (2019) | New Horizons, Martina Mazzocchi, Louise M. Collins, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2019) Class-IIa HDAC inhibitors protect against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in models of human midbrain dopaminergic neurons. [Oral Presentation], New Horizons, UCC, Cork, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2019) | New Horizons, Susan R. Goulding, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe, Louise M. Collins (2019) Targeting the BMP signalling pathway as a novel therapeutic approach in Parkinson’s disease. [Oral Presentation], New Horizons, UCC, Cork, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Anatomical Society, Summer Meeting, Martina Mazzocchi, Louise M. Collins, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2018) Class-IIa HDAC inhibitors protect against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in models of human midbrain dopaminergic neurons. [Poster Presentation], Anatomical Society, Summer Meeting, Oxford, England, United Kingdom . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Anatomical Society Summer Meeting, Susan R. Goulding, Gerard W. O’Keeffe, Louise M. Collins (2018) Gene co-expression analysis of the human substantia nigra identifies BMP2 as a novel neurotrophic factor for axonal neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease. [Poster Presentation], Anatomical Society Summer Meeting, Oxford, England, United Kingdom . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Young Neuroscience Ireland Symposium, Martina Mazzocchi, Louise M. Collins, Aideen M. Sullivan, Gerard W. O’Keeffe (2018) Class-IIa HDAC inhibitors protect against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in models of human midbrain dopaminergic neurons. [Poster Presentation], Young Neuroscience Ireland Symposium, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Young Neuroscience Ireland Symposium, Susan R. Goulding, Gerard W. O’Keeffe, Louise M. Collins (2018) Gene co-expression analysis of the human substantia nigra identifies BMP2 as a novel neurotrophic factor for axonal neuroprotection in PD. [Poster Presentation], Young Neuroscience Ireland Symposium, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2014) | RAMI Section of Biomedical Sciences Annual Meeting, S. Hegarty, L.Collins, S. Roche, S. Wyatt, A. Sullivan, G. O'Keeffe (2014) Canonical BMP-SMAD Signalling Promotes Neurite Growth in Embryonic Rat Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. [Poster Presentation], RAMI Section of Biomedical Sciences Annual Meeting, UCD, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2013) | 8th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference, Collins L.M., O'Keeffe G.W., Gavin A.M., Wyatt S.L., Sullivan A.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2013) Expression of endogenous Mkp-1 in the adult rat nigrostriatal system following a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine striatal and medial forebrain lesion. [Poster Presentation], 8th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference, University College Cork, Ireland , 12-SEP-13 - 13-SEP-13. [Details] | |
| (2012) | 7th Neuroscience Ireland Conference, Collins LM, O'Keeffe GW, Long-Smith CM, Sullivan AM, Toulouse A, Nolan YM. (2012) Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 promotes the morphological development of midbrain dopmainergic neurons. [Poster Presentation], 7th Neuroscience Ireland Conference, Dublin, Ireland , 05-SEP-12 - 05-SEP-12. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 6th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference, Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2011) 6-hydroxydopamine affects MKP-1 expression in differentiated embryonic rat ventral mesencephalic neural precursor cells. [Poster Presentation], 6th Neuroscience Ireland Annual Conference, National University of Ireland Maynooth , 01-SEP-11 - 02-SEP-11. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2011) Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) expression in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated embryonic rat mesencephalic neural precursor cells. [Poster Presentation], 41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC , 12-NOV-11 - 16-NOV-11. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 8th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience, Collins L.M., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2011) Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on MKP-1 expression in differentiated embryonic rat ventral mesencephalic neural precursor cells. [Poster Presentation], 8th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience, Florence, Italy , 14-JUL-11 - 18-JUL-11. [Details] | |
| (2010) | 5th Neuroscience Ireland Conference, Louise Collins, Andre Toulouse, Yvonne Nolan (2010) Effect of Interleukin-1b and 6-Hydroxydopamine on MKP-1 Expression in Embryonic Rat Ventral Mesencephalic Precursor Cells. [Poster Presentation], 5th Neuroscience Ireland Conference, UCD, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Translational Health Conference, UCC, Collins L., Long C., Sullivan A., Toulouse A., Nolan Y. (2009) The effect of pharmacological and endogenous p38 inhibition on 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rat ventral mesencephalic neurons in vitro. [Poster Presentation], Translational Health Conference, UCC, Ireland . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee | Member: Academic Representative | 2023 / | |
| MSc Human Anatomy Curriculum Committee | Member | 2022 / | |
| MSc Human Anatomy Board of Studies | Member | 2022 / | |
| School of Medicine Athena Swan Working Group A(ii) (s.2.1) | Member: B.Sc. MHS Representative | 2022 / | |
| School of Medicine Athena Swan Self Assessment Team (SAT) | Member: B.Sc. MHS Representative | 2022 / | |
| Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience Graduate Studies Committee | Member | 2021 / | |
| B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Advanced Entry Selection Committee | Chair | 2021 / | |
| B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Translational Research Internship (TRAIN) Award Selection Committee | Chair | 2020 / | |
| School of Medicine Undergraduate Curriculum Committee | Member: B.Sc. MHS Representative | 2019 / | |
| B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Mature Applicant Selection Committee | Chair | 2019 / | |
| B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Curriculum Committee | Co-Chair | 2018 / | |
| B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Board of Studies | Co-Chair | 2018 / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University College Cork | Lecturer | 01-JUN-18 / | |
| Muster Technological University (MTU) | Lecturer - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences | 01-MAR-17 / 01-MAY-18 | |
| MSD | Global Regulatory Affairs Specialist - CMC Biologics | 01-JUL-16 / 28-FEB-17 | |
| MSD | Technical Specialist - Centre of Excellence for Biophysics and Bioassays (CoEBB) in Bioassay Centre of Expertise (BBCEx), MSD Pharmaceuticals. | 01-MAR-15 / 30-JUN-16 | |
| University of Limerick | Postdoctoral Researcher | 01-SEP-14 / 28-FEB-15 | |
| University College Cork | Postdoctoral Researcher | 01-JUN-13 / 29-JUL-14 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | University College Cork | PhD (Medicine) | Neuroscience | |
| 2008 | University College Cork | MSc (Medicine) | Neuropharmacology | |
| 2006 | University College Cork | BSc (Hons) | Neuroscience |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Neurobiology | Peer Reviewer | 18-MAR-22 - | |
| Neuronal Signaling | Peer Reviewer | 06-DEC-18 - | |
| Neural Regeneration Research | Peer Reviewer | 06-FEB-23 - | |
| Frontiers In Molecular Neuroscience | Guest Editor | 01-SEP-22 - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
OVERVIEW OF TEACHING CONTRIBUTIONS- Dr. Louise Collins is the Fourth Year Co-ordinator of the B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences (https://www.ucc.ie/en/ck707/) degree, as well as the overall Academic Co-ordinator of the programme. She was previously the First Year Co-ordinator (2018-2021).
- Louise is the module co-ordinator and lecturer of several modules on the B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences programme: MH1050 (Introduction to Translational Medicine), MH2020 (Research Methods in Medical Sciences) and MH4010 (Research Project in Medical and Health Sciences). She also contributes to MH3010 (Structured Literature Project in Medical and Health Sciences) and lectures on MH3050 (Advances in Translational Medicine).
- In addition, Louise co-ordinates and delivers lectures to other programmes at various levels, including AN2004 (Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture: Biomedical Science), AN6013 (Human Cell and Tissue Structure: Human Anatomy M.Sc.), AN1060 (Topographical Anatomy: Occupational Therapy) and AN1061 (Anatomy of Speech and Hearing: Speech and Language Therapy). She has previously co-ordinated and lectured on AN1004 (The Anatomical Basis of Dental Hygiene: Dental Hygiene: 2018-2020) and AN2007 (Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure: Dentistry: 2018-2021).
- Louise supervises undergraduate research projects for the B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences programme (MH4010) as well as the research dissertation for the taught M.Sc in Human Anatomy (AN6010).
- As Academic Programme Co-ordinator, Louise manages the B.Sc. Medical and Health Sciences Board of Studies and Curriculum Committees (2018-present) and is the programme representative on the School of Medicine Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (2019-present).
CURRENT POSTGRADUATE (M.Sc. & Ph.D.) STUDENTS
- Ph.D. 2019-present Alex Morris, currently in Y3
- Ph.D. 2021-present Adam O'Mahony, currently in Y2
- Ph.D. 2022-present Rebekah Bevans, currently in Y1
- Ph.D. 2022-present Jolie Morisho, currently in Y1
- Ph.D. 2022-present Fionnuala Wilson, currently in Y1
- Ph.D. 2022-present Joan Osayande, currently in Y1
- M.Sc. 2022-present Emily Horgan
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Erin McCarthy | NUI (UCC) | PHD | Defining the potential of ZNHIT1, an SNCA co-expressed gene in the substantia nigra, as a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s Disease | |
| 2022 | Martina Mazzocchi | NUI (UCC) | PHD | Defining the potential of class-IIa histone deacetylases as a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease | |
| 2021 | Susan Goulding | Cork Institute of Technology | PHD | Defining the potential of gene therapy with Bone Morphogenetic Proteins as a novel therapeutic approach in Parkinson's disease | |
| 2021 | Farhana Hanif Bilal | NUI (UCC) | MSc | Learning of human anatomy by Medical and Health Science students |
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Gerard O'Keeffe | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Cathal McCarthy | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Prof. Aideen Sullivan | University College Cork | IRELAND |