Disease Mechanisms and Ageing

Contact: ppotter@brookes.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 488632

About us

The group’s interests lie in elucidating pathogenic pathways through in vivo and in vitro modelling, with a particular emphasis on chronic and age-related disease.

We are currently working on a novel model of nephrotic syndrome resulting from a point mutation in laminin alpha5, osteophyte formation in a model of osteoarthritis with defective collagen 1 alpha 2, and the effects of an aggrecan mutation on joint deterioration and adiposity.

We also have an interest in modifier pathways in renal disease such as Alport Syndrome and Nephrotic Syndrome.

Nephrotic syndrome resulting from a mutation in Lama5

Part of

Related courses

Biomedical Science (BSc (Hons))
Medical Genetics and Genomics (MSc / PGDip / PGCert)

Research impact

A mutation in Col1a2 results in late onset osteoarthritis

Dr Potter has presented at national and international meetings and recently gave the keynote talk at the UK SPINE 2021 Annual Meeting. He is also a member of the steering group for the Oxford Brookes Healthy Ageing RIKE Network. He is the widening participation co-ordinator for the School of Biological and Medical Sciences (BMS) and leads the Biology section of the Brookes Engage programme, and has contributed to various Summer Schools.

Leadership

Dr Paul Potter

Senior Lecturer and Group Leader: Disease Mechanisms and Ageing

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Projects

Active projects

Project title and description	Investigator(s)	Funder(s)	Dates
A novel model of Nephrotic Syndrome We have identified a novel model of nephrotic syndrome resulting from a point mutation in laminin alpha 5. This is the first mouse model demonstrating that mutations in this basement membrane protein results in chronic renal disease and confirms current findings from patient sequencing.	Dr Paul Potter	Brookes Research Excellence Award
The role of aggrecan in adipogenesis Aggrecan is an essential protein present in cartilage and we have identified a point mutation in this protein which better models phenotypes seen in patients with mutations in aggrecan such as aggressive osteoarthritis and short stature. We have also identified a possible link with increased adiposity in these mice and are investigating the link between aggrecan and adipogenesis.	Dr Paul Potter	INFRAFRONTIER (EU)