Dr Mosi Li on using genomic technologies to investigate neurogenerative disease.

Please tell us about your research project, research interests and how your work involves genomics or makes use of genomic technologies 

My research explores the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and focuses on the role of neuron and glial cell interactions in disease progression. I use powerful genomic technologies including single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to examine gene expression in individual cells and their spatial arrangement within brain tissue. This approach allows us to understand disease mechanisms with unprecedented resolution. Through these genomic insights, we aim to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention and contribute to more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Please summarise your previous work and career so far.

I completed my MBBS and then immersed myself in clinical practice – I was managing cases with neurosurgical and neurological conditions. This experience sparked my curiosity about the underlying causes of brain diseases, leading me to pursue further studies in the UK. I earned a master’s degree at Newcastle University, where I focused on a project about biomarker changes in dementia patients derived samples. This project really deepened my understanding of the mechanisms and effects associated with vascular dementia. Then I pursued a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. My research focused on how vascular issues contribute to dementia and Alzheimer's pathology, enhancing my understanding of the complex relationships between neurodegenerative processes and vascular health. I'm currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the UKDRI at the University of Edinburgh, where I use my knowledge and skills in research that aims to uncover new insights into neurodegenerative diseases. My work here helps enhance our understanding and potentially alleviates conditions like Alzheimer's through innovative research.

What inspired you to follow your career path?

I guess there's no straightforward answer to what got me on this career path. I've always been super curious, particularly about biology and the brain – how could you not be, right? I also knew I wanted my work to be meaningful and something that helps people. Each step of the way, whether in university or on the job, I've had amazing mentors who nudged me forward. They really opened my eyes and showed me how exciting the world of science can be. 

If you could have tea with anyone (alive or dead), who would it be? What would you talk about?

It would be Takehiko Inoue, the creator of 'Slam Dunk.' I'd love to just sit down with him, chat like old friends, and hear all about how he came up with those incredible stories that have inspired and cheered me up over the years.

What is the most unusual thing you have done during your career?

Something during the pandemic, it was unusual for me to shift my wet lab work to an online format.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to pursue a research career? What do you like best about your job? What do you like the least?

My advice for anyone looking to pursue a research career is to stay curious, be resilient, and embrace both successes and failures as learning opportunities. What I love most about my job is the constant challenge and the thrill of discovery - it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute new knowledge to the world. The least enjoyable part? Probably searching for a tiny sample block in the -80°C freezer – it’s like finding a needle in a haystack sometimes.

How do you spend your time outside of research? Is there anything else you would like to tell us about? 

Travel is my great escape. I love exploring new cultures and environments. It refreshes my perspective and fuels my creativity. 

Links

Hardingham Lab

Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences

UK Dementia Research Institute