Nicholas Wood

Dept of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, UCL, United Kingdom

Nicholas Wood

Academic positions:
- Professor in Clinical Neurology and Neurogenetics
- Head of Department of Molecular Neuroscience
- Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), London
- Head of Clinical and Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), London

Any industry positions (last five years):
None declared

Research interests:
Dr Wood's primary interest is into the role DNA variation plays in neurological disease and its treatment. His laboratory has two mains areas of focus the identification of genetic factors underlying susceptibility to Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. In addition they are embarking on a systematic approach to understand the pharmacogenetic aspects of these disorders.

They have a programme of research investigating the role of a newly identified gene (PINK1) in PD- MRC and Wellcome Trust funded. They recently identified a second gene responsible for familial PD and have shown that it make a significant contribution to non-familial forms as well. They have identified the first genetic variant associated with drug responsiveness for 2 commonly used anti-epileptics (Phenytoin and Carbamazepine). Human genetics is rapidly changing and a major issue is how best to harness the expanding technology and resources to identify genetic variants associated with increased risk. However of equal importance is how these emerging data are communicated to and by the public. There are huge potential ethical, sociological, legal and psychological factors to be evaluated. Dr Wood’s institute is focused on addressing both the genetic approaches and the societal consequences.

Any other information:

Any competing interests declared are displayed with individual evaluations.

Section Head: Neurological Disorders > Neurogenetics (since 16 November 2005)

Nicholas Wood is a Section Head for Neurogenetics, part of the NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS Faculty. The role of a Section Head is to work with their Co-Section Head(s) to divide the Section (sub-specialty area) into its component areas of research, nominate leaders in those areas as Faculty Members, and offer ongoing oversight of the content within their Section. They are not asked to evaluate articles, although we do, of course, welcome them.

Links

http://www.gene.ucl.ac.uk/IHGH/NicholasWood