Professor Ciaran Regan BSc PhD DSc

Research Interests:

Main area of research relates to understanding mechanisms of structural change that contribute to the formation of long-term memory and their exploitation as novel drug targets.  Structural plasticity refers to the ability of neurons to remodel their connections and contribute to ongoing adaptations in neuronal circuits. Such adaptations underlie our ability to learn new facts and recall existing memories. Many illnesses affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, are characterised by problems in learning and recall and these problems are related to underlying deficits in the brain's ability to remodel connections. A better understanding of the process underlying structural plasticity will likely yield insights into mental illness and the promise of more effective treatments.