Project Title: Translational Medicine in Alzheimer’s Disease: TSPO Modulation in AD; MINDMAPS 2.0; Computational Drug Discovery in AD
Supervisor: Professor Paul Matthews
Location: Level 7, Sir Michael Uren Hub, White City Campus, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ
About Me
I am a Clinical PhD Fellow in Professor Paul Matthews’ lab in the Department of Brain Sciences within the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London. My research focuses on translational medicine in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), integrating clinical trials, molecular imaging, and computational biology to better understand disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. My work is structured around three interrelated projects:
- TSPO Modulation in AD: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study investigating TSPO as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). TSPO is a mitochondrial protein involved in neuroinflammation and endothelial function, making it a promising target for AD. This trial examines vascular and inflammatory mechanisms, assessing whether treatment with XBD173 over four weeks improves cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier integrity using advanced MRI. By modulating TSPO, the study aims to enhance vascular function and reduce inflammation. The study follows a crossover design with 51 AD participants will evaluate its impact on neurovascular health.
- MINDMAPS 2.0: An imaging study investigating mitochondrial changes in the brain before the first clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) appear. Using PET imaging with the experimental radiotracer [18F]BCPP-EF, the study measures mitochondrial complex 1 density in individuals at different stages of disease. The study includes 40 participants at high risk of developing AD, 20 with early-stage AD, and 8 healthy controls. By improving our understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, this research could help identify early disease markers, supporting earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- Drug Discovery in AD: This project applies molecular epidemiology to identify genetic targets and pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Using computational biology and AI-driven approaches, including GWAS, eQTL analysis, and Mendelian randomization, it aims to identify drug interactions and repurposing opportunities using in silico de-risking. I am particularly interested in how AI and machine learning can enhance target prioritisation and drug discovery by predicting therapeutic interventions.
My interest in neurodegeneration developed during medical training, where I became drawn to the intersection of clinical trials, molecular biology, and computational approaches. After my foundation training, I completed a fellowship in cardiac intensive care and digital medicine, which deepened my interest in computational medicine and translational research. The ability to bridge molecular discoveries with therapeutic development—from identifying drug targets to evaluating treatments—led me to pursue this PhD.
Outside of research, I enjoy cycling, scuba diving, and live music.
Qualifications
- 2017: MA Medical Sciences, University of Oxford
- 2020: BMBCh, University of Oxford
- 2021: GMC registration 7753387
- 2025 - present: PhD, Imperial College London
Research Interests
Alzheimer’s Disease & Neurodegeneration
Vascular & Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease
Molecular Epidemiology & Multi-Omic Analysis
Computational Biology and AI in Drug Discovery
Machine Learning for Target Identification & Drug Repurposing
Contact Details
Email: c.mckechnie@imperial.ac.uk
LinkedIn: charlie-mckechnie
