Liam Cocker

During my Integrated Masters in Biology (MBiol) at the University of York, I completed my placement year at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. I studied the PINK1-PRKN enzymatic pair, which tags damaged mitochondria with phospho-ubiquitin (p-S65-Ub) for degradation. Under Dr. Wolfdieter Springer, I helped characterise the most common pathogenic PRKN mutation associated with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) using patient fibroblasts and gene-edited neurons. I utilised flow cytometry, western blot, and specialised sandwich ELISA, while contributing to structure-function interpretations. I also had the exciting opportunity to contribute to other works, including a project on PRKN-activating mutations. On my return to the UK, I completed a final-year research project investigating the PD-linked DJ-1 protein, oxidative stress, and circadian rhythms. After graduation, I worked as Chief Research Technician within a core flow cytometry facility at the MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, where I supported diverse toxicological research and was recognised as 2024 Research Support Staff of the Year. My research interests include mitochondrial and lysosomal biology, neurodegenerative disease, and ageing itself. I am currently working in the Wade-Martins group under Dr. Brent Ryan as part of the Oxford-GSK IMCM, where I am investigating lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD patient fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons. Please feel free to contact me via email.