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Frank Hirth

Dr Frank Hirth PhD, Dr. habil, Dipl. rer. nat.

Reader of Evolutionary Neuroscience

Research interests

  • Neuroscience

Contact details

Biography

We are investigating how neural circuits form and function, especially central brain circuits in the vertebrate basal ganglia and insect central complex that coordinate voluntary behaviour. In an evolutionary approach, we apply our insights to understand how cell and circuit dysfunction can cause Parkinson's and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as Frontotemporal Dementia. We previously discovered evolutionarily conserved genetic mechanisms underlying insect and mammalian brain development. Also, our work led to the identification of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying TDP-43 and C9orf72-related disease formation in MND and FTD. I actively participate in undergraduate and graduate neuroscience teaching and co-organise the KCL flagship course “Cell and Systems Neuroscience”. I am an editor of the Nature journal Scientific Reports, a board member of the Alzheimer's Research UK King's College London Network and am regularly engaged in knowledge dissemination about brain evolution.

Please see my Research Staff Profile for more detail

Find out more about my research:

Key collaborators:

  • Professor Nicholas J. Strausfeld, University of Tucson
  • Dr James Hodge, University of Bristol
  • Professor Christopher Shaw, King's College London
  • Professor Dag Aarsland, King's College London

News

525-million-year-old fossil defies textbook explanation for brain evolution

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in partnership with the University of Arizona...

Fossil remains of a Cardiodictyon catenulum

Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function

A new study led by researchers from King’s College London has shown that humans, mice and flies share the same fundamental genetic mechanisms that regulate...

Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function

News

525-million-year-old fossil defies textbook explanation for brain evolution

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in partnership with the University of Arizona...

Fossil remains of a Cardiodictyon catenulum

Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function

A new study led by researchers from King’s College London has shown that humans, mice and flies share the same fundamental genetic mechanisms that regulate...

Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function