Fiona Kerr

Dr. Fiona Kerr is a Lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, specializing in neurodegenerative disease research with a focus on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms. Her work integrates molecular biology, Drosophila models, and clinical biomarker discovery to investigate pathways involving GSK-3, Nrf2, and tau phosphorylation.

• Affiliation: School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University
• Contact: F.Kerr@napier.ac.uk | +44 131 455 3807

Her research centers on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, particularly examining:

• Role of GSK-3 in amyloid-beta toxicity and tau phosphorylation
• Nrf2-Keap1 pathway dysregulation in neurodegeneration
• Metabolic interventions (glucose transport, dietary restriction)
• Environmental factors like iron-oxide nanoparticles in Parkinson's pathology
• Development of peripheral biomarkers for early diagnosis

Analysis of her publications reveals consistent use of Drosophila models to dissect molecular mechanisms, with recent work shifting toward therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress pathways. Her studies frequently demonstrate how inhibiting specific kinases or activating protective transcription factors can rescue neurotoxicity, suggesting novel treatment avenues.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Alzheimer's Research UK funding for Nrf2 dysregulation studies
• RS Macdonald Charitable Trust grant investigating iron nanoparticles in Parkinson's
• Biochemical Society scholarship supporting summer research

Dr. Kerr actively supervises research projects and collaborates with institutions including King's College London (Lovestone lab) and UCL. Her work bridges basic molecular research with translational applications, particularly in identifying druggable targets within the Nrf2 pathway. Current projects examine anthropogenic nanoparticles in neurodegenerative disease and novel effectors of Nrf2 dysregulation.