Laura Morcom

Dr Laura Morcom is a Postdoctoral Research Associate. She earned her PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia, where she investigated mechanisms of tissue remodelling during brain development and evolution that are crucial for formation of the corpus callosum, the large axon tract connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. In 2020, Laura joined the University of Cambridge as a postdoctoral researcher in David Rowitch’s group.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease involving demyelination and neuroinflammation. Progressive MS involves cortical atrophy and grey matter neurodegeneration associated with clinical disability. Upper cortical layer neurons expressing CUX2 are particularly vulnerable.

Our recent work linked this selective vulnerability to the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage driven by inflammation. Laura’s current research investigates why CUX2-expressing upper cortical layer neurons are selectively vulnerable to DNA damage and how we can protect these neurons during ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.

Related publication

DNA damage burden causes selective CUX2 neuron loss in neuroinflammation
Nature 653, 809–818 (2026).