St John’s College student discovers how mutations cause childhood neurological diseases

Mon, Jul 28, 2025

A researcher at St John’s has discovered the molecular structure of a key enzyme in severe diseases that he hopes will lead to better treatments for young patients.

PhD student Jack Welland led a new study that found exactly what happens when an enzyme known as B4GALNT1 mutates, causing neurological disorders in children such as hereditary spastic paraplegia type 26 – a condition characterised by progressive leg stiffness, spasms, and cognitive impairment.

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