Thomas Brown began his academic journey studying archaeology at the University of Sheffield. During his undergraduate degree, he took a part-time job at a nursing home across the street—an experience that sparked his interest in neuroscience. Motivated to explore the complexities of the brain, particularly in the context of neurodegeneration and regeneration, he pursued a Master’s in Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield before embarking on a PhD at McGill University in Montreal.
During his doctoral research in the lab of Dr Michel Cayouette (IRCM), Thomas co-authored a project that identified Pou3f1 as a key gene in the development of binocular retinal projections. He also led a second project which uncovered a role of glial cell exocytosis in shaping light-sensitive neural circuits that regulate circadian rhythms.
A passionate enthusiast of glial cells, Thomas has since shifted his focus from the retina to the hypothalamus. Now working in the lab of Dr. Clémence Blouet at the Institute of Metabolic Science, he is helping to investigate a particularly dynamic population of oligodendrocytes—the myelin-producing cells that insulate neuronal electrical signals. His research aims to uncover what makes these cells unique and how they interact with metabolic signals, shedding light on their broader physiological significance.
Beyond his research, Thomas is a dedicated advocate for science communication and public engagement. He has participated in and coordinated multiple outreach projects, striving to make neuroscience more accessible to wider audiences. He remains actively involved in outreach initiatives at the university, fostering curiosity and scientific literacy in the community.
Selected Publications:
'Pou3f1 orchestrates a gene regulatory network controlling contralateral retinogeniculate projections.'
Fries, M* & Brown, T. W.*, Boulan, B, Jolicoeur C, Boudreau-Pinsonneault, C, Javed, A, Abram, P, Cayouette, M. Cell Reports Vol 42 Issue 8 DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112985. (2023).
*These authors contributed equally to this work.
'Numb regulates Tau levels and prevents neurodegeneration in tauopathy mouse models.'
Lacomme M, Hales S.C, Brown T. W, Stevanovic K, Jolicoeur C, Cai J, Bois T, Desrosiers M, Dalkara D, Cayouette M. Science Advances, Vol 8, Issue 42. DOI:10.1126/sciadv.abm4295 (2022).
'The deubiquitinase USP2 modulates photic entrainment of the circadian clock at the level of the SCN'
Srikanta, S. B., Brown, T. W., Malescot, A., Cloutier, M. Zhu, L, Coutanson, C., Malki, M, Storch, K. F., Rungta, R. Cayouette, M. Dkhissi-Benyahya, O., Cermakian, N. Journal of Neurochemistry, Volume 169, Issue 2. DOI:10.1111/jnc.70018 (2025)