The role of actin in driving bulk endocytosis in neurons and neurosecretory cells. Synaptic release of neurotransmitter is essential for neuronal communication. Following fusion, synaptic vesicle membrane is incorporated into the plasma membrane and retrieved by endocytosis to recover both lipids and essential vesicular proteins. The project will characterise how the actin cytoskeleton perform this function.
The biological and pathological functions of TDP-43. The social and economic burden of neurodegenerative such as MND is enormous. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are deposits of the protein TDP-43. Our research aims at understanding its largely unknown functions, for example by generating transgenic animal models. These will form the base for the development for a TDP-43-directed drug treatment. The national benefit of this research is manifold: by deciph ....The biological and pathological functions of TDP-43. The social and economic burden of neurodegenerative such as MND is enormous. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are deposits of the protein TDP-43. Our research aims at understanding its largely unknown functions, for example by generating transgenic animal models. These will form the base for the development for a TDP-43-directed drug treatment. The national benefit of this research is manifold: by deciphering basic biological mechanisms, patenting new data, developing treatment strategies for un-curable and fatal disorders, and expanding links to Australian biotech and international pharmaceutical companies.Read moreRead less
A novel click chemistry approach to identify learning and memory molecules. This project seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding at a molecular level of how memory is stored in neurons. Long-term memories do not form immediately after learning. Initially fragile, they become resistant to disruption through a process known as memory consolidation. In a second process, termed reconsolidation, pre-established memories are updated and re-stored. Both processes depend on protein synthesis, but ....A novel click chemistry approach to identify learning and memory molecules. This project seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding at a molecular level of how memory is stored in neurons. Long-term memories do not form immediately after learning. Initially fragile, they become resistant to disruption through a process known as memory consolidation. In a second process, termed reconsolidation, pre-established memories are updated and re-stored. Both processes depend on protein synthesis, but little is known about the particular sets of proteins that are involved. The project plans to apply a novel biochemical protocol to a newly established transgenic mouse model that allows the visualisation and identification of newly synthesised proteins in the hippocampus, a brain area that is critical in memory formation.Read moreRead less