The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes and lays down emotional memories. Dysfunction in the amygdala is responsible for anxiety related disorders such post-traumatic stress disorder. I will study the neural circuits in the amygdala using innovative recordings and stimulation techniques. These studies will provide insight into the circuits that underpin anxiety related neurological disorders and provide targets for development of novel anxiolytic agents.
A Systematic Evaluation Of The Neurosurgical Application Of Peri-operative And Intra-operative MR Tractography In Different Paediatric Disease States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,910.00
Summary
My research investigates changes in brain nerve fibre tracts/white matter in paediatric disease states and changes related to surgery by using nerve fibre tract imaging before, during and after surgery. It will also generate an imaging atlas to help understand white matter pathway development. It then serves as normative comparison to better understand aberrations in diseased neural pathways. The outcome will aid understanding in brain development, recovery and plasticity, and helps improve whit ....My research investigates changes in brain nerve fibre tracts/white matter in paediatric disease states and changes related to surgery by using nerve fibre tract imaging before, during and after surgery. It will also generate an imaging atlas to help understand white matter pathway development. It then serves as normative comparison to better understand aberrations in diseased neural pathways. The outcome will aid understanding in brain development, recovery and plasticity, and helps improve white matter lesion localisation.Read moreRead less
Protecting Synaptic Connectivity In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,573.00
Summary
In Alzheimer’s disease, connections between neurons (synapses) are progressively damaged. The BACE inhibitor class of drugs entering Phase III clinical trials may slow the pace of neurodegeneration in patients with dementia. However, these drugs may simultaneously have negative effects on synapse function, learning and memory. This study will assess the effect of BACE inhibition on synapse properties and cognition and identify the contribution of key proteins affected by this treatment.
Development Of Novel Biomarkers For Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation In The Management Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is established therapy in advanced Parkinson’s disease, when medications are less efficient. We aim to identify biomarkers that correlate with symptom state, allowing tailoring of DBS to individual patient’s needs. This will potentially improve symptom control, device efficiency and quality of life, increasing the pool of patients suitable for DBS. Novel DBS systems will build technical expertise and expand Australia’s role in the medical device industry.
Thrombolysis is a method of dissolving the blood clot that is the cause of the majority of strokes in Australia. The first major trial to demonstrate benefit for this treatment was published some 11 years ago but treatment has not been widely implemented across Australia because of the difficulties in giving treatment within the very tight time window for which treatment is currently approved (patients must get to hospital, be scanned and start treatment within 3 hours of the onset of the stroke ....Thrombolysis is a method of dissolving the blood clot that is the cause of the majority of strokes in Australia. The first major trial to demonstrate benefit for this treatment was published some 11 years ago but treatment has not been widely implemented across Australia because of the difficulties in giving treatment within the very tight time window for which treatment is currently approved (patients must get to hospital, be scanned and start treatment within 3 hours of the onset of the stroke). Other factors which have limited implementation of treatment in Australia are continued debate over the trial data for this treatment as only one of the 5 major trials was positive. In addition, virtually no patients aged over 80 years old were included in the previous trials, and as this age group represents about a third of all stroke in Australia, new data in this age group is required. As a result of the difficulty in giving a treatment within such a tight time window and the ongoing debate about the trial data, few Australians are currently treated and thus the public health impact is negligible. In to change clinical practice, we need reliable data from a large convincing further trial of thrombolysis with the more realistic time window of 6 hours. The Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3) is a large international collaborative effort to determine whether thrombolysis treatment offered to a wider range of patients up to 6 hours from stroke onset results in an increase in long-term independent survival. Data from such a trial is most likely to change clinical practice and lead to an important public health benefit.Read moreRead less
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
Down syndrome (DS) individuals have 3 copies of chromosome 21. I am proposing to do my PhD to investigate the role of a gene existing on chromosome 21 called Intersectin 1. This gene, when over-expressed might be responsible for manifestation of intellectual impairment in Down syndrome. I will be examining the consequence of altered/over-expression of this gene in receptor trafficking, cell signalling and histology of the brain to identify the differences between affected individuals and the nor ....Down syndrome (DS) individuals have 3 copies of chromosome 21. I am proposing to do my PhD to investigate the role of a gene existing on chromosome 21 called Intersectin 1. This gene, when over-expressed might be responsible for manifestation of intellectual impairment in Down syndrome. I will be examining the consequence of altered/over-expression of this gene in receptor trafficking, cell signalling and histology of the brain to identify the differences between affected individuals and the normal population.Read moreRead less
Targeting Of Callosal Axons To Duplicate Cortical Areas In The Contralateral Hemisphere
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,785.00
Summary
The two sides of the brain communicate via a large fibre tract called the corpus callosum. This proposal investigates how the corpus callosum is formed during embryonic and postnatal development. Specifically, we investigate how the axons that make up the corpus callosum are able to locate their precise target in the contralateral hemisphere so that the brain circuit they form will be functional. We have developed a new mouse model to discover the fundamental mechanisms regulating how the brain ....The two sides of the brain communicate via a large fibre tract called the corpus callosum. This proposal investigates how the corpus callosum is formed during embryonic and postnatal development. Specifically, we investigate how the axons that make up the corpus callosum are able to locate their precise target in the contralateral hemisphere so that the brain circuit they form will be functional. We have developed a new mouse model to discover the fundamental mechanisms regulating how the brain is wired in order to function correctly.Read moreRead less
Guidance Mechanisms Regulating The Development Of Axonal Projections From The Cingulate Cortex.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,236.00
Summary
The corpus callosum is the largest fibre tract in the brain and connects neurons in the left and right cerebral hemispheres. A subpopulation of callosal axons arise from neurons in the cingulate cortex and are the first to cross the midline. Defects in activation or wiring of the cingulate cortex are strongly implicated in acute pain, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This proposal investigates how the commissural projections of the cingulate cortex become wired up during development.