Central Nervous Pathways For The Sympathetic Control Of Immune Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,741.00
Summary
The nervous system regulates immune system function by a special set of nerves that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This project aims to work out which brain pathways control them.
This study investigates how much an individual's genes and environment account for the wide variation in brain structure and function. Using brain imaging we examine in what way the connectivity of the brain of identical and non-identical twins is the same or different from that of their co-twin, and carry out analysis of their DNA to identify some of the genes involved. This will provide fundamental information on genetic mechanisms influencing variation in brain structure and function.
New Approaches To Improve Thrombolysis In Ischaemic Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,076.00
Summary
Ischaemic stroke is caused by the presence of a blood clot in the brain. The removal of these clots is achieved using an enzyme called tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). While this agent is effective if given to patients within 4.5h of stroke onset, delayed administration can cause cerebral bleeding. This project is to understand how t-PA promotes these unwanted effects in the brain and to devise novel approaches to extend the time window of t-PA administration in these patients.
Personalised Brain Stimulation For Treatment Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,128.00
Summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects more than 230,000 Australians, 25% of whom attempt suicide. This project will use a novel method to profile people with OCD based on patterns of brain activity and symptoms, and assess if such profiling can improve the efficacy of brain stimulation interventions for OCD. Results from this study will provide evidence supporting the use of personalised brain stimulation as a viable therapy for OCD.
How The Lateral Habenula Integrates Behavioral And Autonomic Functions: The VTA Dopamine Connection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,904.00
Summary
When adverse events occur, the lateral habenula, an old brain nucleus, helps calculate the wisest corrective action by contributing to the “brake” that controls the brain’s dopamine reward system. Our research will show how the lateral habenula links corrective changes in behavior with coordinated changes in temperature. Understanding this link will greatly contribute to understanding the brain mechanisms that regulate our physiology during stressful situations and as part of mental illness.
Activity In Central Cough Networks In Patients With Cough Hypersensitivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,499.00
Summary
Excessive cough associated with an airways disease represents the most common reason for doctor consultations. However, the current therapeutic options for relieving excessive cough are limited. This proposal will provide unprecedented insights into the brain mechanisms that contribute to the development of cough disorders in airways disease.
Mechanisms Of PTEN Regulation By Ndfip1 And Their Biological Consequences For Neuron Survival During Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,640.00
Summary
We have discovered a new protein (Ndfip1) that protects brain cells from death after brain injury from trauma and stroke. We will investigate why this protein is activated only in some, but not in other, brain cells after injury. In this application, we will study the mechanisms behind neuron protection, and use this information to explore how to increase the number of brain cells activating Ndfip1.
Social Functioning In Early Primary School Following Traumatic Brain Injury Prior To Age Three: The Contribution Of Cognitive, Environmental And Neurological Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,501.00
Summary
Children of preschool age and older demonstrate social problems after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). What effect a TBI has on the social function of young children (before 3 years) is currently unknown but is thought that these children have more problems than older children do. This study will look at how a TBI impacts on the social function of young children and the role of cognition and brain development in social function will also be explored.
Quantifying The Role Of Epigenetic Factors In Neurocognitive Outcomes: A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,516,790.00
Summary
We aim to identify the environmental factors in early life that contribute towards an individual brain development using MRI brain scans and related psychological skills measured in late childhood. We are using twins to better understand differences in their early life environments independent of genetics.
Understanding The Mechanisms Of Development And Treatment In Hydrocephalus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,914.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate the progressive change in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, axonal damage and tissue mechanical properties during the development and treatment of hydrocephalus in-vivo. Results from this study is important to elucidate the mechanisms of hydrocephalus and to improve treatment and diagnosis of hydrocephalus.