Cellular Mechanisms Controlling Neural Crest Cell Migration Along The Developing Gut
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,895.00
Summary
Within the wall of the gut, there are a large number of neurons, probably more than are in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons play an essential role in controlling a number of gut functions including peristalsis (the propulsion of contents along the gut). Most of the neurons in the gut, including those in the large intestine, arise from precursors that emigrate from the hindbrain, and then migrate into and along the gastrointestinal tract during development. The colonization of the gut by ne ....Within the wall of the gut, there are a large number of neurons, probably more than are in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons play an essential role in controlling a number of gut functions including peristalsis (the propulsion of contents along the gut). Most of the neurons in the gut, including those in the large intestine, arise from precursors that emigrate from the hindbrain, and then migrate into and along the gastrointestinal tract during development. The colonization of the gut by neuron precursors takes 5 days in mice and 6 weeks in humans. Studies of the mechanisms controlling the migration of neuron precursors along the gut have provided fundamental information about cell migration in general. Genetic studies in humans and mice have identified some of the genes that are necessary for the migration of neuron precursors along the gastrointestinal tract, but for some of the key genes, their precise role is unknown. We have recently developed a method for imaging living neuron precursors migrating through explants of embryonic mouse gut. In the current proposal we will meld imaging and genetic studies to understand how mutations in particular genes lead to migration defects. In particular, how do particular mutations affect the migratory behaviour of enteric neural precursors? We have also previously shown that neuron precursors migrate along the gut in close association with axons. We will examine the nature of these interactions - in particular, who is following whom, and what happens when cell migration and axon growth are uncoupled? These studies, which will investigate a number of critical aspects of the migration of neural precursors into and along the developing gut, are central to understanding how the enteric nervous system is established along the gastrointestinal tract.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
Mechanisms Guiding Pathfinding And Positioning Of Cortical Interneurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,606.00
Summary
Brain disorders place an economic and social burden on Australia and the personal costs of these illnesses are immeasurable. Several brain abnormalities are caused from the failure of neurons to position themselves in the correct location when the brain develops. Our study aims to discover how neurons move and what factors influence this process. It provides an understanding of normal brain development, as well as providing insight into what may go wrong in the formation of brain diseases.
Transition to adulthood in greater Jakarta: A longitudinal perspective. Interviewing 3,000 young adult Indonesians at two points in time, this project examines whether their economic and social outcomes change across time or whether early experience determines longer-term outcomes. What are the factors involved in transition to adulthood among young people in a rapidly developing metropolis of a developing country?
The glomerulus is the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response. As part of this response, white blood cells accumulate in the glomerulus where they cause damage. In this project, we make use of special microscopes to examine the glomerulus during an inflammatory response, with the aim of understanding the actions of leukocytes present in glomeruli and how they cause inflammation and damage the glomerulus.
Fluid security in the Asia Pacific. At a time of global and regional insecurity fuelled by economic and terrorism concerns, this project will provide a rigorous evidence base for the Asia Pacific to better manage mobility in a more inclusive way. This directly fits with understanding our region and the world by providing an evidence base for better understanding of how and why people move throughout the Asia Pacific and their impact and experiences of security. It also contributes to protecting ....Fluid security in the Asia Pacific. At a time of global and regional insecurity fuelled by economic and terrorism concerns, this project will provide a rigorous evidence base for the Asia Pacific to better manage mobility in a more inclusive way. This directly fits with understanding our region and the world by providing an evidence base for better understanding of how and why people move throughout the Asia Pacific and their impact and experiences of security. It also contributes to protecting Australia from terrorism and crime by identifying the reasons and ways people move in unauthorized ways and therefore to help to design systems that reduce experiences of victimization and criminalisation.Read moreRead less
We will seek to address an important clinical problem in orthpaedics, namely the bone loss that commonly occurs around joint replacement prostheses. Termed peri-prosthetic osteolysis (PO), this bone loss can result in the loosening and ultimate failure and need for revision of the artificial joint components. PO is thought to be caused by the body's reaction to wear particles generated from the articulating surface of the prosthesis. However, it has not previously been possible to accurately exp ....We will seek to address an important clinical problem in orthpaedics, namely the bone loss that commonly occurs around joint replacement prostheses. Termed peri-prosthetic osteolysis (PO), this bone loss can result in the loosening and ultimate failure and need for revision of the artificial joint components. PO is thought to be caused by the body's reaction to wear particles generated from the articulating surface of the prosthesis. However, it has not previously been possible to accurately explore the relationship between prothesis wear and PO, or the progression of PO, because of a lack of techniques to image and measure the volume of PO around metal prosthesis components. We have developed a means to accurately and reproducibly measure the volume of bone loss, using CT, and will do so longitudinally in joint replacement patients to obtain the first information about the progression of PO. New computer based methods will be used concurrently to relate prosthesis wear and migration parameters to PO. Patients who come to surgery for replacement of failed prostheses will be investigated further by analysis of the tissues involved in the bone loss around prostheses. Basic science experiments will seek to understand the underlying causes of PO and the findings will be important in interpreting the clinical results. An animal model will be used to seek approaches to inhibiting the pathological response to wear particles. The significance of these studies is that they will lead to improved outcomes for joint replacement patients, increasing the interval to revision surgery, which is both extremely costly and brings an attendant morbidity and mortality.Read moreRead less
Online anti-racism for Australia. Harmful manifestations of online racism are increasing. The neo-liberal assumption is that social media users and user groups can be responsiblised to disrupt online racism. This project analyses a subset of online anti-racism campaigns. The review provides the material to test effectiveness, using surveys. The survey findings will identify the ingredients for effective, safe and efficient online anti-racism intervention. An online anti-racism program will be de ....Online anti-racism for Australia. Harmful manifestations of online racism are increasing. The neo-liberal assumption is that social media users and user groups can be responsiblised to disrupt online racism. This project analyses a subset of online anti-racism campaigns. The review provides the material to test effectiveness, using surveys. The survey findings will identify the ingredients for effective, safe and efficient online anti-racism intervention. An online anti-racism program will be developed, implemented and evaluated. The development of guidelines for online anti-racism will overtly address the challenges and risks of action in this environment where regulation is so heavily contested.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial Examining Stability Of New Types Of Highly Porous Surfaced Acetabular Components In Total Hip Replacement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$216,490.00
Summary
Numbers of total hip replacements are steadily increasing. The most common complication of hip replacement is late implant loosening, which can be predicted by early migration. We will examine early migration of a trabecular metal acetabular cup without screws, compared to a titanium fibre metal acetabular cup fixed with screws. Ideally, an acetabular cup would achieve a level of initial stability by press-fit alone without screws, as screws increase the risk of bone loss around the prosthesis.
Diaspora Humanitarians: How Australia-based migrants help in crises abroad. This project aims to map the extensive humanitarian activities and contributions of Australia-based migrants to crises abroad. Australia is home to large diasporas who are connected to communities in many humanitarian crisis hotspots, including the project's focus areas: Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Pacific Islands. By generating much-needed knowledge on how and why migrants engage ....Diaspora Humanitarians: How Australia-based migrants help in crises abroad. This project aims to map the extensive humanitarian activities and contributions of Australia-based migrants to crises abroad. Australia is home to large diasporas who are connected to communities in many humanitarian crisis hotspots, including the project's focus areas: Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Pacific Islands. By generating much-needed knowledge on how and why migrants engage in humanitarian responses, the project expects to support and improve the work of diasporas themselves, the Australian Civil-Military Centre and other humanitarian organisations, who are partners in the project. This will benefit Australia by highlighting our innovative leadership role in humanitarian and migration issues.Read moreRead less