Mechanism of transmission of calcium waves by glial cells. This research concerns determining the fundamental properties of cells that occupy about 70% of the brain, the glial cells. Two very important discoveries on glial cells have recently been made, namely that they can convey information in the form of patterns of waves and that they possess molecules on their surface membranes that have been implicated in psychotic disorders. One such molecule is called the D2 receptor and its malfunctioni ....Mechanism of transmission of calcium waves by glial cells. This research concerns determining the fundamental properties of cells that occupy about 70% of the brain, the glial cells. Two very important discoveries on glial cells have recently been made, namely that they can convey information in the form of patterns of waves and that they possess molecules on their surface membranes that have been implicated in psychotic disorders. One such molecule is called the D2 receptor and its malfunctioning has been implicated in schizophrenia. Our research will determine the way in which information is propagated in the glial system of the brain and also illuminate the function of several of the molecules found on the surface of the glial cells.Read moreRead less
Neuron-microglia signalling mechanisms. This research concerns determining the fundamental mechanisms by which one of the principal non-neuronal cells in the brain , the microglial cell, interacts with neurons to change their properties. The correct functioning of neural networks is necessary for our normal behaviour. Such networks can be disrupted and indeed destroyed by the release of inflammatory molecules from microglial cells. In this work the way in which anti-inflammatory molecules are re ....Neuron-microglia signalling mechanisms. This research concerns determining the fundamental mechanisms by which one of the principal non-neuronal cells in the brain , the microglial cell, interacts with neurons to change their properties. The correct functioning of neural networks is necessary for our normal behaviour. Such networks can be disrupted and indeed destroyed by the release of inflammatory molecules from microglial cells. In this work the way in which anti-inflammatory molecules are released from the microglia will be elucidated, thus providing insight into how to prevent the destructive actions of the inflammatory molecules on the nervous system. Read moreRead less
Monotremes provide a key to understanding the molecular biology of mammalian gamete evolution. As the platypus and echidna (monotremes) are our most distant relatives among living mammals, interpreting their genome is important to determine the molecular sequences in human genes that are essential for fertility, and possibly responsible for infertility. As the only country with monotremes accessible for research, Australia has a responsibility to promote the work. The research can be applied to ....Monotremes provide a key to understanding the molecular biology of mammalian gamete evolution. As the platypus and echidna (monotremes) are our most distant relatives among living mammals, interpreting their genome is important to determine the molecular sequences in human genes that are essential for fertility, and possibly responsible for infertility. As the only country with monotremes accessible for research, Australia has a responsibility to promote the work. The research can be applied to improve the poor breeding record in zoos of these unique, iconic Australian fauna which generate considerable tourist interest. Publication of monotreme research attracts considerable publicity internationally. Publication of the platypus genome sequence in 2008 attracted headlines all over the world.Read moreRead less