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.
The Role Of Rnd Genes During Cortical Neurogenesis And Cell Migration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,384.00
Summary
In order for the brain to function properly, tens of billions of neurons within it first have to be born, then find their proper location before connecting with other neurons in a highly ordered fashion. Failure of these key processes heavily impacts on subsequent brain function, and have been shown to underlie several disorders including epilepsy. This study will investigate how members of the Rnd gene family control cell production and positioning within the developing brain.
The Claustrum Enigma: Unlocking The Role Of The Last Unknown Area Of The Primate Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,364.00
Summary
Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in parti ....Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in particular, that is- most of the time.Read moreRead less
A Centre For Research Excellence In Cerebral Palsy (CRE-CP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,622,042.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Our objective is to bring about a radical improvement in the treatment of individuals with cerebral palsy, both children and adults, and to determine better ways to assist their families. Emphasis will be placed on early detection of health issues and rigorous evaluation of management options. We will train more researchers and ensure that all the knowledge generated is made available to families and health care professionals.
Aurora Kinase: Molecular, Cellular And Functional Studies Deciphering Its Role In Stroke Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,993.00
Summary
In stroke patients, oxygen deprivation indirectly induces massive nerve cell death by activating an enzyme called aurora kinase A (AURKA). We aim at unravelling (i) how AURKA is activated by oxygen deprivation, (ii) where the activated AURKA is localised in cells, and (iii) how the activated AURKA induces nerve cell death.The study will benefit development of therapeutic strategies to protect against brain damage in stroke since this is novel and different target for drug targeting.
Shared Team Approach Between Nurses And Doctors For Improved Risk Factor Management (STAND FIRM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,945,676.00
Summary
There are many proven treatments for preventing people with stroke from having a recurrent event, e.g. maintaining blood pressure at acceptable levels. However, uptake of therapies is poor. We will assess whether patients receiving individualised management plans, prepared and administered by both doctors and nurses will have risk factors controlled better than those receiving usual care. The plan includes education of patients to help them have more control over their own care.
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
The Role Of Interferon Signalling In The Regulation Of Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,381.00
Summary
This project focuses on the role that inflammation plays in the progression of the type of neural injury seen in stroke victims. This project targets a specific pathway that is thought to be involved in the regulation of general inflammation but has not been greatly investigated in terms of the neural injury seen in stroke. Understanding the actions of this pathway may lead to future therapies that can be used to prime the brain to react in a positive way to stroke.
Investigating A Theoretical Model Of Cognitive Control In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Informing Our Approach To Cognitive Training.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
ADHD is the most common childhood developmental disorder, characterised by inattentive and/or hyperactive behaviours. Cognitive control has been highlighted as a potential mediator of ADHD symptoms. This program will i) delineate the relationship between cognitive control and ADHD symptoms, ii) develop a cognitive training intervention to target the underlying mechanisms identified as mediators of ADHD symptoms and iii) evaluate the program in a gold-standard clinical trial.
The Effect Of Smoking On The Exacerbation Of Stroke: Oxidative Stress Involvement And Cerebrovascular Response.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,216.00
Summary
This grant addresses whether smoking contributes to the severity of stroke outcome. The studies outlined in this proposal will contribute significantly in our understanding of how smoking contributes to the progression of stroke. The understanding of the involvement of smoking in the progression of stroke will be of great benefit in the development of improved stroke patient management.