The Role Of Reelin-signalling On Cortical Neuron Migration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,196.00
Summary
Disorders that occur during brain development can lead to abnormal behaviours traits such as anxiety and altered social interactions, plus abnormalities in neuronal function and information processing. The region of the brain responsible for originating the motor, sensory and cognitive functions of a human is the cortex. This brain region is comprised of two major types of neurons that are arranged in a highly organized manner. One captivating aspect of the brain is that during early stages of d ....Disorders that occur during brain development can lead to abnormal behaviours traits such as anxiety and altered social interactions, plus abnormalities in neuronal function and information processing. The region of the brain responsible for originating the motor, sensory and cognitive functions of a human is the cortex. This brain region is comprised of two major types of neurons that are arranged in a highly organized manner. One captivating aspect of the brain is that during early stages of development neurons are generated in one part of the brain and migrate great distances to a final destination. It is therefore necessary during development to have a well-orchestrated, controlled series of events that lead to the correct positioning and association of neurons. The precise functions of many gene products involved in this process are not known. One major advancement in the development of the cortex is the discovery of the protein Reelin which is found in the outermost region of the developing cortex. Mutations in Reelin, in humans, have been implicated in the causation of schizophrenia and mood disorders. These disease states are the result of altered migration of neurons in the cortex. The research proposed in this application is designed to understand the precise process of how two types of neurons migrate and assemble in the cortex. Technology today allows us to visualize, in culture, neurons as they migrate in real-time. This is referred to real time-lapse imaging and allows the researcher the ability to examine how external factors, affect migration of cortical neurons. We will determine how Reelin is involved in this process and our research will elucidate the fundamental process of cortical brain development.Read moreRead less
Muscling in on the brain. This project investigates an enzyme that 'matures' neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate food intake, energy expenditure and blood pressure by the brain; these neurotransmitters arise from the same precursor molecule. This project will show the physiological relevance of this enzyme in obesity.
Deconstructing the neural circuits regulating appetite. This project aims to expand our knowledge about the neural circuits that influence a feeding response in the absence of emotional or cognitive obstacles. Feeding behaviour is a fundamental physiological process in all animals. Despite the seemingly simple endpoint, feeding behaviour is affected by numerous factors including stress and motivation that can inhibit feeding behaviour. This knowledge is critical to maximise growth and survival i ....Deconstructing the neural circuits regulating appetite. This project aims to expand our knowledge about the neural circuits that influence a feeding response in the absence of emotional or cognitive obstacles. Feeding behaviour is a fundamental physiological process in all animals. Despite the seemingly simple endpoint, feeding behaviour is affected by numerous factors including stress and motivation that can inhibit feeding behaviour. This knowledge is critical to maximise growth and survival in many Australian sectors including agriculture, conservation and basic science.Read moreRead less
Early life overfeeding - mechanisms for programming obesity and long-term immune dysfunction. Early life overfeeding can lead to obesity and related changes in adulthood. With this study we will discover how overfeeding can permanently alter an animal's development so that its body weight and immune functions are dysregulated. The outcomes will facilitate appropriate design of animal experiments considering the impact of neonatal programming. They will also contribute to more efficient feeding p ....Early life overfeeding - mechanisms for programming obesity and long-term immune dysfunction. Early life overfeeding can lead to obesity and related changes in adulthood. With this study we will discover how overfeeding can permanently alter an animal's development so that its body weight and immune functions are dysregulated. The outcomes will facilitate appropriate design of animal experiments considering the impact of neonatal programming. They will also contribute to more efficient feeding protocols for meat production in agriculture and identify targets for risk management and for preventing and ameliorating early life overfeeding effects in humans. This investigation therefore has clear benefits to the social, economic, and health aspects of obesity and to basic science and agriculture.Read moreRead less
How appetite-suppressing brain cells maintain normal function and prevent the development of obesity. The brain plays a critical role in body weight gain by balancing appetite-inducing and appetite-suppressing signals. An imbalance in this process causes obesity and promotes diabetes. The aim of this research is to identify how appetite-suppressing brain cells maintain normal function and prevent the development of obesity.
Investigating the mechanisms of flavonoid actions on glycine receptors. The research to be conducted in this project will use state-of-the-art electrophysiological and molecular biological approaches to carefully characterise the actions of certain flavonoid compounds on the glycine-receptor channel. These compounds have recently been reported to act as modulators of ligand-gated ion channels, proteins integral to brain function and disease. However, no-one has studied in any detail the mechan ....Investigating the mechanisms of flavonoid actions on glycine receptors. The research to be conducted in this project will use state-of-the-art electrophysiological and molecular biological approaches to carefully characterise the actions of certain flavonoid compounds on the glycine-receptor channel. These compounds have recently been reported to act as modulators of ligand-gated ion channels, proteins integral to brain function and disease. However, no-one has studied in any detail the mechanisms by which these compounds act. By discovering their site and mechanisms of action we will further our understanding of these important proteins and their modulation, maintain Australia's significant expertise in this field and provide leads for future development of drugs with potential therapeutic value.Read moreRead less
Advancing The Evidence-base For Childhood Brain Insult: Diagnosis, Assessment And Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,662.00
Summary
My research has 4 primary objectives, representing major gaps in current knowledge: 1. improve knowledge of recovery and determinants of post-concussive symptoms 2. establish the impact of child brain insult on socio-emotional function and identify contributing factors 3. develop an iPad based tool for socio-emotional function 4. evaluate and disseminate e-heath treatments for child brain insult
Combining Timelapse Imaging And Computational Modelling To Understand The Mechanisms Of Axon Guidance In The Developing Retinotectal System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,793.00
Summary
Understanding how patterns of brain wiring develop is crucial for understanding many cognitive disorders. One of the commonest types of connection pattern in the brain is a topographic map, where nearby neurons in one structure connect to nearby neurons in another structure. Using the transgenic tools available in the zebrafish as a model system, we will combine novel experiments with computational modelling to understand the rules which govern the formation of topographic maps in the brain.
Understanding how the brain uses sensory information to guide reaching and grasping movements. Reaching, grasping and manipulating objects are crucial aspects of our daily lives, which are performed so effortlessly that they tend to be taken for granted. We know however that these functions take a relatively long time to mature (think of a baby learning how to get an object), and that they can be impaired by brain lesions involving a region called the posterior parietal cortex. We also know that ....Understanding how the brain uses sensory information to guide reaching and grasping movements. Reaching, grasping and manipulating objects are crucial aspects of our daily lives, which are performed so effortlessly that they tend to be taken for granted. We know however that these functions take a relatively long time to mature (think of a baby learning how to get an object), and that they can be impaired by brain lesions involving a region called the posterior parietal cortex. We also know that this region has multiple subdivisions, but how exactly these interact in allowing the sensory information to guide arm and hand muscles is unknown. Discovering how this happens in terms of cellular interaction can have profound implications for the creation of new technologies such as artificial limbs and autonomous robots, and result in health benefits.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