Dynamic Trafficking Of Amino Acid Transporters At Synapses And Their Role In Regulating Neurotransmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,219.00
Summary
Brain cells release chemical neurotransmitters to activate their neighbours. The most abundant neurotransmitter is glutamate, which mediates most of the communication in the brain. Following release, this neurotransmitter must be rapidly recycled to prevent levels being depleted and neurotransmission failing. The subject of this grant is to understand what molecules and pathways are used to recycle glutamate in the brain, and how its supply is controlled to sustain continual brain activation.
Astroglial Remodelling Of The Interhemispheric Midline Is Regulated By Deleted In Colorectal Cancer (DCC) Signalling And Is Required For Corpus Callosum Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,400.00
Summary
The integration of information between the brain hemispheres occurs via a large bundle of connecting nerve fibres called the corpus callosum. People with a genetic mutation in DCC display mirror movement disorder and some have a severe brain defect where the corpus callosum fails to form, but at present we don’t understand the function of this gene. In this study we will investigate how DCC functions in early brain development to regulate corpus callosum formation and mirror movement disorder.
A New Target For Antidepressant Treatment: Microglia Mediated Neuroinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,601.00
Summary
Depression is the leading cause of non-fatal disease burden in Australia. Unfortunately, current antidepressants do not provide adequate levels of relief and it is accepted that we need to develop more effective treatments. We have recently shown that a drug that reduces inflammation in the brain also reduces depression-like symptoms. This project aims to extend upon these extremely promising findings, in the hope of developing a new and more effective generation of antidepressants.
Differentiation And Fate In The Developing Sympathetic Ganglia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,754.00
Summary
This project seeks to understand how a small number of founder cells can divide and differentiate into the myriad different types of cells that make up the mature nervous system. It uses modern genetic techniques to follow progenitor cells as they mature into mature neurons.
The Role Of Gliosis In Advanced Retinal Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,785.00
Summary
The development of treatments that restore vision assumes that the output neurons of the retina remain intact. Yet, there is now considerable evidence that the neurons that signal from the retina to the brain are altered in those that have degenerative diseases of the retina. Here, we will examine the cause of these cellular changes in an animal model and seek to prevent the loss of output neurons. This information is crucial for the development of treatments that seeks to restore vision.
The Contribution Of Aberrant Wnt Signalling To Neuronal And Vascular Pathology In Retinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,342.00
Summary
Neuronal damage and vascular abnormalities are features shared by many retinal diseases. We will use a novel transgenic model to study the contributions of aberrant Wnt signalling in retinal neuronal and vascular pathology, and also, to test strategies for neuroprotection and inhibition of vascular abnormalities. Success in the project may identify novel therapeutic targets leading to safer and more effective treatments for retinal diseases.
Role Of IRF8 In Central Nervous System Glial Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,437.00
Summary
Glial cells of the brain change their function in response to local threats such as damage and this may contribute to either protection or injury of neurons. How glial cells mount this response is unknown. The goal of this project is to determine the role of the protein IRF8 in controlling the functional response of glial cells. The results will provide a better understanding of how glial cells contribute to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
When Prometheus Needs A Hand – How Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Resolve Fibrosis And Regenerate The Liver
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,653.00
Summary
Cirrhosis can progress to end stage disease for which transplantation provides the only hope for survival. Liver donors in Australia are scarce; the need for donor organs is increasing. Using stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged liver may provide an alternative to organ transplantation. We are studying placental stem cells that can decrease inflammation and increase progenitor cells to repair and regenerate liver. Our goal is to use these stem cells as treatment for human liver disease
VITAL: Vaccine Immunomodulation Throughout The Aging Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$795,117.00
Summary
The elderly respond less well to vaccines than their younger counterparts. Flu is particularly dangerous to the elderly. In this proposal we will determine the likely immune mechanism undelying this difference, as well as specifically address the urgent issue of whether prior injection with a whooping cough vaccine makes Flu vaccines less likely to be effective.
Microenvironmental Regulation Of Blood Cells By Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$958,428.00
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency causes profound effects in humans, with anaemia and an inability to fight infection being consequences of vitamin A deficiency on blood cells. We have evidence that these effects of vitamin A deficiency occur via one of the receptors for vitamin A. Furthermore, these effects are due to changes in the non-blood cells that help to make blood cells. By understanding how this occurs we may identify better treatments for patients with impaired immune systems.