Investigating Action Potential Initiation And Propagation In Neurons Using Voltage-sensitive Dyes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,076.00
Summary
Nerve impulses, or action potentials, are the fundamental electrical signals used by the nervous system for communication. Critical to an understanding of neuronal function is the knowledge of where these events are initiated and how they propagate. Furthermore, this knowledge is required for understanding what goes wrong under conditions where there is a disturbance in neuronal communication, as occurs in many neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Synaptic Inhibition And The Control Of Excitability In The Rodent Piriform Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,738.00
Summary
We are studying the properties of neurons (nerve cells) and brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise and remember odours. Our experiments will focus on neurons in the odour-processing region of the cerebral cortex of mice. This work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the external world. Our findings will also provide a deeper understanding of the causes of epilepsy, leading to improved treatments.
The research described in this Project Grant application should help to us understand how our brains make memories. Our brains contain billions of interconnected nerve cells forming unimaginable numbers of possible networks. Previous research indicates that repetitive activation of individual networks can lead to changes in the strength of connections between nerve cells. These changes in connection strength are thought to underlie learning and memory. The experiments described in this proposal ....The research described in this Project Grant application should help to us understand how our brains make memories. Our brains contain billions of interconnected nerve cells forming unimaginable numbers of possible networks. Previous research indicates that repetitive activation of individual networks can lead to changes in the strength of connections between nerve cells. These changes in connection strength are thought to underlie learning and memory. The experiments described in this proposal will address the mechanisms underlying changes in the strength of connections between nerve cells. As most of the inputs nerve cells receive from other nerve cells are made onto their dendrites (small branching processes that extend from the cell body), the main objective is to investigate the interactions at the dendritic level responsible for changes in connection strength. The results of this work will raise our understanding of how memories are formed, which will be essential if we are to understand the cellular processes disrupted during memory dysfunction in neurological disorders such as dementia.Read moreRead less
Molecular Mechanisms That Help Organise Effective Synaptic Transmission.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,825.00
Summary
This study will test the idea that adhesion molecules alpha4- and beta2-laminin are needed for proper development and function of motor nerve - muscle connections. This study will provide insights into how such molecules control effective nerve-muscle communication, in both health and disease. We also believe that our results will provide the basic knowledge needed for identifying pharmacological targets that could improve such connections, and to promote reconnections between nerve and muscle.
The Role Of Neuronal Hyper-excitability In An Animal Model Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,170.00
Summary
Every day at least one person in Australia dies of the fatal and untreatable adult neurodegenerative disease of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neuron disease). This research examines the factors driving early increases in neural activity which may lead to the loss of upper and lower motor neurons in adulthood. The use of new methods to suppress production of specific proteins causing increased neural activity may lead to novel treatments for this disease.
How Does The P75 Neurotrophin Receptor Transmit Both Pro-survival And Pro-apoptotic Signals In Neurons?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,500.00
Summary
Signaling by the two NGF receptors, TrkA and p75, determines the survival or death of sensory neurons and of certain brain neurons involved in memory and learning. The most baffling aspect of these receptors is that in most circumstances they cooperate with each other to maximise the survival of neurons when NGF is present, but in some situations they are opposed to each other. In the latter case, NGF treatment can lead to death, rather than rescue, of neurons. In the last three years we have de ....Signaling by the two NGF receptors, TrkA and p75, determines the survival or death of sensory neurons and of certain brain neurons involved in memory and learning. The most baffling aspect of these receptors is that in most circumstances they cooperate with each other to maximise the survival of neurons when NGF is present, but in some situations they are opposed to each other. In the latter case, NGF treatment can lead to death, rather than rescue, of neurons. In the last three years we have developed novel antisense oligonucleotides which can be used to switch off each receptor separately. These have been, and will continue to be, particularly valuable tools for our research. We have also uncovered a novel way in which the two receptors interact (via a signal transduction molecule known as SHC), which provides us with a competitive edge in this area. We have the expertise and equipment to identify and clone the missing factors that account for the paradoxical interactions between p75 and TrkA. A successful outcome from this project will have important benefits by improving our understanding of the factors controlling neuronal fate, and will help to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.Read moreRead less