Understanding the biological mechanisms of nerve degeneration is an essential step toward the development of novel therapies for human neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, and for spinal cord injuries. The studies presented in this proposal, using the powerful molecular and genetic tools available for the small nematode worm C. elegans, will provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for nerve degeneration.
Molecular And Cellular Mechanisms Of Axon Guidance In The Vertebrate Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,750.00
Summary
There are, at least, two major obstacles that have to be overcome in the design of therapies to assist the repair of injured brain tissue. First, the nerve cells that are damaged have to be encouraged to regrow - typically this regrowth is inhibited in the brain; and second, this regrowth has to be directed so that the correct connections are re-established. This project will begin to unravel some of the mechanisms that nerve cells use to wire up together during development. This information can ....There are, at least, two major obstacles that have to be overcome in the design of therapies to assist the repair of injured brain tissue. First, the nerve cells that are damaged have to be encouraged to regrow - typically this regrowth is inhibited in the brain; and second, this regrowth has to be directed so that the correct connections are re-established. This project will begin to unravel some of the mechanisms that nerve cells use to wire up together during development. This information can be used to assist in trying to modulate and facilitate directed regrowth following injury.Read moreRead less
Identification And Function Of Kv7-M-channels In Axons Of Cortical Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,930.00
Summary
Membrane proteins permeable to potassium ions provide an important break during hyperexcitability of nerve cells in the brain. In this proposal I will study the function of a unique member of potassium channel protein (the M-channel) located at key regions of nerve cells; the axon. The results will provide important insights into the elementary steps of nerve cell excitability, and a better understanding of M-channel related diseases including neonatal epilepsies and chronic nerve pain.