Molecular And Cellular Mechanisms Of Axon Growth And Guidance In The Vertebrate Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,545.00
Summary
There are millions of nerve cells in the vertebrate brain, each forming very precise and specific connections within neural circuits. During development of the embryo most of these cells are wired together. A Telstra technician will use the different colours of telephone cables to correctly connect them. Likewise, the growing processes of nerve cells in the brain use specific markers or labels as cues to establish the correct wiring. The aim of the present project is to characterize the specific ....There are millions of nerve cells in the vertebrate brain, each forming very precise and specific connections within neural circuits. During development of the embryo most of these cells are wired together. A Telstra technician will use the different colours of telephone cables to correctly connect them. Likewise, the growing processes of nerve cells in the brain use specific markers or labels as cues to establish the correct wiring. The aim of the present project is to characterize the specific role of some of these labels on nerve cells during development. This project will provide new fundamental knowledge about how brain cells are wired together during development of the embryo. This knowledge is essential for establishing strategies to enhance repair of brain cells following ischemic, excitotoxic or mechanical injury.Read moreRead less
Post Synaptic Density Scaffold Proteins In The Growth Cone: Homer And Shank, Crucial For Calcium Signaling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,909.00
Summary
Our brain is a complex, yet precise electrical circuit. Understanding how the embryonic brain is wired has direct implications for all aspects of life, from the growing foetus in mother's womb, to learning algebra and for maintaining the active memories of our ageing population. This project aims to provide new insight into understanding how the embryonic brain is wired, crucial information for future pharmacological or gene therapy approaches to mental illness, ageing, and neuronal injury.