The Role Of Stargazin And TARP Phosphorylation In Synaptic Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,305.00
Summary
A constant change in the strength of synaptic communication between neurons is critical for higher brain functions such as learning and memory. Synaptic strength is determined in part by the number of receptor ion channels at the synapse. This project will characterise how key interacting proteins regulate the synaptic targeting of these receptors in vivo. This research aims to understand the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that may ultimately lead to new therapies for various brain disorders.
Functional Integration Of Transplanted Neural Stem Cells In Huntingtons Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,360.00
Summary
The proposed study investigates important questions related to restoration of brain functions in a neurodegenerative disease, Huntington's disease, using neural stem cells (precursors of nerve cells). It will expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of Huntington's disease, and provide insights into potential therapeutic use of neural stem cells for the currently incurable Huntington's disease.
Regulation Of Synaptic Vesicle Biogenesis For Synaptic Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,115.00
Summary
The overall aim is to better understand the molecular processes of nerve cell communication during learning, memory and abnormal brain activity that cause neurological diseases. The supply and generation (biogenesis) of synaptic vesicles (SVs) in nerve cells is critical to sustain neurotransmission. It requires complex protein interactions and signalling. Thus modulation of SV biogenesis at the molecular level will allows future development of new targeted treatments for neurological diseases.
The Role Of Dendritic MRNA Decay In Synaptic Plasticity & Cognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,193.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal contacts between brain cells, known as synapses. Maintenance of synapses requires the translation of gene products, termed mRNA, into protein. Schizophrenia has been associated with genes involved in the degradation of mRNA, which buffers translation and thus protein levels. My research therefore seeks to study the role of mRNA decay in synaptic structure, synaptic function and cognition.
Plasticity Of Cone Bipolar Cells In Retinas With Visual Dysfunction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$328,261.00
Summary
Advances in stem cell research and gene therapy have shown great promise in their application to eye disorders that lead to blindness. This project will examine the capacity of nerve cells in the eye to remodel in the presence of visual dysfunction and subsequent recovery after gene therapy. The results from this study will therefore benefit current approaches employed for the reestablishment of vision in eye diseases.