Glycine Transporters regulate the concentration of glycine in the spinal cord and brain. It has been suggested that elevating glycine levels in these regions may be useful in treating pain and schizophrenia. This project will provide the basis for the development of new glycine transport inhibitors that may be used to treat these conditions.
Transfer Of Glutamine Between Astrocytes And Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,500.00
Summary
Brain tissue is comprised of only a few different cell types. These are classified as neurons, glial cells, and cells of mesodermal origin. Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain and include cells known as astrocytes. There is increasing evidence that astrocytes are actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal function. This study focuses on the mechanisms by which astrocytes supply neurons with precursors for the formation of signalling molecules (neurotrans ....Brain tissue is comprised of only a few different cell types. These are classified as neurons, glial cells, and cells of mesodermal origin. Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain and include cells known as astrocytes. There is increasing evidence that astrocytes are actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal function. This study focuses on the mechanisms by which astrocytes supply neurons with precursors for the formation of signalling molecules (neurotransmitters) released from neurons in the transmission of nerve impulses. It will establish how these processes are controlled and also try to develop inhibitors that interfere with this process . The project tries to elucidate whether astrocytes actively regulate neuronal functions by regulating precursor supply. The work will make a significant contribution to our understanding of how astrocytes regulate neuronal activity, a process that may be critical in conditions such as stroke and epilepsy. A better understanding of the physiology of astrocytes might lead to improved treatments for these disturbances of brain function.Read moreRead less
Glucose, Glucose Transporters And Blastocyst Formation In The Mouse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$281,650.00
Summary
Embryo-based biotechnologies have the potential to improve human reproductive health, notably in treating infertility by In vitro fertilisation (IVF). They are also central to the future use of embryonic stem cells for human tissue replacement. This project investigates the molecular mechanisms controlling one of the earliest differentiations in the growth of the embryo. Using the mouse as an experimental model it will investigate the importance of several factors in the changes which set up the ....Embryo-based biotechnologies have the potential to improve human reproductive health, notably in treating infertility by In vitro fertilisation (IVF). They are also central to the future use of embryonic stem cells for human tissue replacement. This project investigates the molecular mechanisms controlling one of the earliest differentiations in the growth of the embryo. Using the mouse as an experimental model it will investigate the importance of several factors in the changes which set up the placenta and fetus as seperate tissues in the very early embryo. A key focus is the supply of glucose to the newly fertilised embryo and how important this glucose supply is for the survival of the embryo. Moreover there is great interest in the possibility that metabolic events in utero can contribute to the development of diseases in later life, notably, coronary heart diease, stroke, high blood pressure and non-insulin dependent diabetes. The results from these studies will contribute to our understanding of why some couples are infertile, lead to improved management of infertility by diet and invitro fertilisation procedures. It will also be of benefit in dietary advice to women with diabetes mellitus, seeking to have children. The adenoviral strategy for gene delivery into early mouse embryos may in the long term also find wide clinical application in the treatment of genetic defects at the very earliest stages in development and as such is of enormous potential benefit in the management of both animal and human reproduction.Read moreRead less
Noradrenaline Transporter Dysfunction In Neural Circulatory Disorders: Clinical, Molecular And Therapeutic Implications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,870.00
Summary
We will investigate the clinical relevance of noradrenaline transporter (NET) dysfunction and its molecular and genetic regulation in (1) essential hypertension, (2) postural tachycardia syndrome where the heart rate increases abnormally when the patient assumes an upright position and (3) syncope where subjects experience recurrent blackouts. In a therapeutic approach, we will explore whether NET inhibition can reduce the number of episodes and alleviate the symptoms associated with syncope.