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Migration And Differentiation Of Enteric Neuron Precursors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,116.00
Summary
There are many millions of nerve cells within the wall of the intestine, and they control many intestinal functions, including motility. During development, these nerve cells arise from cells which migrate away from the developing brain and first enter the stomach. The migratory cells are called neural crest cells. After entering the stomach, neural crest cells migrate within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, until they reach the far (anal) end. In embryonic mice, this colonisation of the ....There are many millions of nerve cells within the wall of the intestine, and they control many intestinal functions, including motility. During development, these nerve cells arise from cells which migrate away from the developing brain and first enter the stomach. The migratory cells are called neural crest cells. After entering the stomach, neural crest cells migrate within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, until they reach the far (anal) end. In embryonic mice, this colonisation of the entire small and large intestines by neural crest cells takes over 4 days, and in humans the process probably takes at least one week. It is essential that the neural crest cells colonise the entire gastrointestinal tract, since regions of intestine lacking neural crest cells (and hence nerve cells) cannot function and intestinal contents build up in front of the region lacking nerve cells. This condition is found in some babies (Hirschsprung's disease), and it can only be treated by surgically removing the region lacking nerve cells. It is therefore essential that migratory neural crest cells colonise the entire gastrointestinal tract. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms controlling the migration of neural crest cells, and whether a) particular molecules within the gut wall are important for migration, and-or b) the migratory behaviour of the neural crest cells is regulated mostly by the neural crest cells themselves. In this study we will take time-lapse images of neural crest cells migrating through the gut of embryonic mice to identify the factors that are important for the migration. After the neural crest cells have colonised the entire intestine, they develop into different types of nerve cells. We will also examine some of the factors affecting the development of different types of nerve cells.Read moreRead less
Functions Of FZD7 In The Intestine And Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,761.00
Summary
Wnt proteins are a family of signaling molecules that are critical for the function of normal and cancerous epithelial cells in the gut. However, the cell surface receptor that transmits Wnt signals is not known. Our research strongly implicates one Wnt receptor (FZD7). Here we test this using innovative mouse and cell line models. We wish to understand how Wnt-driven processes are activated. This knowledge will lead to novel avenues to block aberrant activation of Wnt signalling in cancer cells
Investigating Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across The Lifecycle Of The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,741.00
Summary
During its lifecycle the malaria parasite must cross tissues and invade cells in two very different hosts - humans and mosquitos. Although the molecules that drive this process are known, we know nothing about their dynamics in live parasites. Here, we will use state-of-the art microscopy and genetics to dissect parasite motility, tracking proteins in the parasite cell on their journey from human host through to the mosquito - utilising the first Australian malaria-dedicated insectary.