In Vivo Analysis Of The Molecular And Neural Mechanism That Underly An Association Of MiRNAs With Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,778.00
Summary
Genetic studies on autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression suggest that these disorders affect the formation and maintenance of connections between neurons. A group of brain-specific microRNAs, which are regulatory molecules, are predicted to regulate connectivity. Levels of these molecules are found to be abnormal in brains of patients with schizophrenia. This proposal aims to elucidate the function of these microRNAs in the number of neuronal connections, and early motor b ....Genetic studies on autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression suggest that these disorders affect the formation and maintenance of connections between neurons. A group of brain-specific microRNAs, which are regulatory molecules, are predicted to regulate connectivity. Levels of these molecules are found to be abnormal in brains of patients with schizophrenia. This proposal aims to elucidate the function of these microRNAs in the number of neuronal connections, and early motor behavior in transgenic zebrafish.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Neuronal Splicing Factor A2BP1 In Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,412.00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by language deficits, social impairments and repetitive-restrictive behaviors. ASD is one of the most highly heritable neuropsychiatric conditions, and at the same time genetically very heterogeneous. We have recently shown that shared gene expression abnormalities can be identified in postmortem brain from ASD patients. We now propose to investigate the mechanisms and functional consequences of gene expression abnormalities in ASD.
Haplotype Variation At The Dopamine Transporter Gene (SLC6A3): Effects On Function, Endo-phenotypes, Cognition And ADHD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,894.00
Summary
We will investigate variation in the dopamine transporter gene. Variation in this gene will be characterised to a deeper level than has been previously possible using the latest sequencing technology, its biological function will be investigated using biochemical and neuroimaging methods directly in human subjects, and its effects on a clinically important cognitive measure and a common psychiatric condition (attention deficit/hyperactive disorder) will we determined.