Central Nervous Pathways For The Sympathetic Control Of Immune Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,741.00
Summary
The nervous system regulates immune system function by a special set of nerves that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This project aims to work out which brain pathways control them.
Are Oligodendrocytes The Missing Link In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,054,405.00
Summary
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease. Recent research suggests important cells of the central nervous system called glia play a role in disease onset and progression. We are interested in a type of glia called oligodendrocytes; they are crucial for supporting the survival of the cells that die in ALS. Only through understanding the underlying biology of ALS can we aim to identify effective therapies that will benefit patients.
The overall incidence of primary brain tumours in the Western world is 10 per 100,000 people. Unlike many other tumours, these occur in patients of all ages and comprise the second most common tumour type among children and young adults. Most brain tumours remain incurable. We are using our expertise in the field of neural stem cell research to characterise tumour cells responsible for resistance to treatment, with the final goal of identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention.
The brain regulates body temperature by a series of mechanisms, including the control of how much blood flows to the skin to lose or retain heat. The project aims to locate the brain temperature receptors and brain pathways that do this, using an animal model, the rat. At present they are not known.
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.
Nfib Regulates Glial Differentiation During Development And Disease Via Repression Of The Key Epigenetic Protein, Ezh2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,912.00
Summary
Glial development is critical during development, and unrestrained proliferation of glial stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present there is no cure for glioma and current treatments do not significantly delay tumour progression. Nfib is a transcription factor that may prevent tumour growth through cellular differentiation. We will investigate the role of Nfib during development and in the pathogenesis of glioma and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Functional Neurogenesis In The Injured Neocortex Of The Nonhuman Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$966,048.00
Summary
Research over the past couple of decades has revolutionised our understanding of the capacity of the brain to generate new cells, especially following an injury. However, what does remain controversial is whether this phenomenon occurs in all areas of the brain, especially following a severe traumatic brain injury or stroke. This project will examine whether the outer surface of the brain has the potential to generate new cells following a brain injury and whether they become functional.
Roles Of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor In The Regulation Of Blood Pressure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,625.00
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an extraordinary neurotrophin which acts not only as a classical neurotrophic factor to promote neuronal survival and differentiation but also as a neuromodulator to modulate nerve activity. Recently, we found that injection of exogenous BDNF into brain stem triggers a significant increase in blood pressure. The present proposal is to test the hypothesis that BDNF is a physiological neuromodulator regulating blood pressure. The aim of this study is to ....Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an extraordinary neurotrophin which acts not only as a classical neurotrophic factor to promote neuronal survival and differentiation but also as a neuromodulator to modulate nerve activity. Recently, we found that injection of exogenous BDNF into brain stem triggers a significant increase in blood pressure. The present proposal is to test the hypothesis that BDNF is a physiological neuromodulator regulating blood pressure. The aim of this study is to analyse physiological roles of BDNF in the brains stem and spinal cord in the regulation of nerve activity and blood pressure. The successful execution of the project will significantly enhance our understanding of how blood pressure is controlled by BDNF and nerve activity. The knowledge from this study will form basis for designing new drugs to control high blood pressure.Read moreRead less