Function And Physiological Role Of Inhibitory Circuits In The Amygdala
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,518.00
Summary
The amygdala is part of the brain that assigns emotional content to our sensory world and dysfunction of the amygdala is responsible for many anxiety-related disorders. Many anxiolytics, like valium, act on receptors in the amygdala. In this project we will study circuits in the amygdala that are modulated by anxiolytics. These studies will provide essential information in the understanding of anxiety disorders and help in developing drugs to treat these disorders.
Regulation Of Neural Progenitor Cell Self-renewal By The RNA-binding Protein ZFP36L1 During Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,401.00
Summary
The timely differentiation of neural stem cells is critical during development, and the unrestrained proliferation of neural stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present our understanding of the key molecules that regulate neural stem cell behaviour during these processes remains limited. In this proposal we will investigate the molecular determinants underpinning neural stem cell biology, both within the developing brain, and within glioma.
Neogenin: A Molecular Determinant Of Neural Progenitor Polarity And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,296.00
Summary
The neuroepithelium (NEP) contains the embryonic neural stem cells essential for the production of all neurons in the adult brain. Failure in NEP function leads to devastating neural tube defects and syndromes such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. This project will identify the molecular mechanisms regulating NEP stem cell activity and the birth of new neurons in the embryonic neocortex.
Understanding The Embryonic Origins Of Cortical Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$815,228.00
Summary
Cortical malformation leads to mental retardation and epilepsy. Identification of the aberrant developmental processes contributing to these devastating syndromes is essential for accurate clinical assessment and development of novel therapeutics. Here we investigate a developmentally important receptor, Neogenin, which when mutated, leads to cortical malformations. Determining how Neogenin functions is expected to uncover new signaling pathways contributing to these malformations.
Dissecting The Role Of RYK In Cortical Neuron Specification And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,039,028.00
Summary
Correct production of neuronal subtypes within the neocortex is essential for coordinated brain activity and higher-order functions. Understanding how newborn neurons decide which subtype to adopt is critical as incorrect neuron identity has profound consequences for neocortical function and is associated with schizophrenia and mental disability. We have recently linked one molecule, RYK, to schizophrenia. In this project we will explore how Ryk influences cortical neuron fate.
The Modulation Of Neuronal Activity By Inter-cortical Sensory Input
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,771.00
Summary
For any given behaviour, the brain must merge information from all different sensory systems to generate a coherent representation of the external world. How this is achieved is largely unknown and is the basis of this research proposal. Here, using cutting edge recording techniques, the activity of brain cells within the cortex will be measured during the activation of multiple sensory systems. This research will provide insight into therapeutic approaches to local brain damage.
Properties Of Dendritic Spines And Their Role In Synaptic Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,767.00
Summary
Connections between nerve cells in the brain often occur onto enlarged protrusions called dendritic spines. This proposal will investigate the properties of dendritic spines, and relate differences in spine properties to synaptic plasticity. This information can be used to better understand and treat neurological disorders associated with spine malfunction, as occur in some forms of mental retardation, and may help with understanding the memory loss that occurs during ageing and dementia.
Excitability And Hyperexcitability Of Neural Circuits In The Rodent Piriform Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,807.00
Summary
We are studying the properties of neurons (nerve cells) and brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise and remember odours. Our experiments will focus on neurons in the odour-processing region of the cerebral cortex of mice. This work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the external world. Our findings will also provide a deeper understanding of the causes of epilepsy, leading to improved treatments.
Role Of ABCA8 Transporter In Oligodendroglial Lipid Regulation And Multiple System Atrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,516.00
Summary
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapid-onset brain disorder impacting on multiple functions of the body resulting in death. The cause of MSA is unknown and there is no cure. In MSA brains, the oligodendroglial cells are impaired and cannot properly make myelin (specialized lipid membrane), which is required for the proper functioning of the nerve cells in the brain. The aim of this project is to find out how changes in lipid in the brain impact on the MSA disease process.