Impact Of Somatic Versus Dendritic Inhibition On Neuronal Output
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,047,686.00
Summary
The brain is made up of literally billions of neurons connected in complex networks. These neurons come in two primary flavors - excitatory and inhibitory - which work in balance. Too much excitation and the brain becomes epileptic, too much inhibitory and we go into a coma. This proposal focuses on the role of specific inhibitory cell types in regulating brain function, and has relevant to a range of neurological disorders from epilepsy, to schizophrenia to depression.
A DENDRITIC SUBSTRATE FOR THE CHOLINERGIC CONTROL OF NEOCORTICAL OUTPUT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,340.00
Summary
The forebrain cholinergic system controls neocortical activity and cognitive function. This project will investigate the mechanisms by which the cholinergic system controls neocortical circuit activity in rodent models using advanced optical and electrical recording methods. The results will provide a foundation for the understanding of how dysfunction of the cholinergic system results in cognitive decline in humans, and identify new targets for improved treatment of human cognitive impairment.
Role Of Dendritic Information Processing In Visual Circuit Computations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,244.00
Summary
Vision is the primary sensory modality in man, and its disturbance carries an enormous socio-economic burden. The dynamic operations of the neuronal assemblies that underlie vision are poorly understood, partly because of an incomplete description of the computational properties of visual neuronal circuits. The aims of the application are to mechanistically dissect defined computational operations of visual neural circuits using advanced electrophysiological and optical recording techniques.
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.
Dendritic Activity And Neuronal Output During Sensory Perception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,748.00
Summary
A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how sensory experiences arise from activity in the brain. This is no easy feat and is the basis of the research in this proposal. Here, using cutting edge recording techniques, the activity of brain cells within the cortex will be measured during sensory-based behavioural tasks. This research will provide insight into therapeutic approaches to numerous brain diseases where sensory processing is compromised.
Neurons are highly compartmentalized cell-types. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, the protein Tau that serves a distinct function in one cellular compartment (the axon) accumulates in a massively phosphorylated form elsewhere (somatodendritic compartments and their spines) which is believed to impair neuronal functions. We will investigate how Tau is distributed in health and disease, and determine how this distribution is regulated.
Investigating Secondary Effects Of BACE1 Inhibition, A Promising Therapy For Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,672.00
Summary
Synapses transfer information between neurons in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), synapse loss results in dementia therefore it is imperative that any potential therapeutic drugs do not inadvertently cause further synapse loss. Drugs aimed at blocking production of toxic protein fragments in AD might have adverse secondary effects on synapse development and function. This research will determine whether this is the case and inform new therapeutic approaches aimed at minimizing side effect ....Synapses transfer information between neurons in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), synapse loss results in dementia therefore it is imperative that any potential therapeutic drugs do not inadvertently cause further synapse loss. Drugs aimed at blocking production of toxic protein fragments in AD might have adverse secondary effects on synapse development and function. This research will determine whether this is the case and inform new therapeutic approaches aimed at minimizing side effects.Read moreRead less