MEASURING AND MODELLING VISUAL CORTICAL PLASTICITY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,693.00
Summary
We are the product of both our genes and our environment. Scientists have already shown that the physical structure of our brain can be changed by our experiences. But how much can it be changed? Our experiments will address this question for a particular case: how far our visual experiences can affect the structure of the part of our brain that processes visual images. This will help us understand the delicate balance between our genes and our environment in shaping who we are.
Identification Of Novel Regulatory Factors In Midbrain Development To Improve Cell Therapies For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Cell transplantation is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Cells are transplanted directly into the brain of the patient and can compensate for those lost to the disease. In this project we are identifying new genes that regulate the normal development of the transplanted cells in mice. We hope to use this knowledge to improve the reliability and effectiveness of the approach, bringing the therapy closer to the clinic.
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.
Epilepsy And Stress: An Explanatory Electrophysiological Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,233.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stres ....Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stress, and potential treatments.Read moreRead less
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.
In Parkinson's disease only specific brain cells die, these cells are unusual in that they contain a dark coloured pigment called neuromelanin. The presence of this pigment is thought to play a role in the death of these cells. Evidence from many different diseases has demonstrated that a type of cell damage called oxidative damage is caused by an increase in tissue iron levels. Iron levels are increased in the brains of persons who have died with Parkinson's disease but only in the part of the ....In Parkinson's disease only specific brain cells die, these cells are unusual in that they contain a dark coloured pigment called neuromelanin. The presence of this pigment is thought to play a role in the death of these cells. Evidence from many different diseases has demonstrated that a type of cell damage called oxidative damage is caused by an increase in tissue iron levels. Iron levels are increased in the brains of persons who have died with Parkinson's disease but only in the part of the brain which contains neuromelanin. This increase in iron is thought to lead to oxidative damage and thus cell death in Parkinson's disease. Why iron should be increased specifically in this part of the brain is unknown but it has been shown that neuromelanin binds tissue iron and that the interaction between iron and neuromelanin can result in tissue damage. These events are suggested to underlie the specific vulnerability of the neuromelanin-containing cells in Parkinson's disease. However as yet very little is known about this pigment or how it interacts with iron. This research investigates neuromelanin in the normal brain and in the brain of persons who have died with Parkinson's disease. The project aims to demonstrate how neuromelanin interacts with iron and how neuromelanin, both in the presence and absence of iron, can influence oxidative cell damage. The use of human neuromelanin makes this research unique and it will provide important and novel information regarding the role of this pigment in the aetiology of this devastating disease.Read moreRead less
Defining Role Of Inflammatory Signals In Enhancing Motoneuron Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,688.00
Summary
Spinal cord injury is a devastating event that has a life-long impact on the patient’s life with wide-reaching social and economic effects. In this proposal we examine how inflammatory signals boost neuronal regeneration after injury. Furthermore, we define how new neurons are able to integrate into existing spinal circuitry. Out work provides critical insight and hold keys to unlocking strategies for future restorative therapies in the brain or spinal cord.
Defining The Role Of VEGF And Vascular Formation In Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,417.00
Summary
Aberrant neural crest cell development gives rise to common congenital malformations such as cleft lip and/or palate and cardiac outflow tract defects that effect over 1% of all births. As the aetiology of these disorders are largely unknown it is critical to understand the cell and molecular mechanisms coordinating NCC development such that alternative therapies may be devised to target the underlying pathological defects and to provide definitive diagnostic / prognostic tools.
Knowledge, Identification And Exploitation Of Dopaminergic Axon Guidance Cues Will Improve Cell Replacement Therapy For ParkinsonÍs Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,797.00
Summary
Many obstacles exist for cell transplantation in ParkinsonÍs Disease; namely poor graft survival, restoration of appropriate circuitry and adequate nerve fiber growth from new cells. Using knowledge of how neural circuits are established during fetal development, we will attempt to recapitulate these events following transplantation. Further, we will identify new and novel cues in regulating the connectivity and growth of these nerve fibers.
Understanding how the brain grows and is organised is one of the great challenges of science. This project seeks to identify key regulators of neural progenitors as these are the building blocks from which all brains cells are derived. This knowledge may also identify new avenues through which to manipulate neural progenitor function. This has implications not only for normal brain development but also potential therapies for neural disorders and disease.