Microglia As Primary Drivers Of Stress-induced Changes In Neuronal Connectivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,781.00
Summary
Persistent exposure to stressful events can produce serious and lasting disturbances in cognitive function. Our research group has recently identified that microglia may play a very significant role in these disturbances. The studies to be undertaken in this proposal will provide fundamental knowledge on how microglia contribute to neuronal plasticity, and how microglia via their effects on neurons regulate complex cognitive behaviour.
Microglial Paralysis In Post-stroke Neurodegeneration: Help Or Hindrance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,351.00
Summary
Dementia and cognitive decline may occur months or years after a stroke, associated with delayed loss of brain cells in different brain regions. We recently discovered that the cells responsible for protection and repair of brain, called microglia, become paralysed in these regions. We will use a live-imaging microscope to determine whether the microglial paralysis causes brain cell death. We will also determine if a commonly used stroke prevention drug can worsen the microglial paralysis.
Abnormalities in cells at the back of the eye called photoreceptors are associated with at least 50% of all cases of blindness in this country.This project will examine a novel mechanism of photoreceptor death. In particular, whether abnormalties in support cells at the back of the eye cause photoreceptors to lose contact with their nutrient source and die.
Neuron To Glia Signalling: Learning How Synaptic Signalling Can Promote CNS Remyelination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,650.00
Summary
An immature cell type in the brain, known as the oligodendrocytes progenitor cell (OPC), receives direct electrical communication from neurons. This communication regulates the behavior of the OPC, affecting its ability to divide and generate new brain cells. This project will identify the signaling molecules that guide the OPC to for this specialized contact with the nerve cell. Understanding this communication has important implications for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
The Role Of Gliosis In Advanced Retinal Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,785.00
Summary
The development of treatments that restore vision assumes that the output neurons of the retina remain intact. Yet, there is now considerable evidence that the neurons that signal from the retina to the brain are altered in those that have degenerative diseases of the retina. Here, we will examine the cause of these cellular changes in an animal model and seek to prevent the loss of output neurons. This information is crucial for the development of treatments that seeks to restore vision.
The Role Of Microglia In Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,582.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most feared complications of diabetes. This project will examine the role that retinal immune cells called microglia have in causing early changes in the vasculature. We will examine whether diabetes changes the way neurons communicate with blood vessels, opening up a possible treatment target that could prevent the progression to more advanced disease.
Elucidation Of The Gene Regulatory Networks That Cause Alzheimer's Disease In Down Syndrome;
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,418.00
Summary
People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21 and all develop Alzheimer's disease. We are able to delete different parts of chromosome 21 in Down syndrome stem cells and turn these cells into the two main cell types of the brain. By comparing the occurrence of Alzheimer disease with gene expression changes in these gene-edited cell types we can identify the gene-regulatory pathways that cause Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome and identify novel therapeutic targets for sporadic Alzheim ....People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21 and all develop Alzheimer's disease. We are able to delete different parts of chromosome 21 in Down syndrome stem cells and turn these cells into the two main cell types of the brain. By comparing the occurrence of Alzheimer disease with gene expression changes in these gene-edited cell types we can identify the gene-regulatory pathways that cause Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome and identify novel therapeutic targets for sporadic Alzheimer's disease.Read moreRead less
Using High-throughput Genomics To Reveal The Deleterious Genetic Changes That Underlie Paediatric Leukoencephalopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,712.00
Summary
There has been an explosion of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies in the past five years, which have the potential to completely revolutionise medicine and scientific research. Here we present a series of studies showing the successful application of this technology to children with genetic disorders of the central nervous system. This proposal seeks to expand this study to a large cohort of similarly affected paediatric patients.
The Regulation And Function Of Strawberry Notch In Neuroinflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$733,598.00
Summary
Inflammation is a response to injury and infection that may cause significant damage to the brain. This project will study the regulation and function of a novel gene called strawberry notch that we have identified is a major target of the protein IL-6 which is a central mediator of inflammation in the brain. The findings will advance our understanding of the function of Sbno2 in the context of the actions of IL-6 and will provide crucial new mechanistic insights into a cause of neurological dis ....Inflammation is a response to injury and infection that may cause significant damage to the brain. This project will study the regulation and function of a novel gene called strawberry notch that we have identified is a major target of the protein IL-6 which is a central mediator of inflammation in the brain. The findings will advance our understanding of the function of Sbno2 in the context of the actions of IL-6 and will provide crucial new mechanistic insights into a cause of neurological disease.Read moreRead less