Mechanisms of itch - from endosomal signalling to neural circuits. This project aims to investigate the cellular and circuit mechanisms of itch transmission in the spinal cord by defining the activation and propagation of itch-specific signals. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuronal signalling and circuitry using novel electrophysiological approaches that target and manipulate specific nerves and cellular components. The project will characterise signalling within ....Mechanisms of itch - from endosomal signalling to neural circuits. This project aims to investigate the cellular and circuit mechanisms of itch transmission in the spinal cord by defining the activation and propagation of itch-specific signals. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuronal signalling and circuitry using novel electrophysiological approaches that target and manipulate specific nerves and cellular components. The project will characterise signalling within specific spinal subcircuits in order to understand the mechanisms of receptor activation and signalling, and investigate how circuit activity is regulated. This project expects to advance fundamental understanding of itch signalling in the nervous system and provide avenues for future therapeutics.Read moreRead less
Understanding the changes in brain chemistry associated with schizophrenia. Current drugs for schizophrenia only work in 30% of patients. To develop better therapies, we must understand the changes in the brains of people with the disorder. This research will explore a chemical system in the brain that is changed in schizophrenia and begin to investigate whether counteracting these changes are therapeutically beneficial.
The role of P2X7 and P2X4 receptor mediated innate phagocytosis in pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This project will identify how inherited variation in two proteins of the brain can accelerate the removal of neurones and predispose to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Knowledge of the biological basis of this finding will allow a search for new compounds which will slow and protect against this form of neurodegeneration.
Resolving the Structures of Human Muscarinic M1 and M4 Receptors. Muscarinic receptors are vital for most basic human brain functions. These receptors are changed in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. This project will determine the structure and localisation of two of these receptors in order to i) understand their roles in brain disorders and ii) develop drugs to treat disorders involving them.