Improving neuronal cell function with cell permeable copper complexes. Metal-based drugs offer an exciting new approach to treatment of neurodegeneration. However, little is known about how cells metabolise these drugs and this information is critical for further drug development. This project will determine how metal-based drugs are metabolised by neuronal cells and how this may result in therapeutic benefit.
Electrical properties of human dendrites. This project aims to determine the electrical properties of dendrites in human neurons. Dendrites are the primary site of synaptic input to neurons and their electrical properties play a key role in information processing in the brain. While we know much about the electrical properties of dendrites in other species, primarily rodents, little is known about the electrical properties of human dendrites. This project aims to address this gap in knowledge fo ....Electrical properties of human dendrites. This project aims to determine the electrical properties of dendrites in human neurons. Dendrites are the primary site of synaptic input to neurons and their electrical properties play a key role in information processing in the brain. While we know much about the electrical properties of dendrites in other species, primarily rodents, little is known about the electrical properties of human dendrites. This project aims to address this gap in knowledge for the first time. The results obtained will shed light on the mechanisms the brain uses to process information, and therefore will bring us a step closer to truly understanding ourselves.Read moreRead less
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.
Role of the superior colliculus in sensory processing. The ability of an organism to attend to, and orient towards, stimuli in the environment is critical for survival. In the mammalian brain, the principal brain region performing this function is the superior colliculus. Despite its importance, little is known about the role the superior colliculus plays in sensory perception. This project addresses this issue by leveraging revolutionary new recording techniques to determine how the superior co ....Role of the superior colliculus in sensory processing. The ability of an organism to attend to, and orient towards, stimuli in the environment is critical for survival. In the mammalian brain, the principal brain region performing this function is the superior colliculus. Despite its importance, little is known about the role the superior colliculus plays in sensory perception. This project addresses this issue by leveraging revolutionary new recording techniques to determine how the superior colliculus codes sensory information and ultimately drives behaviour. The outcomes will be of immediate benefit to scientists studying sensory processing and perceptual decision making, and will help keep Australia at the forefront of brain-inspired engineering and the neuroscience-based knowledge economy.Read moreRead less
Engineering functional nerves using microtailored culture systems. The aim of this work is to develop new culture systems for developing and growing nerves outside of the body. The project will generate knowledge and engineering technology for production of neural implants suitable for medical applications. The availability of engineered nerve grafts to repair neural injuries will improve patient health outcomes.
Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration ....Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration into complex neural networks as well as, (iv) the organisation of neurons into larger 3-dimensional brain structures, namely folding of the human cortex. Further, biomaterials developed here have commercialisation potential, targeted at standardizing the culturing of human stem cells to defined neural populations.
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Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for ....Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for their survival. This proposal tackles this urgent problem by applying advanced nanostructured materials with stem cells, to assist the body in the repair of the spinal cord following injury. Read moreRead less
Engineered plant receptors as orthogonal neuronal switches. This project aims to develop synthetic biology methods to study brain function by utilising engineered plant receptors. This project will expand our ability to manipulate nerve cell function with high specificity and without side effects in freely behaving animals. Plant receptors will be developed into molecular tools in an iterative process that improves key properties using rational protein design. Expected outcomes include innovativ ....Engineered plant receptors as orthogonal neuronal switches. This project aims to develop synthetic biology methods to study brain function by utilising engineered plant receptors. This project will expand our ability to manipulate nerve cell function with high specificity and without side effects in freely behaving animals. Plant receptors will be developed into molecular tools in an iterative process that improves key properties using rational protein design. Expected outcomes include innovative and broadly-applicable neuroscience methods and an understanding of receptors involved in plant growth and defense. Benefits of this project include an enhanced capacity to generate knowledge, multidisciplinary training opportunities and patentable synthetic biology technologies.Read moreRead less
A new platform technology for gene therapy . The project aims to make a landmark contribution to biological science by enabling programmed delivery of therapeutic payloads from biocompatible materials. It will employ a novel synthetic biology approach to form two distinct peptide-enabled molecular architectures in a single system. This is expected to deliver a platform technology that will allow successful programmed delivery of viral vectors. The project is likely to deliver significant societa ....A new platform technology for gene therapy . The project aims to make a landmark contribution to biological science by enabling programmed delivery of therapeutic payloads from biocompatible materials. It will employ a novel synthetic biology approach to form two distinct peptide-enabled molecular architectures in a single system. This is expected to deliver a platform technology that will allow successful programmed delivery of viral vectors. The project is likely to deliver significant societal benefit as a fundamental scientific platform, improving Australia's capacity and impact in the agriculture and the healthcare sectors. The platform technology has the potential to increase the quality of life for patients and their carers, while also produce fitter, healthier livestock.Read moreRead less
Generating multi-component scaffolding to influence the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Nervous system diseases are debilitating and will develop in over 50 per cent of people at some time in their life. This project will develop strategies so that stem cells can be utilised to encourage brain repair for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The technology developed will also be of benefit for the treatment of other nervous system disorders.