The Association Of Distorted Central Processing, Small Axon Dysfunction And Inflammation In Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,431.00
Summary
The mechanisms underlying pain in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which results from compression of a nerve at the wrist, are not well understood. In a combination of human and animal studies, we will examine whether the pain involves abnormalities of skin and brain function and whether inflammation in the nervous system may be responsible for such abnormalities. We will test whether surgical outcome can be predicted by these variables. Accurate predictive tests would avoid unnecessary surgery.
Novel Gene Identification And Characterisation In Epilepsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,964.00
Summary
Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder affecting up to 5% of the population at some point in their lives. Approximately 70% cases of epilepsy are genetic, but very few of the genes involved have been identified. This project will use state-of-the-art techniques to identify genetic mutations causing an inherited form epilepsy affecting infants. This research is expected to reveal new gene families involved in the genesis of epilepsy and thus new targets for the development of treatments.
Neuronal Activity And Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,561.00
Summary
How does brain activity relate to perception and behaviour? How does functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain, which measures changes in blood oxygen, relate to the activity of single cells? I will address these questions, comparing electrical measurements of single cells and functional images, and advance our understanding of the brain in health and disease.
Does Renal Afferent Nerve Activation Contribute To Cardiac Sympathoexcitation And Decreased Renal Function In Heart Failure?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Removal of the nerves sending information between the kidneys and the brain reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. There is intense interest in the use of this procedure in heart failure patients, as it may reduce the harmful high level of nerve activity from the brain to the heart and kidneys. Using an experimental model of heart failure, I will determine whether this approach is beneficial in heart failure and its mechanisms of action.
Mechanisms Responsible For Neurogenic Hypertension: A Novel Interaction Between GABAergic Modulation Of Amygdalo-hypothalamic Pathways And MicroRNA Regulation Of Renin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,220.00
Summary
A genetic model of hypertension will be used to understand the interrelated role of the brain, nervous system and kidney. The proposed studies will test the hypothesis that disruption of inhibitory neurochemicals in specific regions of the brain, leads to greater nervous system activation of the kidney, which in turn decreases an inhibitory molecule, ultimately resulting in greater activation of a hormonal system responsible for raising blood pressure.
Determining The Mechanism Of Obesity Induced Elevated Blood Pressure And Glucose Dysregulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
My research focuses on determine the link and mechanisms behind the development of metabolic diseases in obesity and specifically determining the reason for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this area I have been able to generate strong physiological techniques which have enabled answering these questions possible, and I endeavor to continue to create and establish new techniques to continue to answer physiological questions.
A Neuro-immune Axis Regulates Beige Adipocyte Development And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Obesity and overweight are modern epidemics that affect two-thirds of Australian adult for which there is no effective therapeutic medicine. Prolonged exposure to cold environment augment energy burning in the body which can potentially suppress weight gain. In this project, I aim to investigate how cold environment induces energy expenditure and identify novel avenue for the treatment of obesity.