Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
SENSORIMOTOR AND AUTONOMIC DYSREGULATION IN HEREDITARY SENSORY AND AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHIES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,406.00
Summary
Specific genetic mutations can lead to widespread changes in the body. Here we are looking at the congenital Hereditary and Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies, the most common of which primarily affects Eastern European Jews. Affected individuals have difficulty walking and controlling their blood pressure, and also have an indifference to pain. This series of experiments aims to increase our understanding of the underlying neurophysiological disturbances.
Role Of Microbiota In The Developing Enteric Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,979.00
Summary
The correct development of neurons in the gut is vital for digestive functions. This project will provide novel insights into how environmental factors such as the bacteria that reside in the gut and changes in diet affect maturation of the gut’s nervous system. The data will improve knowledge of the effects of widely used antibiotics and probiotics, which will facilitate strategies to improve human health and quality of life.
Identification And Study Of Novel Conserved Molecule With An Axonal Protective Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,005.00
Summary
Axonal degeneration is a common feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions, such as motor neuron, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. However, the genetic causes that regulate this biological event are poorly understood. We have identified a novel, conserved axonal protective molecule. We will study how it functions, and if it can be exploited to protect diseased neurons.
Cell Therapy For Enteric Neuropathies - The Essential Next Steps
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,142.00
Summary
Gastrointestinal motility disorders caused by damage or diseased neurons in the gut wall ("enteric neuropathies) are some of the most clinically challenging conditions to manage because of a lack of effective treatments. Our recent animal studies suggest that cell-based therapies are a real possibility to treat enteric neuropathies. In this project, we will methodically address the outstanding steps that need to be addressed with the aim of moving enteric cell therapies to the clinic.
Probing Neural Circuits Of Emotion With Ultrafast FMRI And Dynamic Natural Stimuli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,012.00
Summary
Emotion is central to our everyday experience and forms the backbone of our social relationships. Our understanding on emotion, however, mostly relies on strictly controlled task designs, using highly simplified and/or artificial stimuli. In this project, we propose a new platform to study brain activity underlying natural emotional experience. The design and methodology developed in this proposal will provide fundamental outcomes for understanding emotion disturbances in mental disorders.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Targeting The Sympathetic Nervous System To Improve Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,140.00
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, rendering it a major public health issue. Due to the combined development of abdominal obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance patients with PCOS are at increased risk of developing heart disease. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown but work by us implicates involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. We aim to elucidate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS and to examine the effect of ....Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, rendering it a major public health issue. Due to the combined development of abdominal obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance patients with PCOS are at increased risk of developing heart disease. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown but work by us implicates involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. We aim to elucidate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in PCOS and to examine the effect of pharmacological treatment targeting this system.Read moreRead less
Neurons within the wall of the bowel play an essential role in gut motility. A number of motility disorders are caused by diseased enteric neurons, but there are currently no effective treatments for these diseases. We will use animal models of a pediatric motility disorder to examine whether stem cells implanted into the colon can generate neurons and restore normal motility.
A common medical problem is the inability to maintain normal blood pressure while standing. This can cause blackouts, falls and injury. The available medical treatment is very deficient, because the various body mechanisms at play are poorly understood, so it has not been possible to specifically target the root cause. This grant application aims to study patients with these “postural hypotension” disorders, to better understand how the problems develop, and consequently, to provide better medic ....A common medical problem is the inability to maintain normal blood pressure while standing. This can cause blackouts, falls and injury. The available medical treatment is very deficient, because the various body mechanisms at play are poorly understood, so it has not been possible to specifically target the root cause. This grant application aims to study patients with these “postural hypotension” disorders, to better understand how the problems develop, and consequently, to provide better medical treatment.Read moreRead less
Effectiveness Of Ghrelin Receptor Agonists To Limit The Extent Of Tissue Damage Caused By Traumatic Injury To The Central Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,002.00
Summary
Ghrelin is a naturally occurring compound that under adverse conditions can activate specific receptors on cells around the body to enhance their survival. These receptors are also present in the spinal cord, but ghrelin doesn't enter the spinal cord. We will investigate a new group of compounds that can enter the spinal cord and activate these receptors to see if this can reduce the amount of damage that occurs after a spinal cord injury. Less tissue damage would mean less permanent disability.