Identification Of Novel Regulatory Factors In Midbrain Development To Improve Cell Therapies For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Cell transplantation is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Cells are transplanted directly into the brain of the patient and can compensate for those lost to the disease. In this project we are identifying new genes that regulate the normal development of the transplanted cells in mice. We hope to use this knowledge to improve the reliability and effectiveness of the approach, bringing the therapy closer to the clinic.
Epilepsy And Stress: An Explanatory Electrophysiological Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,233.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stres ....Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stress, and potential treatments.Read moreRead less
Neogenin: A Regulator Of Neuronal Differentiation And Migration In The Adult Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,053.00
Summary
Conditions such as Alzheimer�s and Huntington�s diseases, as well as stroke, represent a major burden of disease in Australia. One goal of modern neurobiology is to harness the brain's ability to make new neurons so that we can replace those damaged by disease or injury. We will investigate how an important developmental molecule, Neogenin, promotes the production of new neurons in the adult brain. A second goal is to show that Neogenin can be activated to promote the repair of the damaged brain ....Conditions such as Alzheimer�s and Huntington�s diseases, as well as stroke, represent a major burden of disease in Australia. One goal of modern neurobiology is to harness the brain's ability to make new neurons so that we can replace those damaged by disease or injury. We will investigate how an important developmental molecule, Neogenin, promotes the production of new neurons in the adult brain. A second goal is to show that Neogenin can be activated to promote the repair of the damaged brain.Read moreRead less
Using Stem Cells And Bioengineered Scaffolds To Promote Regeneration Following Necrotic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,857.00
Summary
A number of injuries, including stroke, result in tissue loss. Consequently promoting repair will require restoration of tissue structure, replacement cells and a supportive environment to promote integration of these new cells. This study will engineer and develop novel scaffolds that can replace tissue whilst additionally providing physical and chemical support for newly implanted stem cells. This work will be conducted in an animal model of stroke.
If stem cell transplantation is to be useful to repair brain injury, advancement must be made to improve the delivery, survival and differentiation of transplanted cells so that they can sufficiently integrate into the host brain. Here, self-assembling peptides will be developed to provide physical and biochemical support for stem cells and neurones in cell culture (which may be useful for drug discovery) and following transplantation into the injured brain.
Neogenin: A Molecular Determinant Of Neural Progenitor Polarity And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,296.00
Summary
The neuroepithelium (NEP) contains the embryonic neural stem cells essential for the production of all neurons in the adult brain. Failure in NEP function leads to devastating neural tube defects and syndromes such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. This project will identify the molecular mechanisms regulating NEP stem cell activity and the birth of new neurons in the embryonic neocortex.