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Defining The Role Of VEGF And Vascular Formation In Craniofacial Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,417.00
Summary
Aberrant neural crest cell development gives rise to common congenital malformations such as cleft lip and/or palate and cardiac outflow tract defects that effect over 1% of all births. As the aetiology of these disorders are largely unknown it is critical to understand the cell and molecular mechanisms coordinating NCC development such that alternative therapies may be devised to target the underlying pathological defects and to provide definitive diagnostic / prognostic tools.
Manipulation Of Enteric Neural Stem Cells For Cell Therapy To Treat Enteric Neuropathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,438.00
Summary
Cell therapy offers great promise for the treatment of motility disorders due to defects in the nerve cells in the bowel. Patient-derived cells are likely to be the best source of cells, however, patient-derived cells will require manipulation because they are likely to be defective. We will identify manipulations of stem/progenitor cells that increase their efficacy for cell transplantation.
Differentiation And Fate In The Developing Sympathetic Ganglia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,754.00
Summary
This project seeks to understand how a small number of founder cells can divide and differentiate into the myriad different types of cells that make up the mature nervous system. It uses modern genetic techniques to follow progenitor cells as they mature into mature neurons.
Role Of Kinesin Binding Protein And Spontaneous Activity In The Development Of Enteric Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,889.00
Summary
The nerve cells in the wall of the gut play an essential role in motility. Defects in the development of these nerve cells results in pediatric motility disorders. We will examine the roles of two factors, kinesin binding protein, and spontaneous activity in the development of enteric neurons.
Novel Roles For Neural Crest Cells In Cardiac Morphogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,848.00
Summary
Abnormal formation of the cardiac outflow tract leads to common malformations affecting over 1% of all births. Taking advantage of novel mouse models this grant aims to identify the molecular mechanisms by which neural crest cells control formation of the cardiac outflow tract. New information generated from this study stands to identify new targets which may be used for predictive testing and regenerative therapies.
The Importance Of Superstars: Cell Numbers And Lineages In Enteric Nervous System Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,717.00
Summary
All digestive functions are controlled by a nerve system in the gut wall, and it works without us thinking about it. This is a huge system rivalling the spinal cord in number of nerve cells. And it has may different types of nerve cells. It originates from a very few cells early in the embryo, about 200 times fewer than the spinal cord. How do the cells manage to divide enough to make this system, and how do they 'know' how to make the right types of nerve cells in the right places in the gut?
Defining The Role Of Nedd4 In Neural Crest Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,565.00
Summary
Neural crest cells are specialised stem cells that give rise to many tissues and organs during embryonic development. We recently identified an essential role for a regulatory protein in neural crest cells. Our research is aimed at understanding how this protein influences the growth of structures such as the heart and facial skeleton. Understanding these processes underpins the ultimate goal of implementing diagnostic and preventative medicine for highly prevalent congenital birth defects.
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.
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.
Development Of Techniques To Expand Enteric Neural Crest-stem/progenitor Cells And To Administer Them To The Human Neonatal Colon For Repair Of The Enteric Nervous System Deficiciency In Hirschsprung Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,820.00
Summary
Gastrointestinal tract function is controlled by nerves in the intestine. These are missing in a small segment of the colon in the serious birth defect Hirschsprung disease. Current treatment is surgical removal of the affected colon segment, but instead, it may be possible to use nerve stem cells to provide some functional recovery. In particular, we are facing two practical questions: How can we produce enough nerve stem cells? and: How can these nerve stem cells be emplaced in the colon wall?