Computational Analysis Of The Influence Of Growth Cone Shape Dynamics On Axon Guidance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,406.00
Summary
For the brain to function correctly its neurons must be connected correctly. This project will use a novel mathematical approach to understand how growing nerve fibres find where to go in the developing brain. In particular we will use both experiments and computational analysis to understand how the shape of the tip of a growing nerve fibre helps the fibre navigate. This may help us understand the biological cause of many different types of mental disorders.
Lipid Rafts, Amyloid Neurotoxicity And Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,267.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia in the elderly. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit a slow decline in cognition which usually results in prolonged institutionalisation. This creates an enormous burden on society. The project aims to identify mechanisms which cause Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, it will examine how a component of the brain, known as the amyloid protein, contributes to nerve cell degeneration. It is hoped that by identifying these mechanisms, new ta ....Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia in the elderly. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit a slow decline in cognition which usually results in prolonged institutionalisation. This creates an enormous burden on society. The project aims to identify mechanisms which cause Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, it will examine how a component of the brain, known as the amyloid protein, contributes to nerve cell degeneration. It is hoped that by identifying these mechanisms, new targets for drug development will be found.Read moreRead less
Application Of Intelligent Conducting Polymers For Treating Schizophrenia And Allied Disorders Focusing On Neuronal Outgrowth, Myelination And Synaptogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$698,314.00
Summary
This project involves cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers at the forefront of materials engineering, nanotechnology, neural pathology, human stem cell biology and mental health disciplines. We will use a nanodevice to apply electrical stimuli and growth factors to improve brain function in schizophrenia and allied disorders.
Is EphA4 The Major Molecular Regulator Of Axonal Regeneration?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,000.00
Summary
Spinal cord injury affects a substantial number of Australians each year. Around half the number of spinal cord injury cases result in quadriplegia, with loss of function to a varying degree in the upper as well as the lower limbs. The limited degree of repair of spinal axons following injury means that such paralysis is usually permanent. Although the inability to walk is a serious issue, the limited function of the arms and hands results in a loss of independence which is a major factor contri ....Spinal cord injury affects a substantial number of Australians each year. Around half the number of spinal cord injury cases result in quadriplegia, with loss of function to a varying degree in the upper as well as the lower limbs. The limited degree of repair of spinal axons following injury means that such paralysis is usually permanent. Although the inability to walk is a serious issue, the limited function of the arms and hands results in a loss of independence which is a major factor contribuing to the enormous personal, financial, and community costs of this problem, estimated to cost the Australian community $200 million a year. In recent years advanced anatomical and molecular approaches to the problem of repair of the central nervous system have provided great insights into the neuronal and glial reactions to neural damage that appear to govern the success or failure of neural regeneration. Our preliminary data indicate that a receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA4, which is important for axonal pathfinding in the developing nervous system, is a potent inhibitor of neural regeneration following spinal cord injury. In this project we will determine the mechanisms by which EphA4 exerts its inhibitory effects, and examine the effect of neutralizing EphA4 signalling on neural regeneration. Success in achieving this result will lead to the development of a therapeutic intervention that we will test in mouse models.Read moreRead less
Within the nervous system, neurons communicate through the release of neurotransmitter chemicals across connections between individual neurons (synapses). Before their release, neurotransmitters are stored inside nerve endings, within small membranous spheres called synaptic vesicles. Neuronal cell shape and the neuron's ability to migrate to different regions of the brain during development affect the way that the adult brain functions. Alterations in any of these brain functions may lead to di ....Within the nervous system, neurons communicate through the release of neurotransmitter chemicals across connections between individual neurons (synapses). Before their release, neurotransmitters are stored inside nerve endings, within small membranous spheres called synaptic vesicles. Neuronal cell shape and the neuron's ability to migrate to different regions of the brain during development affect the way that the adult brain functions. Alterations in any of these brain functions may lead to diseases affecting normal mental function. Ral is a small GTPase enzyme found in brain, and particularly in neurons. Small GTPases are responsible for regulating cell functions by acting as switches, turning biochemical processes on and off inside the cell. Within neurons, Ral is found on the surface of synaptic vesicles, implicating it in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Other Ral functions have been demonstrated in non-neuronal cells that may be of particular significance in neuronal cells. However, no studies have previously investigated Ral function in the nervous system. The research proposed aims to establish what role RalA performs within neuronal cells, and by what biochemical mechanism it performs this role. Techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry and microscopy will be used to establish these functions. This research will lead to increased knowledge of the significance of this protein to cellular, and particularly neuronal cell function. This forms the basis for the understanding normal neuronal function, and for the identification of factors causing diseases of the nervous system. In time, such research aids in the development of specific therapies for sufferers of such diseases of the nervous system.Read moreRead less
Roles Of Peripherally Derived BDNF In Regeneration Of Spinal Cord And The Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,770.00
Summary
Injury to the brain and spinal cord often leads to permanent disability due to lack of regeneration. The mechanism why central nerve does not regenerate is not known. Neurotrophic factors are powerful molecules which can overcome effects of inhibitory factors on regeneration. This project aims to investigate how neurotrophic factors override the effects of inhibitory factors and how to improve the regeneration by increasing the production of neurotrophic factors within nerves. Successful complet ....Injury to the brain and spinal cord often leads to permanent disability due to lack of regeneration. The mechanism why central nerve does not regenerate is not known. Neurotrophic factors are powerful molecules which can overcome effects of inhibitory factors on regeneration. This project aims to investigate how neurotrophic factors override the effects of inhibitory factors and how to improve the regeneration by increasing the production of neurotrophic factors within nerves. Successful completion of this project will help understanding the mechanism of how neurotrophic factors work on regeneration and developing the effective way to improve regeneration of the injured spinal cord.Read moreRead less
Sialyltransferase In The Bipolar And Schizophrenic Brain: Examining The Role Of A Novel Generalised Susceptibility Gene
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,627.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are two major psychiatric conditions affecting over 800,000 Australians. We have identified a new gene which contributes to increased risk to developing both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will investigate the function of this gene in normal brain development, and how this function is disrupted in individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Understanding the biological cause will help us define better treatments for these severe mental illnesse ....Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are two major psychiatric conditions affecting over 800,000 Australians. We have identified a new gene which contributes to increased risk to developing both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will investigate the function of this gene in normal brain development, and how this function is disrupted in individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Understanding the biological cause will help us define better treatments for these severe mental illnesses.Read moreRead less