Identifying Genetic Pathways Underlying The Development Of Distinct Neuronal Subtypes Among Midbrain Dopamine Neurons.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,709.00
Summary
There is an urgent need in the field of Parkinson's disease (PD) research to develop new strategies aimed at halting progression of the disease (neuroprotection) and alleviaing the symptoms (restorative therapy). This project employs a novel and innovative design to identify genes expressed specifically by the cell type most effected in PD and therefore provide new genetic targets for neuroprotective and resorative therapy.
Changes In Motoneurone And Motor Axon Properties Distal To The Lesion In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,530.00
Summary
Following a stroke, adaptive changes occur in spinal cord motoneurones below the level of the stroke, but these are poorly understood. Apart from the exaggeration of spinal reflexes, distal changes have largely been neglected by clinicians. Even the mechanisms responsible for the exaggeration of spinal reflexes are still debated, in part because no single process can account for it. Using novel experimental techniques originally developed to study biophysical properties of human peripheral nerve ....Following a stroke, adaptive changes occur in spinal cord motoneurones below the level of the stroke, but these are poorly understood. Apart from the exaggeration of spinal reflexes, distal changes have largely been neglected by clinicians. Even the mechanisms responsible for the exaggeration of spinal reflexes are still debated, in part because no single process can account for it. Using novel experimental techniques originally developed to study biophysical properties of human peripheral nerves, this project will quantify the changes in excitability that occur in motoneurones and their peripheral extension, the motor axon, and compare these with the findings on the non-paralysed side of the same patients and with healthy matched control subjects. The changes that occur over time will be documented in longitudinal studies. The findings will be correlated with the patient's clinical status, providing insight into the extent to which changes in motoneurone properties drive clinical manifestations such as spasticity. In addition, control studies will provide further insight into whether disturbed transmission in some specific spinal reflex pathways contributes significantly to spasticity. The project is important for understanding the nature of adaptive changes (plasticity) in neural structures following lesions in the central nervous system and will shed light on the remote changes that occur in stroke. The studies are relevant not only for understanding current deficits but also for understanding and perhaps altering outcomes using rehabilitation procedures.Read moreRead less
Effects Of Muscle Inflammation On Sensory Neuron Excitability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,398.00
Summary
Muscle pain is a common and poorly treated health problem for many Australians. This project examines the properties of nerves that sense muscle pain and looks at how these change during inflammation, a common cause of muscle pain. We are looking specifically at jaw muscles, which are one of the most common sites of chronic muscle pain. By understanding how muscle nerves are changed by injury, we hope to be able to develop treatments to prevent or reverse these changes.
To Understand The Role Of The Plasminogen Activating And Matrix Metalloproteinase Systems In Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,321.00
Summary
Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is known for its role as a clot dissolving protein. It is present in the brain and following traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can worse brain cell damage. We have established a mouse model of TBI . We will compare brain damage in mice that are deficient in or have high amounts of t-PA. We will also determine whether the recovery rate post-TBI can be improved using specific t-PA blockers. This project may provide new therapies for TBI.
The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes and lays down emotional memories. Dysfunction in the amygdala is responsible for anxiety related disorders such post-traumatic stress disorder. I will study the neural circuits in the amygdala using innovative recordings and stimulation techniques. These studies will provide insight into the circuits that underpin anxiety related neurological disorders and provide targets for development of novel anxiolytic agents.
The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models and computer software capable of predicting immune responses to infection and disease. This “artificial immune system” should lead to improved vaccine design and better understanding of what causes the immune system to attack its own body, causing autoimmune disease, or fail to respond, causing immunodeficiency. This enabling science could then lead to improvements in treatment for a range of conditions of clinical importance.