Uncovering Oxytocin And Vasopressin Release And Functions With Novel Optical Tools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,634.00
Summary
Oytocin and vasopressin are peptides in the brain that act as releasable neuromodulators and the balance of these peptides is implicated in the control of social behaviour and anxiety. We aim to investigate the release and function of these neuropeptides with 3 novel protein-based tools in a stressful learning paradigm and anxious behaviour. The understanding of their function will have important implications in the development of therapeutics for neurological conditions and drug addictions.
Narcolepsy With Cataplexy: A Brain Orexin Replacement Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$810,784.00
Summary
Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a debilitating, life-long sleep-wake disorder, caused by the irreversible loss of the brain peptide 'orexin'. There is no satisfactory and safe treatment. We aim to develop an orexin analogue, delivered directly to the brain of sheep (relevant in size and translatable to patients) by a programmable pump to timely activate the orexin 'wake-up' switch. This innovative precision medicine project will significantly improve the quality of life of narcolepsy patients.
Neuronal Regulation Of Systemic Mitochondrial Stress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,605.00
Summary
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells. They generate energy from the food we eat and air we breathe. However, excess nutrients can cause mitochondrial stress and damage that lead to disease. The objective of this research is to understand how the brain regulates mitochondrial stress responses throughout the body. Therefore, this project will identify stress-response processes that are directly relevant to health and disease.
This project is about the way that the brain controls reproduction. It is important because there is no known cause for infertility in a significant number people with such a problem. The project should inform us on new ways to manage particular forms of reproductive failure.
Gonadotropin Inhibitory Hormone (GnIH); A Negative Regulator Of Reproduction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$752,936.00
Summary
Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a short peptide of 8 amino acids that is produced by the brain and acts in a negative manner on brain and pituitary cells that control reproduction. This project aims to elucidate the role of GnIH in normal physiology and in states of stress and negative metabolic state. Work will be carried out in various species to define the function of the peptide and also to investigate ways that it can be utilised to prevent reproduction.