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I am a neuroscientist, studying fundamental mechanisms related to addiction. A major feature of my research is the neuropharmacological characterisation of potential novel therapeutic strategies to combat drug-seeking behaviour.
This is an application for reappointment as a Principal Research Fellow. My primary area of research is preclinical studies of addiction, with a particular emphasis on relapse. I am increasingly engaged in translational studies.
Salt (sodium) is an essential electrolyte. Our convincing and complementary findings provide compelling evidence for a link between evolutionarily ancient “instincts” and substance abuse. This proposal is translational, including studies in opiate dependent humans. Our studies will establish how and where in the brain endogenous opioids are implicated in the gratification of salt appetite, how salt appetite is altered in opiate dependency and if salt appetite recovers following opiate withdrawal
Determining Neuronal Connections Involved In Parkinson's Disease And Cocaine Addiction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,300.00
Summary
Addictive behaviours in response to cocaine use and fine motor coordination that is affected in Parkinson's disease are both controlled by the same type of cells/neurons, i.e., dopamine neurons. However, the circuitry of these neurons varies from where they originate and the type of connections they make. By understanding the neuronal circuitry of these two circuitries in concert we will be able to gain important insight into their roles in adaptive and pathological brain function.
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Characterization Of A Model And Evaluation Of Novel Pharmacological Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,460.00
Summary
Shaken baby syndrome is a form of traumatic brain injury in infants less than 2 years of age. It results in death in 10-40 % of cases, and neurological problems in survivors. No treatment exists largely because there is no well characterized model of the syndrome that replicates the human situation. This study will fully characterize our newly developed model of shaken baby syndrome and examine the effectiveness of a novel interventional strategy targeting brain swelling.
Studying The Interaction Of Reelin Deficiency And Environmental Factors In The Development Of Schizophrenia Using Animal Behavioural Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,695.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is caused by an interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors such as stress or drug abuse. Reelin is a protein involved in the normal development of the brain but its levels are markedly reduced in schizophrenia. We will use mice with low levels of reelin in their brain and assess the effect of environmental stress and drugs of abuse. These studies could elucidate gene-environment interaction in schizophrenia and lead to new treatment strategies.
Models of adolescent drug use and its consequences. Recent concerns surround the impact of drug abuse - particularly binge drinking, inhalant abuse and cannabis use - on the mental health of adolescents. Early drug use is associated with mental health problems although the mechanisms involved are not well characterised. The present proposal aims to use animal models to characterise substance abuse that occurs during the adolescent period and to investigate its effects on brain and behaviour. Inc ....Models of adolescent drug use and its consequences. Recent concerns surround the impact of drug abuse - particularly binge drinking, inhalant abuse and cannabis use - on the mental health of adolescents. Early drug use is associated with mental health problems although the mechanisms involved are not well characterised. The present proposal aims to use animal models to characterise substance abuse that occurs during the adolescent period and to investigate its effects on brain and behaviour. Increasing our knowledge of the causes and consequences of adolescent drug abuse will improve Australia's ability to confront this problem and to develop early interventions and treatments that minimise associated harms.Read moreRead less
Age-dependent effects of cannabinoids on emotion, cognition and vulnerablity to addiction. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Australia so understanding the effects of this drug is of great importance. There is little of no basic research on cannabis currently occurring in Australia. Yet such research is critical in resolving the ambiguities and difficulties inherent in our understanding of the drug. The importance of increasing our understanding of the long-term effects of the dr ....Age-dependent effects of cannabinoids on emotion, cognition and vulnerablity to addiction. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Australia so understanding the effects of this drug is of great importance. There is little of no basic research on cannabis currently occurring in Australia. Yet such research is critical in resolving the ambiguities and difficulties inherent in our understanding of the drug. The importance of increasing our understanding of the long-term effects of the drug on young developing brains is particularly evident. The information gained in the current project will serve to inform medical and scientific communities, government policy makers, as well as the broader Australian community. Read moreRead less
Toll Like Receptor signalling as a mediator of sex differences in pain, opioid and alcohol action. Brain immunology will be examined in this project to see if the signalling of a receptor called Toll Like Receptor 4 can explain sex differences in pain, and the action of pain killers and alcohol. These findings will have significant implications on the understanding of male and female brains, and will assist in the design of new drugs to treat brain and spinal cord diseases.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL0992409
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,996,243.00
Summary
The neural bases of decision-making. This research focuses on the neural bases of decision making, a general capacity affected by normal ageing, disorders associated with neurodegeneration including dementia, major psychiatric conditions and drug addiction. Changes in the neural systems that result in the cognitive and emotional dissociation reflected in these disorders constitute the highest health, economic and social capital attrition burden to Australia of any disease group, a burden that is ....The neural bases of decision-making. This research focuses on the neural bases of decision making, a general capacity affected by normal ageing, disorders associated with neurodegeneration including dementia, major psychiatric conditions and drug addiction. Changes in the neural systems that result in the cognitive and emotional dissociation reflected in these disorders constitute the highest health, economic and social capital attrition burden to Australia of any disease group, a burden that is only predicted to increase as the population ages. Understanding these changes in neural systems and their specific behavioural effects is, therefore, of critical importance and will ultimately provide new targets for treatment and rehabilitation.Read moreRead less