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How The Lateral Habenula Integrates Behavioral And Autonomic Functions: The VTA Dopamine Connection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$819,904.00
Summary
When adverse events occur, the lateral habenula, an old brain nucleus, helps calculate the wisest corrective action by contributing to the “brake” that controls the brain’s dopamine reward system. Our research will show how the lateral habenula links corrective changes in behavior with coordinated changes in temperature. Understanding this link will greatly contribute to understanding the brain mechanisms that regulate our physiology during stressful situations and as part of mental illness.
Neural Control Of Behavioural State And Cognition - Role Of Nucleus Incertus And Relaxin-3
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,771.00
Summary
Dementia and mental illness are significant social and economic burdens worldwide and knowledge of underlying causes and more effective therapies are required. Our research is using preclinical models to characterize a little studied neural network in the control of arousal states, rhythmic brain activity, and learning and memory. Our findings could advance the development of improved treatments for cognitive deficits in degenerative, age-related and psychiatric disorders.
The role of zinc in synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. By regulating the strength of synaptic transmission between neurons, zinc exerts dynamic control over many physiological processes including memory formation, fear conditioning and movement control. Zinc also controls neuronal cell death pathways. There is currently much controversy about the concentration that zinc reaches in the synaptic cleft and the length of time it remains elevated. By defining these parameters, this ....The role of zinc in synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. By regulating the strength of synaptic transmission between neurons, zinc exerts dynamic control over many physiological processes including memory formation, fear conditioning and movement control. Zinc also controls neuronal cell death pathways. There is currently much controversy about the concentration that zinc reaches in the synaptic cleft and the length of time it remains elevated. By defining these parameters, this project aims to understand which proteins zinc acts upon and the molecular mechanisms by which it exerts its synapse-modulating effects. The outcomes of this project could lead to better understanding of zinc dynamics that could underpin future research into many physiological processes.Read moreRead less
The molecular basis of ionic selectivity in nicotinic-type ion channel receptors. The ability of cell membranes to transport sodium, potassium and chloride selectively is important for many physiological processes. By elucidating the mechanisms by which membrane ion channels flux chloride ions, selectively this project will have wide-ranging ramifications from understanding physiological processes to nanofluidic device design.
Mechanisms of itch - from endosomal signalling to neural circuits. This project aims to investigate the cellular and circuit mechanisms of itch transmission in the spinal cord by defining the activation and propagation of itch-specific signals. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuronal signalling and circuitry using novel electrophysiological approaches that target and manipulate specific nerves and cellular components. The project will characterise signalling within ....Mechanisms of itch - from endosomal signalling to neural circuits. This project aims to investigate the cellular and circuit mechanisms of itch transmission in the spinal cord by defining the activation and propagation of itch-specific signals. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuronal signalling and circuitry using novel electrophysiological approaches that target and manipulate specific nerves and cellular components. The project will characterise signalling within specific spinal subcircuits in order to understand the mechanisms of receptor activation and signalling, and investigate how circuit activity is regulated. This project expects to advance fundamental understanding of itch signalling in the nervous system and provide avenues for future therapeutics.Read moreRead less
Relaxin-3/RXFP3 Signalling And Regulation Of Affective Behaviour _ Studies In Normal/transgenic Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,268.00
Summary
Mental illness is a significant social and economic burden worldwide and knowledge of the underlying causes and more effective therapies are required. Our research aims to use pre-clinical animal models to characterize a little studied brain neuronal network implicated in control of arousal and stress, which could lead to improved treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Understanding the changes in brain chemistry associated with schizophrenia. Current drugs for schizophrenia only work in 30% of patients. To develop better therapies, we must understand the changes in the brains of people with the disorder. This research will explore a chemical system in the brain that is changed in schizophrenia and begin to investigate whether counteracting these changes are therapeutically beneficial.
The role of P2X7 and P2X4 receptor mediated innate phagocytosis in pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This project will identify how inherited variation in two proteins of the brain can accelerate the removal of neurones and predispose to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Knowledge of the biological basis of this finding will allow a search for new compounds which will slow and protect against this form of neurodegeneration.
Resolving the Structures of Human Muscarinic M1 and M4 Receptors. Muscarinic receptors are vital for most basic human brain functions. These receptors are changed in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. This project will determine the structure and localisation of two of these receptors in order to i) understand their roles in brain disorders and ii) develop drugs to treat disorders involving them.