I am a neuroscientist interested in injury to the nervous system with emphasis on promoting functional recovery and clinical translation. Injury models are neurotrauma, the long-term effects of maternal drug administration on offspring and diabetic retino
Knowledge, Identification And Exploitation Of Dopaminergic Axon Guidance Cues Will Improve Cell Replacement Therapy For ParkinsonÍs Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,797.00
Summary
Many obstacles exist for cell transplantation in ParkinsonÍs Disease; namely poor graft survival, restoration of appropriate circuitry and adequate nerve fiber growth from new cells. Using knowledge of how neural circuits are established during fetal development, we will attempt to recapitulate these events following transplantation. Further, we will identify new and novel cues in regulating the connectivity and growth of these nerve fibers.
Regulation Of Regeneration Of Dopaminergic Neurones In The Substantia Nigra
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$115,880.00
Summary
Parkinson's Disease (PD) results from the progressive loss of brain cells in the part of the brain called substantia nigra. These brain cells contain a chemical called Dopamine (DA). The symptoms of Parkinson's disease arise when about 80% these DA neurones are lost suggesting that some form of compensation must occur up to this point. In previous studies we have demonstrated that one mechanism for this compensation is through sprouting or branching of the remaining neurones. We have preliminary ....Parkinson's Disease (PD) results from the progressive loss of brain cells in the part of the brain called substantia nigra. These brain cells contain a chemical called Dopamine (DA). The symptoms of Parkinson's disease arise when about 80% these DA neurones are lost suggesting that some form of compensation must occur up to this point. In previous studies we have demonstrated that one mechanism for this compensation is through sprouting or branching of the remaining neurones. We have preliminary evidence about the way this is sprouting and regeneration is controlled. The aim of this grant is to explore in detail the mechanisms whereby sprouting is induced and regulated. The significance of this study is that it may provide insights into the way in which regulation of regeneration of the nervous system is controlled. It has specific applications to therapies for Parkinson's disease.Read moreRead less
How Are Axons Guided To Their Targets In The Developing Nervous System?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,644.00
Summary
Many neurodevelopmental disorders are probably the result of wiring defects. In this project we will use new technologies to study how growing nerve fibres are steered to their targets during development, and use this data to create new mathematical models which can predict which way nerve fibres should grow in different situations. This will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both normal and abnormal brain development.
Epilepsy And Stress: An Explanatory Electrophysiological Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,233.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stres ....Epilepsy is one of the most common recurrent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting between 1 and 2% of the population. The cascade of events culminating in epilepsy, or the role of seizures in altering brain structures and circuits has been difficult to define. Previous work from our group has shown that stress markedly accelerates the process of epilepsy development. I am developing a model of brain functioning from observed brain cells to chart the changes associated with seizures, stress, and potential treatments.Read moreRead less
Restoration Of The Nigrostriatal Pathway In The Parkinsonian Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,431.00
Summary
Many obstacles exist for cell transplantation in Parkinson's disease; namely poor restoration of the host brain circuitry due to incorrect graft placement. This results in incomplete motor function and unwanted side effects. Through iterative studies we endeavor to restore this circuitry by placing grafts in the appropriate location and promoting their survival and growth-integrations. This will require: optimizing the donor tissue and exposure of the graft to growth stimulating factors.
Using Stem Cells And Bioengineered Scaffolds To Promote Regeneration Following Necrotic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,857.00
Summary
A number of injuries, including stroke, result in tissue loss. Consequently promoting repair will require restoration of tissue structure, replacement cells and a supportive environment to promote integration of these new cells. This study will engineer and develop novel scaffolds that can replace tissue whilst additionally providing physical and chemical support for newly implanted stem cells. This work will be conducted in an animal model of stroke.
Multimodal Electrically Conducting Bionic Implant For Long-distance Oriented Axonal Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Neurotrauma, defined as an injury to the central nervous system, is a debilitating medical condition affecting over 3 million people annually worldwide. Loss of function following injury is largely due to the limited potential of nerve cells to regenerate. I will develop a bionic platform that conducts electrical signals and delivers growth promoting proteins thereby enhancing the directed regeneration of nerve cells necessary to bridge the gap caused by the injury and restore organ function.
Wnt Signaling In Dopaminergic Neuronal Connectivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,721.00
Summary
A major obstacle in repairing the injured or diseased brain is inducing axons (nerve cell processes) to make the appropriate connections. This is especially true following cell replacement therapy (CRT) in Parkinson's disease (PD). We will examine the processes inducing axons in the dopamine pathways to grow. We hypothesize that Wnt signaling plays and important role and that therapeutic introduction of Wnt is required to repair the dopamine pathways following CRT in PD.