Genetic And Functional Analysis Of Brain Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,327.00
Summary
Disorders of early brain development are recognised as a significant cause of illness and disability in children. Unfortunately, the causes of these conditions are poorly understood, and treatment options are limited. It has become apparent that many of these conditions have an underlying genetic basis. This project will identify genes that regulate brain development and aid the development of improved treatment programs for brain and mind disorders.
Biomaterials For The Direct Reprograming Of Reactive Astrocytes Into Functional Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,500.00
Summary
We will employ peptide inspired hydrogel nanoscaffolds that can be injected into a brain lesion as a single injection to provide chemical and physical support for the surrounding cells. We will utilize various modifications to these materials to reprogram inflammatory cells into neurons, whilst also promoting the survival, maintenance and growth of existing neurons to encourage repair.
Developing A Pathophysiological Model For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Path To Biomarker Discovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Despite the efficacy of stimulant medication in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we lack mechanistic accounts of the neuropathology of ADHD. A major barrier is the lack of human disease models representing clinical symptoms. The derivation of a novel, cell-based ADHD model proposed in this project will shed new light on the physiological bases of ADHD and be a rich resource for biomarker discovery
Delineating the functional role of the amyloid precursor protein's copper binding domain. This study will define how the interaction between copper and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) molecule regulates copper homeostasis and APP metabolism. Since copper homeostasis is tightly regulated and vital for normal cellular function, understanding the regulation copper homeostasis is important for basic biology. Moreover, APP is directly involved in causing Alzheimer's disease and therefore underst ....Delineating the functional role of the amyloid precursor protein's copper binding domain. This study will define how the interaction between copper and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) molecule regulates copper homeostasis and APP metabolism. Since copper homeostasis is tightly regulated and vital for normal cellular function, understanding the regulation copper homeostasis is important for basic biology. Moreover, APP is directly involved in causing Alzheimer's disease and therefore understanding the interaction between APP and copper has potential benefits for community health by combating aging and Alzheimer's disease.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354800
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Brain and Behaviour Network. The Brain and Behaviour Network is concerned with understanding the underlying mechanisms which determine how we behave. It encompasses many disciplines including anthropology, education, ethology, neurology, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology. The Network will bring these disciplines together to create a forum to discuss and integrate the knowledge into a framework for understanding the mechanisms of behaviour and to stimulate cross-disciplinary research. The f ....Brain and Behaviour Network. The Brain and Behaviour Network is concerned with understanding the underlying mechanisms which determine how we behave. It encompasses many disciplines including anthropology, education, ethology, neurology, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology. The Network will bring these disciplines together to create a forum to discuss and integrate the knowledge into a framework for understanding the mechanisms of behaviour and to stimulate cross-disciplinary research. The framework of knowledge will lead to a greater understanding of how we behave and will improve knowledge in areas which have a major behavioural component, such as in human development and education, psychological well-being, psychiatric problems and ageing.Read moreRead less
Brain sodium channel: functional role of developmentally regulated alternative splicing. This project will identify the roles of neonatal and adult forms of a sodium channel in the function of neurons in the developing brain. Sodium channels are vital for brain function and this study will improve our understanding of the function of healthy brain as well as of underlying mechanisms of some neurological disorders.
Targeting Necroptosis Signalling To Counter Stroke-induced Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,809.00
Summary
The origins of the brain injury that arises from stroke remain a matter of enormous interest. Our work suggests that a poorly understood form of cell death, termed necroptosis, contributes to injury to the brain following stroke. In addition to developing an advanced understanding of this process, we will use drugs developed at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute to test whether blocking this process might be a plausible therapeutic strategy in stroke patients.
A toxic cycle of inflammation and iron in the ageing brain. This project investigates why our brain cells gradually die as we grow older. We believe that infections and inflammation in other parts of the body cause iron to accumulate in the brain and become toxic. Iron supplements and ageing may make this situation worse. The results of this study could lead to new treatments for memory loss and dementia.
Selective Isolation And In Vivo Properties Of Dopamine Neurons Generated From Embryonic Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,389.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a procedure that allows for the safe and effective use of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. It is based on the concept that new dopamine neurons, generated from stem cells, can be implanted into the brain of the patients in order to replace those lost to the disease, thereby improving motor function.
How does timing affect mammalian brain development and evolution? This project aims to generate fundamental knowledge on the origin of diversity in mammalian brain circuits by studying development of marsupials and rodents. The expected outcome is to elucidate how differences in the timing, rate and sequence of development of gene expression, cell differentiation and circuit formation can relate to the origin of key evolutionary innovations in the mammalian brain. The significance of understandi ....How does timing affect mammalian brain development and evolution? This project aims to generate fundamental knowledge on the origin of diversity in mammalian brain circuits by studying development of marsupials and rodents. The expected outcome is to elucidate how differences in the timing, rate and sequence of development of gene expression, cell differentiation and circuit formation can relate to the origin of key evolutionary innovations in the mammalian brain. The significance of understanding the dynamics of developmental systems that shape complex brain traits includes establishing new developmental paradigms in evolutionary theory, generating new tools to investigate and manipulate brain gene expression in vivo, and the potential discovery of the causes of neurodevelopmental dysfunction.Read moreRead less