Neural Circuits For Odour-processing In The Rodent Piriform Cortex 'in Vivo'
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,817.00
Summary
We are studying the brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise odours. We will apply puffs of odorants to the nose of an anaesthetised mouse while measuring electrical signals in the odour-processing region of its cerebral cortex. Our work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the world. This is basic research that will, in the longer term, shed light on the disturbances that occur during mental illness.
The Claustrum Enigma: Unlocking The Role Of The Last Unknown Area Of The Primate Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,364.00
Summary
Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in parti ....Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in particular, that is- most of the time.Read moreRead less
Eye Movements And The Neural Representation Of Visual Space
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,061.00
Summary
This project will investigate the brain mechanisms that underlie our ability to perceive the locations of objects using vision. This fundamental ability supports a range of important functions including visually-guided reaching, navigation during walking, and spatial awareness, but remains poorly understood. Using physiological, behavioural, and analytical methods, this project will fill a key knowledge gap in visual neuroscience and form a basis for a range of clinical and biomedical advances.
Interaction Of Thalamic And Cortical Activity In The Primate Visual System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$487,580.00
Summary
We recently discovered that a primitive part of the visual pathway shows rhythmic nerve cell activity similar to slow brain waves recorded in sleep, anaesthesia, and epilepsy. We now plan to discover whether these primitive cells help to generate brain waves by measuring the timing of their activity together with brain waves in different visual and non-visual parts of the brain. This project will contribute to understanding the role of brain waves in normal brain function and epilepsy.
Learning And Network Plasticity In A Primitive Sensory Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,557.00
Summary
Our brain is a uniquely powerful supercomputer, in part because it is ‘plastic’ -- that is, it can change itself when we adapt or learn something new. An understanding of the causes of brain plasticity is an essential part of any quest to understand the brain in sickness and in health. This research uses a laser microscope to ‘read the minds’ of mice as they learn about odours. By observing plasticity in action, we will gain deeper insights into normal brain function.
Delayed Radial Glial Maturation Linked To NFI Deficiency As An Underlying Cause Of Cortical Defects In Humans And Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$801,979.00
Summary
The timely generation of neurons and glia is important for brain development and consequently brain function throughout life. Nuclear factor I (NFI) genes are important for regulating the production of neurons and glia, and people with disrupted NFI genes have severe cognitive and motor deficits. Using human genetic data and mouse models, we will analyse how disrupting these genes affects brain development, and changes the overall structure and wiring of the cerebral cortex as well as behaviour.
Persistent Firing In Cortical Interneurons: Mechanisms And Potential Anticonvulsant Role
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,552.00
Summary
The normal brain treads a fine line between too much electrical activity (epilepsy) and too little (sedation). We have discovered a class of brain cell that seems to behave like a sentinel, monitoring brain activity for signs of epilepsy. If a seizure occurs, this cell switches on an electrical brake that dampens excess activity. In this project we will study how this brake works and whether it really can inhibit seizures. Our research may lead to better treatments for epilepsy.
Targeting Of Callosal Axons To Duplicate Cortical Areas In The Contralateral Hemisphere
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,785.00
Summary
The two sides of the brain communicate via a large fibre tract called the corpus callosum. This proposal investigates how the corpus callosum is formed during embryonic and postnatal development. Specifically, we investigate how the axons that make up the corpus callosum are able to locate their precise target in the contralateral hemisphere so that the brain circuit they form will be functional. We have developed a new mouse model to discover the fundamental mechanisms regulating how the brain ....The two sides of the brain communicate via a large fibre tract called the corpus callosum. This proposal investigates how the corpus callosum is formed during embryonic and postnatal development. Specifically, we investigate how the axons that make up the corpus callosum are able to locate their precise target in the contralateral hemisphere so that the brain circuit they form will be functional. We have developed a new mouse model to discover the fundamental mechanisms regulating how the brain is wired in order to function correctly.Read moreRead less
Guidance Mechanisms Regulating The Development Of Axonal Projections From The Cingulate Cortex.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,236.00
Summary
The corpus callosum is the largest fibre tract in the brain and connects neurons in the left and right cerebral hemispheres. A subpopulation of callosal axons arise from neurons in the cingulate cortex and are the first to cross the midline. Defects in activation or wiring of the cingulate cortex are strongly implicated in acute pain, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This proposal investigates how the commissural projections of the cingulate cortex become wired up during development.
Cellular And Molecular Regulation Of Interhemispheric Fusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,489.00
Summary
In the developing brain, the two cerebral hemispheres undergo interhemispheric fusion to allow commissural fibres to cross the midline. Lack of interhemispheric fusion results in agenesis of the corpus callosum and may manifest as an interhemispheric cyst in acallosal patients. This project will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate interhemispheric fusion, including removal of the leptomeninges, astroglial differentiation and the formation of adherens junctions at the ....In the developing brain, the two cerebral hemispheres undergo interhemispheric fusion to allow commissural fibres to cross the midline. Lack of interhemispheric fusion results in agenesis of the corpus callosum and may manifest as an interhemispheric cyst in acallosal patients. This project will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate interhemispheric fusion, including removal of the leptomeninges, astroglial differentiation and the formation of adherens junctions at the interhemispheric fissure to mediate fusion.Read moreRead less