Novel Molecules Underlying The Development Of Corticopetal And Corticofugal Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$289,250.00
Summary
The mammalian brain consists of many discrete areas which perform specific functions. Each area has specific sets of connections with other brain areas. These sets of connections underlie the ability of the brain to execute functions critical to our daily lives, such as sight, hearing, touch and movement, as well as more complex functions such as memory, motivation and reasoning. We currently know little about how the sets of connections which underlie these functions are formed. The aim of this ....The mammalian brain consists of many discrete areas which perform specific functions. Each area has specific sets of connections with other brain areas. These sets of connections underlie the ability of the brain to execute functions critical to our daily lives, such as sight, hearing, touch and movement, as well as more complex functions such as memory, motivation and reasoning. We currently know little about how the sets of connections which underlie these functions are formed. The aim of this project is to understand how some of the connections between the cortex and other brain areas are formed during development. To do this the project will combine modern molecular techniques with neuroanatomy to identify molecules that are expressed by specific populations of neurons during critical developmental stages. These molecules will then be misexpressed in order to determine whether they are important for the development of appropriate connectivity in the brain. A knowledge of the molecules that regulate the development of neuronal pathways is critical to understanding brain development. In the long term, it will also lead to the development of therapies for cases when the brain is damaged or does not develop appropriately due to disease or injury.Read moreRead less
Pathways To Vision Following Lesions Of The Primary Visual Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Lesions due to stroke or trauma in the occipital lobe cause blindness, which can be complete or restricted to part of the visual field. My work has identified areas of the visual brain that remain active after such lesions. I want to find out if these areas can be used to partially restore vision. This project will study the potential roles of different surviving areas, how brain cells rewire their connections in response to damage, and how rehabilitation programs work at the cellular level.
The Pulvinar Is Instrumental In The Development Of Visual Cortical Networks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,192,911.00
Summary
This Project will elucidate the mechanisms and brain structures involved in visual system development and how their perturbation in early life can lead to neurodevelopmental and cognitive brain disorders, such as Williams and fragile-X syndromes as well as dyslexia. Furthermore, it will demonstrate how the visual brain has a greater capacity to compensate and achieve preservation of vision following an injury in early life.
Developmental Differences In The Role Of The Medial Prefrontal Cortex In Fear Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,481.00
Summary
This project explores the neural circuitry involved in fear expression early in life, and how early life experiences can affect this circuitry. A better understanding of the neural circuitry underlying fear regulation across development is essential given that the majority of anxiety disorders first appear in childhood or early adolescence.
Understanding Cortical Circuitry Underlying Sensory Integration And The Consequence Of Its Developmental Disruption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,395.00
Summary
The mammalian neocortex is organised into six layers with a systematic pattern of wiring that relies on normal development and balanced activity of neurons. This project combines developmental, electrophysiological, optogenetic behavioural, and computational methods to establish how the properties of the precise structure of cortical circuits impact their function and how disruptions in the balanced activity during development affect circuit formation and function in the mature brain.
Selective Modulation Of Neural Network Activity Using Focal Brain Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,496.00
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been touted as a viable treatment for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the extent to which localised TMS influences widespread brain networks remains unknown. To fill this gap, we will combine neuroimaging and TMS in healthy adults. The project will provide a scientific foundation for the use of brain stimulation as an effective tool for improving function in a range of clinical conditions.
Patients with schizophrenia differ widely in their symptoms, long-term outcome and response to medication. However, most patients are treated with the same medications and interventions. This study aims to better facilitate the targeting of novel treatments to groups of patients (biotypes) that are likely to benefit most from a treatment. Groups of patients that share distinct patterns of deficits in brain connectivity will be delineated using state-of-the-art white matter imaging techniques.
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.