The Role Of Rnd Genes During Cortical Neurogenesis And Cell Migration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,384.00
Summary
In order for the brain to function properly, tens of billions of neurons within it first have to be born, then find their proper location before connecting with other neurons in a highly ordered fashion. Failure of these key processes heavily impacts on subsequent brain function, and have been shown to underlie several disorders including epilepsy. This study will investigate how members of the Rnd gene family control cell production and positioning within the developing brain.
An Examination Of Motor Functioning In Autism And Asperger's Disorder: An Analysis Of Gait & Cortical Brain Activity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,220.00
Summary
Autism is a developmental disorder characterised by a triad of deficits: delayed and atypical language development, impaired development of social skills, and ritualistic and stereotypic behaviour. Although not part of the standard diagnosis, movement disorders and gait abnormalities have been clinically observed in autism similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease. In addition, individuals with Asperger's disorder may appear more clumsy, have a stiff or awkward way of walking, and exhibit poo ....Autism is a developmental disorder characterised by a triad of deficits: delayed and atypical language development, impaired development of social skills, and ritualistic and stereotypic behaviour. Although not part of the standard diagnosis, movement disorders and gait abnormalities have been clinically observed in autism similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease. In addition, individuals with Asperger's disorder may appear more clumsy, have a stiff or awkward way of walking, and exhibit poor coordination in posture and gesture. It has been suggested that there is disruption within the basal-ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry (the region connecting the frontal and sub-cortical structures), which may cause the motor dysfunction seen in autism and Asperger's disorder. Few studies have attempted to isolate particular stages of motor functioning which may account for the coordination and motor delay observed clinically in autism and Asperger's disorder. A recent study of ours found evidence to suggest that motor planning deficiencies may account for the 'clumsy' movement patterns frequently reported in the autism - Asperger's disorder literature. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive neurobehavioural and neurophysiological analysis of motor functioning in young people with autism and Asperger's disorder to further examine the exact stages of motor processing which are deficient in these disorder groups. Recent retrospective studies have shown that even as infants children with autism exhibit clear features of motor disturbance, which, if detected and clearly defined, could advance early diagnosis. In addition to advancing the clinical definition of autism and Asperger's disorder, a careful examination of motor disturbance may also illuminate the neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101394
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Early developmental influences on neocortical organisation. This project seeks to identify the influence of preceding developmental stages on the correct formation of the brain. Development is a sequence of transformations where every stage depends on the outcome of previous stages. The project intends to examine how the early sensory periphery, early-born brain circuits, and intrinsic neuronal interactions affect the subsequent organisation of the cerebral cortex – a mammal-specific brain regio ....Early developmental influences on neocortical organisation. This project seeks to identify the influence of preceding developmental stages on the correct formation of the brain. Development is a sequence of transformations where every stage depends on the outcome of previous stages. The project intends to examine how the early sensory periphery, early-born brain circuits, and intrinsic neuronal interactions affect the subsequent organisation of the cerebral cortex – a mammal-specific brain region responsible for perception, motor planning and cognition. It expects to provide novel mechanistic and conceptual insights into the process of normal brain development and more general biological phenomena, such as development and evolution. It may also provide insights into several genetic and non-genetic causes of brain malformations.Read moreRead less
Revisiting the ontogeny of vocal learning in birds: from neuron to fitness. This project aims to test the hypothesis that acoustic exposure prior to hatching directly affects gene expression, neural development, behaviour and consequently fitness, in wild populations of songbirds. Recent research suggests that animals are receptive to acoustic parental signals long before birth and may use such previously unrecognised signals to make adaptive developmental decisions. This project will quantify t ....Revisiting the ontogeny of vocal learning in birds: from neuron to fitness. This project aims to test the hypothesis that acoustic exposure prior to hatching directly affects gene expression, neural development, behaviour and consequently fitness, in wild populations of songbirds. Recent research suggests that animals are receptive to acoustic parental signals long before birth and may use such previously unrecognised signals to make adaptive developmental decisions. This project will quantify the effect on neural development and vocal learning in embryonic birds, employing a model songbird species. The outcomes of this study will transform our understanding of the adaptive potential of prenatal vocal learning, which will have significant benefits for human speech and language development.Read moreRead less
Do crayfish use the information carried by low-level electrical signals in the environment? Many vertebrates detect electric fields. Fish communicate electrically. No invertebrate has been shown to do so. We have evidence that crayfish change their behaviour following exposure to low-level, waterborne electrical signals. Crayfish behaviour is currently the preferred model for studying the neurobiology of social hierarchies in animals. Evidence that information is passing from either predators or ....Do crayfish use the information carried by low-level electrical signals in the environment? Many vertebrates detect electric fields. Fish communicate electrically. No invertebrate has been shown to do so. We have evidence that crayfish change their behaviour following exposure to low-level, waterborne electrical signals. Crayfish behaviour is currently the preferred model for studying the neurobiology of social hierarchies in animals. Evidence that information is passing from either predators or conspecifics through an undescribed electrosensory channel would fundamentally change the direction of that research. Behaviour modification using electrical signals could also prove to be a valuable tool in crustacean aquaculture. This is a proposal to discover the nature and behavioural implications of crayfish electroreception.Read moreRead less
Brain states and their roles in evasive behaviour. Using cutting-edge custom microscopy, neuroinformatics, and optogenetics in the larval zebrafish model, this project aims to describe the neurons, circuits, and networks that govern brain states. These brain states, by altering sensory-response relationships, allow animals to tune their behaviour to their circumstances, and the small transparent brains of zebrafish offer the possibility to observe activity across all neurons in the brain while t ....Brain states and their roles in evasive behaviour. Using cutting-edge custom microscopy, neuroinformatics, and optogenetics in the larval zebrafish model, this project aims to describe the neurons, circuits, and networks that govern brain states. These brain states, by altering sensory-response relationships, allow animals to tune their behaviour to their circumstances, and the small transparent brains of zebrafish offer the possibility to observe activity across all neurons in the brain while these processes occur in real time. Benefits would include knowledge gained about this fundamental property of the brain, further refinement of technologies in microscopy and biophyisics, and the training of Australia’s next generation of optical physicists, neuroscientists, and mathematicians. Read moreRead less
Epigenetic Regulation Of Male Fetal Germ Cell Development.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,176.00
Summary
Men’s health has declined over recent decades, but the causes remain unknown. Non-genetic (epigenetic) mechanisms affecting formation and function of the male germ cells (which produce sperm) may play an important role. We will determine the role of a key epigenetic modifier on the formation and function of male germ cells, including germ cell tumours. This study will provide fundamental insights into male germ cell epigenetics, and significantly contribute to understanding men's health.
Identifying The Pathological Mechanism Of PCDH19-Girls Clustering Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,988.00
Summary
Changes in the PCDH19 gene are a relatively common cause of epilepsy. To better understand the basis of this disorder, we have developed unique mouse models that mimic the genetic changes and symptoms of this condition. We will perform careful analysis of brain development in these models to determine the primary cause of this condition. These experiments will create greater understanding of how changes in PCDH19 cause epilepsy in girls and facilitate the development of new treatments.
What is the biological significance of electrosensitivity in crayfish? The finding that an Australian crayfish responds to low-level electrical signals in the surrounding water is the first report of electrosensitivity in an aquatic invertebrate. This project will investigate its unknown biological significance. The results will impact on behavioural studies in all aquatic invertebrates because they will now have to consider this factor. Some other decapod crustaceans will almost certainly be fo ....What is the biological significance of electrosensitivity in crayfish? The finding that an Australian crayfish responds to low-level electrical signals in the surrounding water is the first report of electrosensitivity in an aquatic invertebrate. This project will investigate its unknown biological significance. The results will impact on behavioural studies in all aquatic invertebrates because they will now have to consider this factor. Some other decapod crustaceans will almost certainly be found to be electrosensitive. Not only are these important subjects for behavioural analysis, many form the basis of important commercial aquaculture industries. The outcomes will enhance Australia's scientific standing and provide opportunities for students to become leaders in a new field. Read moreRead less