Novel DNA Modifications Underlying Sex Differences In Fear-related Learning And Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,978.00
Summary
Women are at increased risk of developing fear-related anxiety disorders. We have recently discovered that there sex-specific regulatory mechanisms in the brain that are associated with differences in the control of fear. In this proposal, we will determine whether novel DNA modifications in the female brain are responsible for establishing sex differences in brain states that make the brain more or less responsive to fear-related learning.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100112
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Epitranscriptomic regulation of learning and memory. This project aims to investigate m6A, the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA, in the mammalian brain. The adult brain contains a high level of reversible m6A, suggesting that m6A regulates the neuronal transcriptome during synaptic plasticity, the cellular basis of learning and memory. This project will use epitranscriptomics to investigate the more than 100 modifications on RNA, many of which are not yet characte ....Epitranscriptomic regulation of learning and memory. This project aims to investigate m6A, the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA, in the mammalian brain. The adult brain contains a high level of reversible m6A, suggesting that m6A regulates the neuronal transcriptome during synaptic plasticity, the cellular basis of learning and memory. This project will use epitranscriptomics to investigate the more than 100 modifications on RNA, many of which are not yet characterised. Through molecular and mouse behavioural assays, the expected outcomes are insights into the post-transcriptional regulation underlying learning and memory, essential for survival in a constantly changing environment.Read moreRead less
Cell-type specific profiling of nascent RNA in the brain during learning. This project aims to understand cell-type specific, fast-acting, and dynamic patterns of RNA expression that arise during learning and contribute to the formation of memory. Activity-induced gene expression is central to neural plasticity, learning and memory. The project will apply a new approach, which tags RNA inside living cells. The findings will be broadly applicable and create new opportunities for understanding the ....Cell-type specific profiling of nascent RNA in the brain during learning. This project aims to understand cell-type specific, fast-acting, and dynamic patterns of RNA expression that arise during learning and contribute to the formation of memory. Activity-induced gene expression is central to neural plasticity, learning and memory. The project will apply a new approach, which tags RNA inside living cells. The findings will be broadly applicable and create new opportunities for understanding the true nature of brain adaptation.Read moreRead less
Defining novel neuroepigenetic pathways that influence learning and memory. This project aims to better understand the functional relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and regulatory RNAs in the brain and how they influence learning and the formation of memory. Activity-induced gene expression is central to neural plasticity, learning, and memory. However, efforts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in the brain have not been fully resolved. By elucidating the full repertoire of epigenet ....Defining novel neuroepigenetic pathways that influence learning and memory. This project aims to better understand the functional relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and regulatory RNAs in the brain and how they influence learning and the formation of memory. Activity-induced gene expression is central to neural plasticity, learning, and memory. However, efforts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in the brain have not been fully resolved. By elucidating the full repertoire of epigenetic mechanisms in the brain during learning and memory formation, the findings of the project will be broadly applicable and create new opportunities for understanding the true nature of brain adaptation.Read moreRead less