Defining Role Of Inflammatory Signals In Enhancing Motoneuron Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,688.00
Summary
Spinal cord injury is a devastating event that has a life-long impact on the patient’s life with wide-reaching social and economic effects. In this proposal we examine how inflammatory signals boost neuronal regeneration after injury. Furthermore, we define how new neurons are able to integrate into existing spinal circuitry. Out work provides critical insight and hold keys to unlocking strategies for future restorative therapies in the brain or spinal cord.
Neogenin: A Regulator Of Neuronal Differentiation And Migration In The Adult Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,053.00
Summary
Conditions such as Alzheimer�s and Huntington�s diseases, as well as stroke, represent a major burden of disease in Australia. One goal of modern neurobiology is to harness the brain's ability to make new neurons so that we can replace those damaged by disease or injury. We will investigate how an important developmental molecule, Neogenin, promotes the production of new neurons in the adult brain. A second goal is to show that Neogenin can be activated to promote the repair of the damaged brain ....Conditions such as Alzheimer�s and Huntington�s diseases, as well as stroke, represent a major burden of disease in Australia. One goal of modern neurobiology is to harness the brain's ability to make new neurons so that we can replace those damaged by disease or injury. We will investigate how an important developmental molecule, Neogenin, promotes the production of new neurons in the adult brain. A second goal is to show that Neogenin can be activated to promote the repair of the damaged brain.Read moreRead less
Neogenin: A Molecular Determinant Of Neural Progenitor Polarity And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,296.00
Summary
The neuroepithelium (NEP) contains the embryonic neural stem cells essential for the production of all neurons in the adult brain. Failure in NEP function leads to devastating neural tube defects and syndromes such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. This project will identify the molecular mechanisms regulating NEP stem cell activity and the birth of new neurons in the embryonic neocortex.
Regulation Of Neural Progenitor Cell Self-renewal By The RNA-binding Protein ZFP36L1 During Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,401.00
Summary
The timely differentiation of neural stem cells is critical during development, and the unrestrained proliferation of neural stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present our understanding of the key molecules that regulate neural stem cell behaviour during these processes remains limited. In this proposal we will investigate the molecular determinants underpinning neural stem cell biology, both within the developing brain, and within glioma.
Manipulation Of Enteric Neural Stem Cells For Cell Therapy To Treat Enteric Neuropathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,438.00
Summary
Cell therapy offers great promise for the treatment of motility disorders due to defects in the nerve cells in the bowel. Patient-derived cells are likely to be the best source of cells, however, patient-derived cells will require manipulation because they are likely to be defective. We will identify manipulations of stem/progenitor cells that increase their efficacy for cell transplantation.
Aberrant Ependymal Development And The Formation Of Hydrocephalus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,005.00
Summary
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe intellectual impairment. Breakdown of the ependymal cell layer, which acts as a barrier between brain tissue and the ventricular space, is a major cause of hydrocephalus. Despite the importance of these cells, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production. This project will identify critical signalling pathways governing the establishment of the ependymal layer.
Building An Immunocompetent Alzheimer’s Disease Brain-on-a-chip
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,937.00
Summary
New human cell culture models of Alzheimer's disease are urgently needed to help translate drugs into successful patient outcomes. In this proposal we will develop an Alzheimer's disease brain-on-a-chip that contains the major human brain cell types and neuropathological features of the Alzheimer's. We will demonstrate the applicability of the model for identifying new Alzheimer's disease drugs and diagnostics and show that the model can be readily adopted by Australian Alzheimer's researchers.
Understanding The Embryonic Origins Of Cortical Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$815,228.00
Summary
Cortical malformation leads to mental retardation and epilepsy. Identification of the aberrant developmental processes contributing to these devastating syndromes is essential for accurate clinical assessment and development of novel therapeutics. Here we investigate a developmentally important receptor, Neogenin, which when mutated, leads to cortical malformations. Determining how Neogenin functions is expected to uncover new signaling pathways contributing to these malformations.
Trace Element Regulation In Neurological Disease: From Molecular Pathogenesis To Translational Impact.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and motor neuron disease are a major health burden for Australia and new approaches to treatment are urgently required. Essential trace elements such as copper, zinc and iron show major changes in neurodegneration, however, we do not understand how this drives disease processes. This proposal will develop an innovative 3D ‘brain on a chip’ cell model to probe the role of trace elements in brain pathology and identify exciting new treatments options.
Anti-inflammatory Copper Complexes For Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,622.00
Summary
Brain inflammation and disrupted metabolism of the biologically important metal, copper, play key roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. Our team has developed new copper-based therapeutics, but limited knowledge of how they work impedes clinical trials. My recent findings indicate that these drugs potently prevent inflammation. My proposal seeks to understand how copper-complexes reduce damaging inflammatory responses in novel human cell models of AD.