Microglia As Primary Drivers Of Stress-induced Changes In Neuronal Connectivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,781.00
Summary
Persistent exposure to stressful events can produce serious and lasting disturbances in cognitive function. Our research group has recently identified that microglia may play a very significant role in these disturbances. The studies to be undertaken in this proposal will provide fundamental knowledge on how microglia contribute to neuronal plasticity, and how microglia via their effects on neurons regulate complex cognitive behaviour.
Microglial Paralysis In Post-stroke Neurodegeneration: Help Or Hindrance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,351.00
Summary
Dementia and cognitive decline may occur months or years after a stroke, associated with delayed loss of brain cells in different brain regions. We recently discovered that the cells responsible for protection and repair of brain, called microglia, become paralysed in these regions. We will use a live-imaging microscope to determine whether the microglial paralysis causes brain cell death. We will also determine if a commonly used stroke prevention drug can worsen the microglial paralysis.
Abnormalities in cells at the back of the eye called photoreceptors are associated with at least 50% of all cases of blindness in this country.This project will examine a novel mechanism of photoreceptor death. In particular, whether abnormalties in support cells at the back of the eye cause photoreceptors to lose contact with their nutrient source and die.
Neuron To Glia Signalling: Learning How Synaptic Signalling Can Promote CNS Remyelination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,650.00
Summary
An immature cell type in the brain, known as the oligodendrocytes progenitor cell (OPC), receives direct electrical communication from neurons. This communication regulates the behavior of the OPC, affecting its ability to divide and generate new brain cells. This project will identify the signaling molecules that guide the OPC to for this specialized contact with the nerve cell. Understanding this communication has important implications for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
The Role Of Gliosis In Advanced Retinal Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,785.00
Summary
The development of treatments that restore vision assumes that the output neurons of the retina remain intact. Yet, there is now considerable evidence that the neurons that signal from the retina to the brain are altered in those that have degenerative diseases of the retina. Here, we will examine the cause of these cellular changes in an animal model and seek to prevent the loss of output neurons. This information is crucial for the development of treatments that seeks to restore vision.
THE EFFECT OF STRESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT ON DISEASE PROGRESSION IN MESIAL TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,201.00
Summary
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no effective disease modifying treatment. This proposal will explore whether co-morbid stress accelerates disease progression in MTLE, and whether targeting stress pathways by medical and environmental manipulations can mitigate against this.
The Phenomenology And Treatment Of Emotion Dysregulation In Traumatized Refugees
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,631.00
Summary
Refugee mental health is a crucial public health concern in Australia. Difficulty regulating emotions has been strongly linked to psychological disorders after trauma, however no research has studied this in refugees. This research program uses experimental methods to test a model of emotion dysregulation in refugees, and evaluates the impact of a treatment designed to improve emotion regulation and general mental health in refugees.
Epigenetic Signatures Of Abnormal Adult Neurogenesis In Rett Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,332.00
Summary
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental condition arising in early childhood. In Australia, RTT affects an estimated 1/8500 females. The vast majority of RTT patients carry a single mutation in the gene MeCP2. Recent advances in genetic engineering may allow MeCP2 mutations to be corrected in patients. This study will assess whether other molecular factors are involved in the RTT phenotype in patient neurons, and whether these factors are likely to be corrected by MeCP2 gene therapy.
MicroRNA serves as critical factors in diverse biological events. However, it remains poorly understood how microRNAs contribute to the regulation of lifespan and age-associated changes, such as alterations in metabolic activity and an increased incidence of disorders. We aim to understand how microRNAs regulate stress response pathways and caloric restriction-mediated lifespan extension using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an excellent model organism for ageing biology.