Defining The Function Of Two Discrete Precursor Cell Populations In The Adult Hippocampus: Potential For The Treatment Of Cognitive And Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,985.00
Summary
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis plays a crucial role in fundamental cognitive processes such as learning and memory formation and mood regulation. Our laboratory has identified two discrete pools of quiescent stem and precursor cells in the adult hippocampus that can be activated by distinct mechanisms. This study will examine the functional properties of new neurons generated from these discrete pools and their role in improving behavioural outcomes associated with cognition and mood regulation
Pre-Clinical Studies Towards Cell-Based Approaches For Cortical Repair.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$739,901.00
Summary
This project seeks to determine whether brain cells that die after stroke can be functionally replaced using cells grown in the laboratory from human stem cells. Current therapies for stroke aim to limit the damage but do not allow for actual recovery of brain function. By growing turning stem cells into specialised cells that match the ones lost after stroke, this project aims to restore motor function by transplanting these cells into the injured brain.
I am a neurologist and neuroscientist studying the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson's disease and the physiology in health and diseases of the nervous system affected by movement disorders
This proposal seeks to determine the therapeutic potential of stem cells for the treatment of brain injury early in life, for example as occurs in cerebral palsy. The project will test the capacity of implanted stem cells to both protect the brain and also to functionally replace cells lost to the injury in order to improve motor and cognitive function.
Using Stem Cells And Bioengineered Scaffolds To Promote Regeneration Following Necrotic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,857.00
Summary
A number of injuries, including stroke, result in tissue loss. Consequently promoting repair will require restoration of tissue structure, replacement cells and a supportive environment to promote integration of these new cells. This study will engineer and develop novel scaffolds that can replace tissue whilst additionally providing physical and chemical support for newly implanted stem cells. This work will be conducted in an animal model of stroke.
Pre-clinical Steps Towards A Stem Cell Therapy For Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,179,594.00
Summary
A promising experimental therapy for Parkinson's disease is the use of stem cells that in order to replace the cells lost during the disease process. A challenge for this approach is that upon transplantation into the brain, in addition to the therapeutic cell types, there will also be unwanted cell types such as those that can form tumours. This proposal seeks to establish a novel strategy for removing those cells prior to transplantation.
Standardising Protocols For The Differentiation And Integration Of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Neural Transplants In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,664.00
Summary
Clinical trials have shown that transplanting dopamine neurons (specific nerve cells) into the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients can improve symptoms. Trials use fetal tissue for implantation, which is unsustainable and highly variable. This proposal will examine stem cells as an alternative. We will establish a reliable protocol to instruct human stem cells to become dopamine neurons, develop methods to select these cells and, examine the integration of these transplanted cells in the brain
Functional Neurogenesis In The Injured Neocortex Of The Nonhuman Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$966,048.00
Summary
Research over the past couple of decades has revolutionised our understanding of the capacity of the brain to generate new cells, especially following an injury. However, what does remain controversial is whether this phenomenon occurs in all areas of the brain, especially following a severe traumatic brain injury or stroke. This project will examine whether the outer surface of the brain has the potential to generate new cells following a brain injury and whether they become functional.
Exercise Reverses Cognitive Decline In Aged Animals By Growth Hormone Stimulation Of Neurogenesis In The Hippocampus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,409.00
Summary
The production of new neurons in the hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. With increasing age, this production slows and is associated with cognitive decline. However the stem cells that make new neurons are still present, and we have discovered that exercise activates these cells, leading to renewed neuron production and reversal of cognitive decline. We will explore how this process is regulated in order to develop strategies to reduce cognitive decline in humans.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurological condition affecting 100,000 Australians. The primary clinical features of PD result from the selective loss of a specific type of neuron. It is currently unclear why these neurons are preferentially lost. We have identified a novel gene that causes early onset PD. This study will characterise the gene and determine the underlying disease mechanism. These studies will enable the development of novel therapies for treating PD.