The Role Of The Zinc Finger Transcriptional Repressor Znf238 During Nerve Cell Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,264.00
Summary
Proper foetal brain assembly is critical for brain function, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, I will investigate a family of proteins that “turn on” neural gene expression in combination with another protein that “turns off” their expression during nerve cell development. Understanding this novel on/off mechanism for controlling gene expression in newborn nerve cells will further our understanding of how the brain is assembled.
Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Reducing Perinatal Lung, Heart And Brain Injury In Preterm Infants – From Bench To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Many infants are exposed to an adverse environment whilst developing in the womb, and are therefore at increased risk of lung, heart and brain injury, with life-long consequences. This research is focused on improving the entry into the world of vulnerable infants, thus reducing the risk and severity of brain injury.
Structural Connectomes In Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Secondary Disease Progression Be Stopped And Cognitive Deficits Be Reversed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Many people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience cognitive problems, including poor memory and concentration. TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ because the overwhelming majority of patients with TBI show no abnormalities on standard MRI or CT scans. In my project, I will delineate the mechanisms of secondary injury in finer detail through enhanced neuroimaging techniques, resulting in new assessment and treatment modalities for individuals with TBI.
The human genome project was a major advance, allowing for molecular foothold towards an understanding of human diseases. The question now is “what do these genes do, and how do they participate in human disease?” In my lab we are focused on this issue. We use whole genome, functional in vivo screening in the fruit fly to identify novel conserved disease genes, then we use human genetics data to focus on medically relevant candidates, finally we use knockout mice to functionally validate these n ....The human genome project was a major advance, allowing for molecular foothold towards an understanding of human diseases. The question now is “what do these genes do, and how do they participate in human disease?” In my lab we are focused on this issue. We use whole genome, functional in vivo screening in the fruit fly to identify novel conserved disease genes, then we use human genetics data to focus on medically relevant candidates, finally we use knockout mice to functionally validate these new genesRead moreRead less
Genetic Influence On Cognitive Function And Medication Response In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
ADHD is one of the most common child mental health conditions, with cognitive deficits that impact everyday functioning, educational and social outcomes. Not all children with ADHD achieve equal benefit from medication. The disorder appears to be genetic with many genes contributing a small risk for the disorder. This project asks how DNA variation influences ADHD brain function and how they respond to medication. This project is important to improve the clinical diagnosis and outcome for ADHD.
Early Identification Of Degenerative Dementia Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
With the continuing ageing of the population, an increasing number of adults will experience signs of dementia. Knowledge of the clinical presentation, disease mechanisms and evolution of frontotemporal dementia, a syndrome as common as Alzheimer’s disease in the < 65 year-old group, remains suboptimal. This research project will combine clinical investigations and brain imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy of this disease. This will lead to better treatment and management interventions.
This proposal aims to examine central mechanisms important in stress related hypertension. My team will focus on the role of tissue plasminogen activator in mediating inhibitory effects of chronic stress on neural plasticity and examine inhibitory dysfunction in GABAergic and nitric oxide pathways that lead to increased sympathetic activity and elevated blood pressure. Importantly, we will investigate the potential of three interventions directed at each as therapies for hypertension.