Nanoengineered Bioelectronic Systems For All-Optical Control Of Neuron Growth And Stimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,452.00
Summary
Nerve cells are the primary signal carriers of the human body. When they cease to function normally, our bodies ability to function and sense the physical world is influenced catastrophically. We will develop a new bioelectronic system made by printing clever inks that can artificially stimulate nerve cells without the typical requirements for invasive metal electrodes or external power. These new scientific advances will revolutionize nerve cell repair and treatment of neurological disorders.
Role Of SOCS 3 In Regulating Oligodendroglial Phenotype In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,187.00
Summary
The response of nerve cells, known as oligodendrocytes, to an inflammatory insult dictates the severity of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We have previously discovered that a key protein in this response is the cytokine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) which, by activating the LIF receptor expressed on these cells, limits their death and reduces the clinical impact on animal models of MS. However, the therapeutic benefit of LIF is incomplete and we do not completely und ....The response of nerve cells, known as oligodendrocytes, to an inflammatory insult dictates the severity of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We have previously discovered that a key protein in this response is the cytokine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) which, by activating the LIF receptor expressed on these cells, limits their death and reduces the clinical impact on animal models of MS. However, the therapeutic benefit of LIF is incomplete and we do not completely understand the mechanisms by which LIF exerts these effects. To maximise the treatment potential of LIF we need to understand how LIF receptor signaling is modulated in the nervous system. An important protein known to regulate the activity of LIF and of other cytokines in other organs of the body is the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS 3) molecule. We have recently shown that the expression of SOCS 3 is increased in an animal model of MS, indicating that it is likely to modulate the activity of LIF in this context. We plan to investigate the nature of this regulation. SOCS 3 might limit the efficacy of LIF but it could also limit the deleterious effect of unbridled LIF receptor signaling. To distinguish between these possibilities, we plan to study the impact of demyelinating disease in animals in which SOCS 3 is either deleted or overexpressed in oligodendrocytes. In this way, we should be able to learn how to optimise the therapeutic potential of LIF in MS and related nervous system diseases.Read moreRead less
Role Of Chemokines And Interferons In Neural Progenitor Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,178.00
Summary
Regeneration of the central nervous system following disease or injury is extremely limited and frequently results in substantial impairment. A potential therapy to replace damaged or killed nervous system cells is the use of neural stem cells. Neural stem cells are present in the central nervous system and frequently attempt, but fail to repair nervous system damage. This project aims to examine factors that regulate neural stem cell function including factors that may regulate their ability to ....Regeneration of the central nervous system following disease or injury is extremely limited and frequently results in substantial impairment. A potential therapy to replace damaged or killed nervous system cells is the use of neural stem cells. Neural stem cells are present in the central nervous system and frequently attempt, but fail to repair nervous system damage. This project aims to examine factors that regulate neural stem cell function including factors that may regulate their ability to migrate or become appropriate neural cell types. Of particular interest are factors known as chemokines that regulate cell migration as well as have a variety of other effects. In addition, interferons, which are inflammatory molecules present in the damaged nervous system and that we have shown affect neural stem cell function, may interact with chemokines and will also be examined. In addition to examining the effects of these factors on neural stem cells, the signalling pathways they use in these cells will also be determined.Read moreRead less
Molecular And Cellular Mechanisms Of Vertebrate Brain Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
The essential steps in forming a normal functioning brain occur during life as an embryo. If these processes go haywire, there can be serious repercussions for life after birth. This project seeks to understand how the brain forms during embryonic stages so that better treatments and procedures can be developed to deal with developmental problems.
Understanding Axonal Fusion: An Alternative Mechanism To Repair Injured Axons.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,447.00
Summary
Being able to repair an injured nerve by stitching the two damages sections back together is an incredible challenge in neurosurgery, and a highly desired outcome for the surgeon as well as for the patient suffering a spinal cord or peripheral injury. We have discovered molecules that mediate nerve repair by favouring the reconnection of the two separated fragments. We will study how they function, and if they can be applied to repair injured mammalian neurons.
Regulation Of Astrocytic Gliosis And Axonal Regeneration In EAE By EphA4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,352.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease with currently no effective cure. Apart from losing the protective insulating sheath called myelin, nerve cells are damaged and a scar forms. If this could be prevented then MS may be better treated. Using a model of MS called EAE, the role of a molecule, EphA4, will be examined for its ability to induce nerve loss and scar formation and to determine whether blocking it will promote repair, leading to a therapy for MS.
Post Synaptic Density Scaffold Proteins In The Growth Cone: Homer And Shank, Crucial For Calcium Signaling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,909.00
Summary
Our brain is a complex, yet precise electrical circuit. Understanding how the embryonic brain is wired has direct implications for all aspects of life, from the growing foetus in mother's womb, to learning algebra and for maintaining the active memories of our ageing population. This project aims to provide new insight into understanding how the embryonic brain is wired, crucial information for future pharmacological or gene therapy approaches to mental illness, ageing, and neuronal injury.
Characterisation Of Neural Stem Cells In The Ageing Mammalian Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$182,411.00
Summary
Due to their relatively recent discovery, little is known about how stem cells in the brain are affected by age. This work will initially focus on understanding how age affects the number of stem cells found in the brain, and how their normal function and regenerative capacity are compromised with increasing age. The second phase of this study will examine how we can slow or even reverse these age-related changes on stem cells by environmental manipulation.
Transcriptional control of neural stem cell differentiation during development and disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control how neural stem cells differentiate is critical to provide potential therapeutic treatment for neurodegenerative diseases and for brain cancer. This project will aim to discover, using an animal model system, the genes and molecules regulating these key biological processes.