Differentiation And Fate In The Developing Sympathetic Ganglia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,754.00
Summary
This project seeks to understand how a small number of founder cells can divide and differentiate into the myriad different types of cells that make up the mature nervous system. It uses modern genetic techniques to follow progenitor cells as they mature into mature neurons.
Role Of Kinesin Binding Protein And Spontaneous Activity In The Development Of Enteric Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,889.00
Summary
The nerve cells in the wall of the gut play an essential role in motility. Defects in the development of these nerve cells results in pediatric motility disorders. We will examine the roles of two factors, kinesin binding protein, and spontaneous activity in the development of enteric neurons.
Central Nervous Pathways For The Sympathetic Control Of Immune Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,741.00
Summary
The nervous system regulates immune system function by a special set of nerves that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This project aims to work out which brain pathways control them.
Role Of Microbiota In The Developing Enteric Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,979.00
Summary
The correct development of neurons in the gut is vital for digestive functions. This project will provide novel insights into how environmental factors such as the bacteria that reside in the gut and changes in diet affect maturation of the gut’s nervous system. The data will improve knowledge of the effects of widely used antibiotics and probiotics, which will facilitate strategies to improve human health and quality of life.
Role Of The Medial Amygdala In Developing Neurogenic Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathways that regulate the activity of neurons located in the medial amgydala during stress that contribute long term to the development of hypertension. This study is highly relevant to people who inappropriately respond to typical daily stressors and we aim to provide direction for developing specific therapies to interrupt the adverse cardiovascular consequences of chronic stress.
The Importance Of Superstars: Cell Numbers And Lineages In Enteric Nervous System Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,717.00
Summary
All digestive functions are controlled by a nerve system in the gut wall, and it works without us thinking about it. This is a huge system rivalling the spinal cord in number of nerve cells. And it has may different types of nerve cells. It originates from a very few cells early in the embryo, about 200 times fewer than the spinal cord. How do the cells manage to divide enough to make this system, and how do they 'know' how to make the right types of nerve cells in the right places in the gut?
Cell Therapy For Enteric Neuropathies - The Essential Next Steps
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,142.00
Summary
Gastrointestinal motility disorders caused by damage or diseased neurons in the gut wall ("enteric neuropathies) are some of the most clinically challenging conditions to manage because of a lack of effective treatments. Our recent animal studies suggest that cell-based therapies are a real possibility to treat enteric neuropathies. In this project, we will methodically address the outstanding steps that need to be addressed with the aim of moving enteric cell therapies to the clinic.
Neurons within the wall of the bowel play an essential role in gut motility. A number of motility disorders are caused by diseased enteric neurons, but there are currently no effective treatments for these diseases. We will use animal models of a pediatric motility disorder to examine whether stem cells implanted into the colon can generate neurons and restore normal motility.
Guidance Molecules Involved In The Development Of The Enteric Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,250.00
Summary
There are millions of nerve cells within the wall of the intestine, and they control many intestinal functions, including motility. During development, these nerve cells arise from cells which migrate away from the developing brain and first enter the stomach. The migratory cells are called 'neural crest' cells. After entering the stomach, neural crest cells migrate within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, until they reach the far (anal) end. In embryonic mice, this colonisation of the ent ....There are millions of nerve cells within the wall of the intestine, and they control many intestinal functions, including motility. During development, these nerve cells arise from cells which migrate away from the developing brain and first enter the stomach. The migratory cells are called 'neural crest' cells. After entering the stomach, neural crest cells migrate within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, until they reach the far (anal) end. In embryonic mice, this colonisation of the entire gut by neural crest cells takes over four days, and in humans the process probably takes around three weeks. It is essential that neural crest cells colonise the entire gastrointestinal tract, since regions of intestine lacking neural crest cells (and hence nerve cells) cannot function and intestinal contents build up in front of the region lacking nerve cells. This condition is found in some babies (Hirschsprung's disease), and it can only be treated by surgically removing the region lacking nerve cells. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms controlling the migration of neural crest cells within the gut, and whether particular molecules are involved in this process. In this study, we will use a variety of methods to identify the molecules that are involved in the migration of neural crest cells into and along the developing gut.Read moreRead less