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.
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
Centre For Research Excellence In Stroke Rehabilitation And Brain Recovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,595,746.00
Summary
The Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery will transform the stroke research and practice landscape in Australia, and accelerate the development of new interventions strongly supported by neuroscience. This unique collaboration will improve patient selection and rehabilitation research methods, create a training culture for the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and effectively implement proven cost effective interventions for Australians.
Neuroanatomical Correlates Of Susceptibility In A Model Of Genetic Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,275.00
Summary
Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) is the most common form of epilepsy, but our understanding of the pathogenesis, in particular anatomical effects of genetic mutations, is incomplete. This project represents the first quantitative study of anatomical changes caused by a human GGE mutation. Pilot data show that the fundamental wiring of the cortex is different in GGE brains with obvious implications for epileptogenesis. This study is expected to inspire improved treatment and diagnosis.
Sez-6 Signalling Mechanisms And Function In The Developing Neocortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,815.00
Summary
Over the course of evolution, the mammalian brain cortex has become disproportionately large with respect to other brain regions. The dramatic increase in processing power resulting from the increased neuronal number and connectivity in the cortex has enabled us to acquire functions that make us human, such as the use of language. In spite of the enormous difference in size between the brains of humans and those of mice, studies on cortical development in mice are relevant to humans since the or ....Over the course of evolution, the mammalian brain cortex has become disproportionately large with respect to other brain regions. The dramatic increase in processing power resulting from the increased neuronal number and connectivity in the cortex has enabled us to acquire functions that make us human, such as the use of language. In spite of the enormous difference in size between the brains of humans and those of mice, studies on cortical development in mice are relevant to humans since the organization of the cortex (thickness, layer patterning and regional specialization) is very similar in these two organisms, and indeed, in all mammals. A complex series of developmental events is required to produce a normal brain cortex. Malformations in the cortex occurring in human neurological disorders, including epilepsy and mental retardation, result from mutations in genes regulating crucial developmental processes. Failure of developing nerve cells to make the correct connections can result in these, or other, debilitating neurological conditions. We have evidence that a brain protein called Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez-6) regulates normal connectivity and function of neurons in the mature cortex. We will determine the molecular pathways used for signalling of Sez-6 and also investigate in detail the formation of connections between cortical neurons early in development and how these connections become aberrant in the absence of Sez-6 function.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Regulatory Factors In Midbrain Development To Improve Cell Therapies For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Cell transplantation is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Cells are transplanted directly into the brain of the patient and can compensate for those lost to the disease. In this project we are identifying new genes that regulate the normal development of the transplanted cells in mice. We hope to use this knowledge to improve the reliability and effectiveness of the approach, bringing the therapy closer to the clinic.
The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes and lays down emotional memories. Dysfunction in the amygdala is responsible for anxiety related disorders such post-traumatic stress disorder. I will study the neural circuits in the amygdala using innovative recordings and stimulation techniques. These studies will provide insight into the circuits that underpin anxiety related neurological disorders and provide targets for development of novel anxiolytic agents.
Optimising Myelin Repair And Restoring Neuronal Function In The Demyelinated Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,933.00
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord caused by damage to white matter. In healthy brains, a substance in white matter called myelin insulates the axons (cables) of nerve cells, which speeds up electrical conduction. In MS, myelin is destroyed which impairs conduction and can lead to permanent loss of axons and nerve cells. To prevent this, we will test whether increasing electrical activity in nerve cells helps restore myelin by activating myelin-forming stem cells.
Cognitive Inflexibility And The Development Of Pathological Habits In Brain Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,946.00
Summary
Pathological habits are observed in severe mental health conditions including dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, depression and addiction. This application aims to provide the mechanistic detail required for therapeutic targeting to restore flexible decision making in these conditions.