Understanding The Mechanisms Of PTEN Transfer Into Glial Cells Using Exosomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,253.00
Summary
This application will develop a new way of treating brain cancer which currently affects 1500 adults in Australia per year with no lasting cures. The average patient with a malignant brain tumour do not survive for more than 12 months. We have discovered a method of restoring a cancer suppressor substance that is lost from brain tumours. If successful, this treatment has the potential to limit or reverse the progression of brain tumours.
Pathogenesis And Therapeutic Modulation Of Aggressive Behaviour In A Mouse Model Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,015.00
Summary
This project focuses on understanding the causes of aggressive behaviour in mice that have a human gene mutation found in autism. Aggressive behaviour is common in autism patients and can have severe consequences on education and employment opportunities. These mice also show excess dampening of brain function (inhibition). This project will test if aggression in these mice is caused by altered inhibition.
Aberrant Ependymal Development And The Formation Of Hydrocephalus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,005.00
Summary
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe intellectual impairment. Breakdown of the ependymal cell layer, which acts as a barrier between brain tissue and the ventricular space, is a major cause of hydrocephalus. Despite the importance of these cells, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production. This project will identify critical signalling pathways governing the establishment of the ependymal layer.
Neogenin: A Molecular Determinant Of Neural Progenitor Polarity And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,296.00
Summary
The neuroepithelium (NEP) contains the embryonic neural stem cells essential for the production of all neurons in the adult brain. Failure in NEP function leads to devastating neural tube defects and syndromes such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. This project will identify the molecular mechanisms regulating NEP stem cell activity and the birth of new neurons in the embryonic neocortex.
Understanding The Embryonic Origins Of Cortical Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$815,228.00
Summary
Cortical malformation leads to mental retardation and epilepsy. Identification of the aberrant developmental processes contributing to these devastating syndromes is essential for accurate clinical assessment and development of novel therapeutics. Here we investigate a developmentally important receptor, Neogenin, which when mutated, leads to cortical malformations. Determining how Neogenin functions is expected to uncover new signaling pathways contributing to these malformations.
Gene-environment Interactions Modulating Cortical And Cognitive Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,300.00
Summary
A feature of many major brain disorders, including schizophrenia and dementia, is disruption of cognition. A key brain area impacted in such cognitive disorders is the prefrontal cortex. This project will use clinically translatable touchscreen to understand how this aspect of brain dysfunction causes abnormal cognition. We will investigate the mechanisms involved, using highly innovative approaches, which will contribute to the development of new treatments for such cognitive disorders.
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
Understanding the contribution of neuroinflammation in acute and chronic neural injury. A major focus of this project will be investigating the involvement of neuroinflammation in neural cell damage. It will explore how neuroinflammation contributes to this damage in both acute and chronic neuropathologies.
Regulation of neuronal cell death signalling for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases, are often underpinned by neuronal cell death-signalling. This project aims to characterise molecules that regulate cell death signalling, thereby increasing our knowledge of how neuronal cell death can be inhibited.