Humans, like all animals, receive similar, although not identical, visual input via the eyes. This information is combined in the brain to form a single view of the outside world. In this proposal we aim to understand how single neurons in the brain process the combined information received from both eyes. This work will increase our understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for sight, and determine what changes occur when visual input is impaired through blindness.
Neuronal Activity And Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,561.00
Summary
How does brain activity relate to perception and behaviour? How does functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain, which measures changes in blood oxygen, relate to the activity of single cells? I will address these questions, comparing electrical measurements of single cells and functional images, and advance our understanding of the brain in health and disease.
Microglia As Primary Drivers Of Stress-induced Changes In Neuronal Connectivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,781.00
Summary
Persistent exposure to stressful events can produce serious and lasting disturbances in cognitive function. Our research group has recently identified that microglia may play a very significant role in these disturbances. The studies to be undertaken in this proposal will provide fundamental knowledge on how microglia contribute to neuronal plasticity, and how microglia via their effects on neurons regulate complex cognitive behaviour.
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
We are able to identify and discriminate objects in the world because of exquisitely detailed and rapid processing of sensory information by neurons in the cortex of the brain. In this project we will examine these operations in neurons in the cortex that receive input from the large face whiskers of the rat. These whiskers are used for fine-grain discrimination and for gauging distance. They are deflected by being actively moved, under muscle control, over objects (active touch) or by being pas ....We are able to identify and discriminate objects in the world because of exquisitely detailed and rapid processing of sensory information by neurons in the cortex of the brain. In this project we will examine these operations in neurons in the cortex that receive input from the large face whiskers of the rat. These whiskers are used for fine-grain discrimination and for gauging distance. They are deflected by being actively moved, under muscle control, over objects (active touch) or by being passively deflected by objects. Deflection results in inputs to the brain that are processed to form the neural basis for very finely detailed perceptual behaviour. In rats, with impoverished visual and auditory senses, the whiskers are the major sensory system for interacting with the world, and are used in navigating the environment and in finding and distinguishing foods. Thus they contribute strongly to the remarkable success of this species. This elegant sensory system has a number of advantages that make it a very good model for the study of brain mechanisms responsible for active fine-grain sensory function. We plan to take advantage of the unique features of this system to define the information processing that occurs in the cortex in this elegantly complex system. This will address an issue relevant to all sensory systems - namely the neural basis of complex fine grain perceptual behaviour. Understanding the mechanisms underlying active tactile perception also has relevance to clinical conditions involving deficits in active touch e.g., in diabetic polyneuropathy (which eventually affects ~50% of diabetics), in leprosy (in which an early sign is damage to active touch). Knowledge of the core brain processes in active touch gained in this study could eventually underpin the ameliorative technologies for such deficits.Read moreRead less
The Missing Link: MGluR5 As A Therapeutic Target For Cognitive Decline In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,622.00
Summary
Cognitive decline is a core feature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), yet there is no cure or treatment. Recent evidence suggests that a protein called mGluR5 could cause brain cells to lose function, leading to memory loss. This project will investigate whether disrupting mGluR5 function can improve cognition in mice with genetic AD. Memory will be assessed in mice using innovative touchscreen tests that closely mimic the tests used in humans.
IRAP inhibitors are currently being developed as a new class of drugs for treating dementia and other forms of memory deficits. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about how these drugs act to improve memory. The experiments outlined in this proposal will provide important insights into the drug action in different mouse models of memory deficit.
Sensory Coding Mechanisms in Rat Somatosensory System; A Combined Behavioural and Electrophysiological Approach. This inter-disciplinary project spans behavioural sciences, neurophysiology and computational neuroscience. It investigates fundamental questions such as how different aspects of stimuli are presented in sensory areas of the brain and how the animal interprets the neuronal activity in such areas to generate the relevant behaviour. A major problem with making prosthetic sensory devices ....Sensory Coding Mechanisms in Rat Somatosensory System; A Combined Behavioural and Electrophysiological Approach. This inter-disciplinary project spans behavioural sciences, neurophysiology and computational neuroscience. It investigates fundamental questions such as how different aspects of stimuli are presented in sensory areas of the brain and how the animal interprets the neuronal activity in such areas to generate the relevant behaviour. A major problem with making prosthetic sensory devices is the way by which these devices can communicate with the brain. Research into the coding of different features of simple stimuli will provide basic knowledge which can be implemented in prosthetic sensory devices. Read moreRead less
Understanding Cortical Circuitry Underlying Sensory Integration And The Consequence Of Its Developmental Disruption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,395.00
Summary
The mammalian neocortex is organised into six layers with a systematic pattern of wiring that relies on normal development and balanced activity of neurons. This project combines developmental, electrophysiological, optogenetic behavioural, and computational methods to establish how the properties of the precise structure of cortical circuits impact their function and how disruptions in the balanced activity during development affect circuit formation and function in the mature brain.
Brain Connectivity Biomarkers Predict Specific Memory Consolidation Deficits Across Dementia Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,149.00
Summary
With the increasing ageing population there is expected to be a significant increase in the number of dementia cases in the near future. This project aims to improve the accuracy of existing diagnostic protocols for dementia by combining recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging with traditional cognitive assessments. We expect the outcome to improve detection in the early stages of disease onset so that patients may receive immediate medical treatment.