Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR1101002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,000,000.00
Summary
Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and ....Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and the ability to control and influence this process. Stem Cells Australia will deliver new methods for stem cell propagation and manipulation, new translational technologies for therapeutic applications, and will prepare Australia’s future stem cell scientific leaders.Read moreRead less
Understanding how the multiple roles of olfactory ensheathing cells guide the growth and regeneration of olfactory axons. The outcomes of this project will increase the understanding of how nerve cells develop and regenerate after injury. The research outcomes and the development of new innovative methodologies as part of the project will be of high significance for the neuroscience research community both within Australia and overseas. The findings will also pave the way for the development of ....Understanding how the multiple roles of olfactory ensheathing cells guide the growth and regeneration of olfactory axons. The outcomes of this project will increase the understanding of how nerve cells develop and regenerate after injury. The research outcomes and the development of new innovative methodologies as part of the project will be of high significance for the neuroscience research community both within Australia and overseas. The findings will also pave the way for the development of novel therapies that promote neuronal regeneration relevant for disorders such as spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's disease, which constitute a large socio-economic burden in Australia. Currently, 400 people contract spinal cord injury every year, corresponding to an annual cost of $1 billion, and more than 500 000 aging people suffer from Alzheimer's disease.Read moreRead less
Understanding how cells in the olfactory nerve prevent brain infection. The project hypothesis is that the phagocytic activity of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is the key factor that prevents bacteria from accessing the brain via the olfactory nerve, and allows continuous regeneration of the olfactory nervous system. This project aims to investigate how OECs phagocytose bacteria and debris from degenerating axons in vivo, and determine key molecular mechanisms in the process. Thus, we will ....Understanding how cells in the olfactory nerve prevent brain infection. The project hypothesis is that the phagocytic activity of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is the key factor that prevents bacteria from accessing the brain via the olfactory nerve, and allows continuous regeneration of the olfactory nervous system. This project aims to investigate how OECs phagocytose bacteria and debris from degenerating axons in vivo, and determine key molecular mechanisms in the process. Thus, we will characterise an unknown aspect of OEC biology that is neglected in the field. Intended outcomes include a paradigm shift that glial cells, and not circulatory immune cells, are the main defense against microbial invasion of the olfactory nerve. This is relevant for new therapies targeting neural infection/injury and antibiotic usage.Read moreRead less