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Modeling gene-environment interactions and mechanisms of experience-dependent plasticity of relevance to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia
| Florey Neuroscience Institutes |
Supervisor: A/Prof Anthony Hannan
Theme
Cognition, behaviour & psychiatric conditions
Many major brain disorders, including schizophrenia, autism and mental retardation syndromes, involve disrupted maturation of the cerebral cortex. Our group has demonstrated that onset and progression of Huntington’s disease, an autosomal dominant disorder previously considered the epitome of genetic determinism, can be beneficially modulated by environmental factors (van Dellen et al., 2000, Nature 404:721; Spires et al., 2004, J. Neurosci. 24:2270).  View project details
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Modelling the auditory nerve response to cochlear implant stimulation: improving speech processors
Supervisors: Leon Heffer, Dr David Sly, Professor Stephen O'Leary
This project stems from our recent success at developing a mathematical model that can accurately predict the firing responses of single auditory neurons to complex electrical stimulation. View project details
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Molecular mechanisms of cortical plasticity and cognitive deficits modelling dementia
| Florey Neuroscience Institutes |
Supervisor:A/Prof. Anthony Hannan
Dementia is a core aspect of many major brain disorders with a high life-time prevalence in Australia and internationally. The neurodegenerative disorder Huntington’s disease (HD), involves cognitive deficits, culminating in dementia, as well as psychiatric symptoms (e.g. depression) and movement abnormalities (e.g. chorea). We have recently demonstrated that a transgenic mouse model of HD exhibits progressive cognitive deficits modelling dementia, and can be used to help us understand this disorder at molecular, cellular and behavioural levels. A student taking on this project will have the opportunity to work on this mouse model, using cutting-edge technologies to focus on molecular mediators and environmental modulators affecting onset and progression of cognitive deficits. View project details
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Molecular mediators and environmental modulators in a new model of depression
| Florey Neuroscience Institutes |
Supervisor:A/Prof. Anthony Hannan
Depression is a devastating psychiatric disorder with a high life-time prevalence in Australia and internationally. While existing treatments provide some therapeutic benefit to many affected individuals, the heterogeneity of the disorder and limited knowledge of pathogenesis provide ongoing challenges. Furthermore, it is not known whether the depression which occurs in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, shares the same aetiology as that observed in the general population. Therefore, there is a great need for better models of this disorder, which not only address genetic construct validity, but also face validity at molecular, cellular and behavioural levels, as well as environmental factors. A student taking on this project will have the opportunity to work on a new mouse model of depression, using cutting-edge technologies. View project details
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Molecular Neuroimaging
Supervisors:Drs Moffat, Steward, Lovell and Christensen
The focus of The Brain Imaging Laboratory is to develop, validate and translate Molecular Imaging Biomarkers of neurological diseases and treatment response. We have several projects available involving the following biomarkers: Functional Diffusion Mapping, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine positron emission tomography, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Perfusion MRI investigating diseases such as brain tumours, stroke and epilepsy. View project details
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