Neuroprotection after stroke after ischemic stroke

Supervisor(s) - Dr Michelle Porritt and Associate Professor David Howells

This project will utilize an animal model of ischemic stroke. The animals will be administered compounds and the development of the stroke measured.

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Nicotine-induced dystonic arousal complex in a mouse model of Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy.

Co-supervisor: Dr Andrew Lawrence

The genetic basis of a number of epilepsy syndromes has been identified but the mechanism whereby mutations produce seizures is unknown. Mutations in the Ą4-neuronal nicotinic receptor gene and in the beta-subunit of the neuronal nicotinic receptor have been identified in Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE), a rare form of inherited epilepsy characterized by nocturnal seizures often misdiagnosed as nightmares.

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Novel guidance cues in dopamine axon guidance and the implications for cell therapy in Parkinson’s disease.

Co-supervisor: Dr. Lachlan Thompson

A major obstacle in repairing the injured brain is inducing axons to reach appropriate targets. This project is aimed at increasing our understanding of guidance cues involved in the development of the dopamine pathway, with the hope that this knowledge can be exploited to improve cell replacement therapy strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

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Olfactory identification in 40 children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Exploring behavioural and cognitive subtypes

Supervisors:A/Prof Brewer, Prof Alisdair Vance, Dr. Peter Brann, Prof Vicki Anderson

Smell identification ability improves in parallel with prefrontal neural development until the end of adolescence, at which stable deficits may indicate neurodevelopmental arrest. In a baseline study we found that children with ADHD demonstrated significantly poorer olfactory identification ability compared to healthy controls. Currently we have negotiated a follow-up of this cohort in collaboration with Box Hill Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital and the Murdoch Research Institute.

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Olfactory identification in 40 war veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Supervisors:A/Prof Brewer, CI: John Dileo, Prof Mal Hopwood, Prof Vicki Anderson, Prof Mark Creamer

Smell identification ability improves in parallel with prefrontal neural development until the end of adolescence, at which stable deficits may indicate neurodevelopmental arrest. In a baseline study we found that War Veterans suffering PTSD demonstrated significantly poorer olfactory identification ability compared to healthy controls. Moreover, those who had greater difficulty inhibiting anger had greater smell deficits than their less angry PTSD peers. Currently we have negotiated a follow-up of this cohort in collaboration with the Austin Repatriation Veteran’s affairs Unit and the Post Traumatic Disorder Treatment Unit.

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