Functional MRI studies in epilepsy

Supervisor(s) - Prof. Graeme Jackson, Dr. David, Abbott, Dr. Fernando Calamante, Prof. Alan Connelly

Overall the epilepsy research group investigates aspects of human brain function in disease using advanced techniques of image analysis. Since the primary focus of the group is on epilepsy, there are opportunities in research for people originating in many disciplined areas including psychology, information technology, computer science, neuroimaging, clinical and basic science areas. The group is multidisciplinary and linked to clinical therapy so research findings are highly focussed to the effective translation of findings to disease therapy. The proposed projects will involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations, which will be performed on the fully-dedicated research scanners at the Brain Research Institute (two 3 Tesla MRI scanners).

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Gaining new insights into the neuropathology of mitochondrial disorders

Supervisors: Dr Jasper Komen, A/Prof David Thorburn

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in mitochondria consists of five protein complexes (I-V) and is responsible for the generation of energy for the cell in the form of ATP production. Pathogenic mutations in genes encoding OXPHOS proteins result in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders collectively called mitochondrial disorders. The mitochondrial disorders are among the most common type of inherited diseases. Furthermore, OXPHOS dysfunction is believed to play an important role in more common diseases, such as Parkinson disease and diabetes. Our laboratory has obtained a mouse model for Complex I deficiency (Ndufs4-/- , a.k.a. Funky mice), the most common type of mitochondrial disorder. Funky mice develop neurodegenerative symptoms similar to those seen in children with mitochondrial disorders. Hence, we believe these mice are an excellent model to develop new therapies for mitochondrial disorders as at present the treatment of these disorders is inadequate.

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Gene transfer technology for maintaining and regenerating auditory nerves after hearing loss

Supervisor:Dr Rachael Richardson

Many types of deafness result in progressive degeneration of auditory neurons. We are now interested in methods of promoting longer-term nerve survival and more controlled regeneration using gene transfer technology.

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Gene-environment interactions in the healthy and diseased cerebral cortex

Many brain disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD) and Alzheimer's disease, involve disruption of function in the cerebral cortex.

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Gene-environment interactions mediating plasticity in the healthy and diseased brain

Supervisor: A/Prof Anthony Hannan

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal condition characterised by progressive degeneration of the cortex and striatum producing motor, cognitive (dementia) and psychiatric (e.g. depression) symptoms. In a transgenic mouse model of HD, environmental factors have been shown by our laboratory to play a supporting role in disease onset and progression (van Dellen et al., 2000, Nature 404:721; Spires et al., 2004, J. Neurosci. 24:2270; Spires & Hannan, 2005, FEBS J. 272:2347).

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