Overview
Topic status: In progress
Overview
One of the unique features of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the ability of its neurones to regenerate following a traumatic injury. For example, following a complete transection of a peripheral nerve the damaged sensory neurones will regrow towards their peripheral target tissues and in some instances make functional contacts within these tissues.
Unfortunately this ability is greatly attenuated in neurones of the central nervous system (CNS) which means the distressing consequences of the brain and spinal cord lesions are, for the most part, irreversible. Clearly a detailed understanding of the mechanisms which enable PNS neurones to regenerate may provide insight into mechanisms by which CNS neurones may be encouraged to regrow. This will hopefully lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies for brain and spinal cord damage.
The aim of this project is to take advantage of some recent technological developments to establish a technique which allows the monitoring of the rate of axonal regrowth in the PNS following injury. The technique should prove to be a powerful tool in the study of axonal regeneration.
Research activities
The presence of the glycoprotein will be detected in peripheral nerves (obtain from rats post mortem) using a fluorescent carbohydrate-binding protein and laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Expected outcomes
If successful the technique could be a powerful tool in the study of axonal regeneration. This will hopefully lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies for brain and spinal cord damage.
Duration of project
Six weeks between November 2011 and February 2012 (dates can be negotiated).
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- unmyelinated fibre regeneration, axonal labelling, laser, confocal microscopy
- Contact
- Please contact supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Mark Plenderleith
