NRP/Department of Health WA Sponsored Grants
The Department of Health partners with Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP) aiming at reducing impact of brain trauma and spinal cord injuries.
Chief Investigator
Associate Investigators
- A/Prof Natalie Ciccone
- Prof Juli Coffin
- Ms Deborah Woods
- Mr Rodney Carpio
- Prof Sandra Thompson
- A/Prof Judith Katzenellenbogen
- A/Prof Deborah Hersh
- Ms Meaghan McAllister
- A/Prof Erin Godecke
Institutions
Brain injury yarning circles: Support groups for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury.
Year: 2019 Status: Complete
This project aimed to establish and evaluate the first regional and metropolitan support groups specifically for Aboriginal brain injury survivors and their families to encourage social and emotional wellbeing, and ultimately improve health outcomes for this under-served population. The groups employed Aboriginal facilitators to offer ongoing, culturally secure psychosocial support, education, practical problem-solving, yarning and socialization to help avoid social isolation for Aboriginal brain injury survivors and their families. The study used participatory action research methodology to ensure the groups met participants’/community needs and monitor the development and outcomes of the groups over a six month period.
Brain Injury Yarning Circles Project
Update (2023): The project has been a great success resulting in the production of a translation piece involving a video made by the Aboriginal facilitator and group members of the Perth Yarning Circle to promote the message to Aboriginal communities about ‘Rediscovering life after brain injury.’ The project was awarded the following from the Injury Matters 2023 Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Awards :
Brain Injury Yarning Circles: Award for Outstanding Achievement in Injury Recovery
and Commendation for Outstanding Achievement in Injury Prevention or Recovery Support within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities award
Listen to Professor Beth Armstrong and Kerri Colegate discussing their work around communication difficulties after brain injury and stroke, with a particular focus on the experiences of Indigenous Australians in this 2021 interview with Synapse for Brain Injury Awareness Week 2021.
Read this article “Brain Injury Yarning Circles – an innovative community approach to supporting Aboriginal people with Acquired Brain Injury“, published in INSPIRE, the Research Australia magazine, in April 2023.
Chief Investigator
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald
Associate Investigators
- A/Prof Kaylene Young
- Dr Chidozie Anyaegbu
Institutions
- Curtin University
- Perron Institute of Neurological and and Translational Science
Is oxidative damage to OPCs at the blood brain barrier a contributor to pathology following neurotrauma?
Year: 2019
Myelin is an insulating substance in the brain that allows nerve cells to function normally. Loss of insulating myelin is a feature of damaged nerve tissue after neurotrauma. However it is not yet known what drives myelin loss. We will test the hypothesis that the cells that mature to make myelin are damaged by free radicals, leading to disruption of blood vessels in the brain and reduced ability to make myelin. We will use an inhibitor of the damage to test whether we can preserve myelin in its normal compact structure.
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald
Chief Investigator
Dr Hakuei Fujiyama
Associate Investigators
- Dr Alex Tang
- A/Prof Shayne Loft
- Ms Jane Tan
- Dr Vanessa Bowden
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- Monash University
Improving the executive decision-making process using non-invasive brain stimulation in older adults: A step towards reducing traffic accidents
Year: 2019
Increases life expectancy has resulted unprecedented numbers of older drivers on the road, which has contributed to a greater number of road accidents involving older adults. Notably, many of the accidents are explained, in part, by the compromised executive decision-making process with advance age. Here, we propose a novel approach to improve executive decision-making process using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) which is capable of increasing or decreasing the oscillatory rhythms in the brain networks in a frequency-dependent manner. The project will test this novel solution aimed at improving driving skills in older adults, which would reduce road accidents.
Dr Hakuei Fujiyama
Chief Investigator
E/Prof Alan Harvey
Associate Investigators
- A/Prof Stuart Hodgetts
- Dr Steve Petratos
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- Murdoch University
Effects of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) gene therapy on the regeneration of corticospinal axons after spinal cord injury.
Year: 2019
We will use AAV vectors to induce expression of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) in corticospinal (CSN) and neighbouring cortical neurons, to determine if transduction of CSN enhances behavioural recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). To preserve injured spinal tissue and enhance plasticity and regrowth of corticospinal axons we will also graft rat mesenchymal precursor cells at the injury site. Following on from our successful thoracic injury studies in rat, here we will use a cervical SCI model. In rodents the corticospinal projection is critically important in controlling forelimb function, and in humans is essential for fine manipulatory control.
Emeritus Professor Alan Harvey,
Associate Professor Stuart Hodgetts
and Dr Steve Petratos
Chief Investigator
A/Prof Jennifer Rodger
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
Interaction of brain state with brain stimulation to promote brain repair
Year: 2019
Despite increasing evidence for neuroplasticity in the adult brain, it is not yet possible to fully reverse injury to the highly ordered neural circuits that underpin complex behaviour. The aim of this application is to understand how we can reliably induce neuro plasticity to accelerate repair and improve function of abnormal circuits. We will combine electromagnetic brain stimulation with visual and motor interventions in mice to increase plasticity and promote brain repair. Our goals is to validate a therapeutic approach to decrease financial, social and emotional costs associated with neurological impairment.
Post-doctoral Researcher Darren Clarke
Chief Investigator
A/Prof Jennifer Rodger
Associate Investigators
- Dr Alexander Tang
- Dr Olivier Clément
- Mr Darren Clarke
- Ms Jessica Moretti
- Dr Jodi Pawluksi
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- Harry Perkins Institute Medical Research
Identifying neurons activated by rTMS: distribution, subtype and physiological properties
Year: 2019
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a technique that induces plasticity in the brain and holds great promise for promoting repair after neurotrauma. However, therapeutic outcomes tend to be variable across individuals: it is likely that rTMS is poorly applied because the mechanisms are poorly understood. Research has largely been carried out in humans, making it impossible to identify the cells that are stimulated by rTMS. Here we propose experiments in transgenic mice that will identify the cells and circuits activated by different frequencies of rTMS. Our results will inform the development of rTMS protocols that deliver targeted therapeutic outcomes.
Each green dot in the image is a neuron (brain cell) that has become activated in response to brain stimulation. Images like this help us to understand how brain stimulation can be used to increase brain plasticity and potentially treat neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions like stroke and depression.
Chief Investigator
Prof Janet Taylor
Institutions
- Edith Cowan University
A novel method to prime the spinal cord for motor rehabilitation
Year: 2019
Spinal injury can damage the pathway that carries motor signals from the brain to spinal cord and this leads to muscle weakness. We propose that specific patterns of voluntary exercise of one muscle group can strengthen connections in the spinal cord to the motor nerve cells that carry signals to other non-exercised muscles, and so can improve voluntary strength of those muscles. The project will test this proposal in able bodied people and then in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. If the proposal is correct then these studies will be the first steps to a low-cost adjunct to rehabilitation.
Chief Investigator
Dr Onno van der Groen
Associate Investigators
- Prof Dylan Edwards
- A/Prof Jennifer Rodger
- Prof Sarah Dunlop
Institutions
- Edith Cowan University
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- University of Western Australia
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute
Low-intensity rTMS in human spinal cord injury: a translational approach
Year: 2019
Recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury (I-SCI) can be potentiated by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)1,2 of the brain. Current rTMS protocols use high stimulation intensities, which can cause discomfort and pain, limit the application duration of rTMS and might cause unwanted stimulation of deeper brain areas 3. Preclinical work from our group has shown that low-intensity rTMS can induce plastic changes and affect behaviour 4–7. In the current proposal we will test the safety and feasibility of a stimulation protocol mimicking that used in our preclinical work, and measure outcomes using robotics and neurophysiology.
Dr Onno Van der Groen
Chief Investigator
Prof Sarah Dunlop
Associate Investigators
- Ms Louise Goodes
- Ms Gabby Simpson
- Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott
- Dr Jeffrey Thavaseelan
- Ms Carly Hartshorn
- Ms Anne Watts
- Ms Jen Bardsley
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Fiona Stanley Hospital
- Perth Urology Clinic
Bladder health in the community after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Practicalities of following clinical advice
Year: 2018
Bladder dysfunction and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common after SCI, causing significant morbidity. Self-management is complex, Our recent pilot study interviewing community-living individuals with SCI indicated, in the year post-hospital discharge, they frequently struggled to follow catheterisation and infection control advice due to lifestyle issues, a situation further complicated by inconsistent urological follow up. This study builds on our pilot data to better understand the lived experience of neurogenic bladder. We will investigate adherence to medically prescribed bladder management, perceived barriers to optimal self-care, symptomatic UTI incidence and urological review status which will inform of improvement of community outcomes.
Ms Louise Goodes and Ms Gabby Simpson
Chief Investigator
Prof Melinda Fitzgerald
Institutions
- Curtin University
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
Understanding and repairing myelin loss following Neurotrauma
Year: 2018
Loss of insulating myelin is a feature of damaged nerve tissue after neurotrauma. However it is not yet known what drives death of the cells that make myelin. We will test the hypothesis that the DNA of cells that make myelin is damaged by free radicals, leading to those cells abnormally dividing and therefore dying. We will use an inhibitor of cell division to test whether we can reverse the damage and preserve myelin in its normal compact structure.
Electron microscopy image of neurons enwrapped with myelin in the optic nerve following neurotrauma. A cross-sectional view of neurons wrapped with normal (N) or different degrees of damaged myelin (D) is shown. The degree of damage to myelin can influence myelin loss and visual function. Structures in the image are magnified at 4000X their original size.
Chief Investigator
Prof Melinda Fitzgerald
Associate Investigators
- Prof Daniel Fatovich
- A/Prof Carmela Pestell
- Dr Melissa Licari
- Prof Suzanne Robinson
- Dr Daniel Xu
Clinical Associate Investigators
- A/Prof Michael Bynevelt
Institutions
- Curtin University
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- University of Western Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute
- Neurological Intervention & Imaging Service of Western Australia
A validation study to predict poor outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury
Year: 2018
Mild traumatic brain injury, also referred to as concussion, accounts for 70-85% of traumatic brain injury in Australia and worldwide. 20% of people who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury go on to have long lasting symptoms including problems thinking, depression and headaches (called post-concussion syndrome). We currently cannot predict which patients will go on to have long term problems, so patients are not appropriately directed to treatment. In this Project we will validate a likely combination of psychological outcomes, blood biomarkers and advanced imaging as a way of predicting post-concussion syndrome following mild traumatic brain injury.
CREST Concussion Recovery Study
Chief Investigator
Adj A/Prof Bruno Meloni
Associate Investigators
- Prof Neville Knuckey
- Ms Li Shan Chiu
- Dr Ryan Anderton
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- University of Notre Dame
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
Investigation of poly-arginine peptide neuroprotective mechanisms using an in vitro Neurotrauma injury model
Year: 2018
Poly-arginine peptide are a novel class of neuroprotective agents with demonstrated benefits in experimental neurotrauma, however the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been fully investigated. Since mitochondria are cell structures critically involved in cell survival and energy production, and preliminary evidence shows poly-arginine peptides restores the latter after injury, this application will examine how these peptides influence neuronal mitochondrial function after a mechanically induced injury. We will determine if poly-arginine peptides mitigate cell death and whether this aligns with mitochondrial localisation, and further explore what mitochondrial structures are potentially affected by these peptides to exert beneficial effects.
Adjunct Associate Professor Bruno Meloni
and Professor Neville Knuckey
Chief Investigator
A/Prof Jennifer Rodger
Associate Investigators
- E/Prof Alan Harvey
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
Imaging techniques to understand brain plasticity mechanisms in the injured brain
Year: 2018
Brain stimulation offers enormous potential to repair the injured brain by inducing neuroplasticity. However, we still do not understand how brain stimulation works, which significantly blunts its efficacy and application. In this project I study how one form of brain stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) works in injured brains. I use fluorescent and fMRI imaging techniques in preclinical models to study the effects of rTMS on neuronal activity in injured brains. Our results will reveal how rTMS protocols can be used to drive plasticity and promote long lasting therapeutic changes in brain connectivity and behaviour.
Image of the cortex in the brain,
with different kinds of neurons
labelled in different colours.
The image shows the complexity
of the brain and its organisation into
layers to help processing information.
Chief Investigator
Prof Killugudi Swaminatha-Iyer
Associate Investigators
- A/Prof Nicole Smith
- A/Prof Stuart Hodgetts
- E/Prof Alan Harvey
- Prof Per Zetterlund
- Dr Vipul Agarwal
Institutions
- University of Western Australia
- Perron Institute of Neurological and Translational Science
- University of New South Wales
Bionic Intervention to Program Neural Stell Cell Differentiation
Year: 2018
Self-renewal and multipotency are central features that make stem cells promising candidates for therapy following injury to the brain and spinal cord. However we are yet to fully understand what are the pivotal factors that determine if the stem cells differentiate into a neuron or a glial cell or become quiescent. We propose to unravel this particular phenomenon by integrating medical bionics technology with genomics and bioinformatics to develop the first comprehensive map for programming stem cell differentiation. The outcomes of this project will make a landmark contribution towards realising stem cell based therapy for Neurotrauma a reality.