In vivo analysis of the molecular and neural mechanism that underly an association of miRNAs with mental disorders [ 2012 - 2014 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Thomas Becker (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Silke Rinkwitz ,  Prof Murray Cairns

Brief description Genetic studies on autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression suggest that these disorders affect the formation and maintenance of connections between neurons. A group of brain-specific microRNAs, which are regulatory molecules, are predicted to regulate connectivity. Levels of these molecules are found to be abnormal in brains of patients with schizophrenia. This proposal aims to elucidate the function of these microRNAs in the number of neuronal connections, and early motor behavior in transgenic zebrafish.

Funding Amount $AUD 593,778.67

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant