Development of a functional Enteric Nervous System
- Research Opportunity
- PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Number of Master Places Available
- 1
Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr Jaime Foong | j.foong@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof Joel Bornstein |
Summary Our major research interests are the neural mechanisms and circuits that control intestinal motor functions underlying the digestive process, including both muscle movement and the secretion of water and salt by the mucosa, and how these are disturbed by bacterial toxins. This work involves experimental methods ranging from electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission in reflex pathways, to immunohistochemical analysis of enteric neural circuits, to measurements of intestinal movements and secretions both in vitro and in vivo and computer simulation of the networks of neurons that mediate these functions. Much of this work, especially that involving interactions between intestinal movements and secretion, is carried out in close collaboration with Dr Tor Savidge of Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Other international collaborations include a consortium led by Professor Marthe Howard (University of Toledo, Ohio) and funded by NIH whose goal is a predictive anatomical map of the enteric nervous system.
Project Details
Proper development of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is essential for regulating vital gastrointestinal functions. However, the development of a functioning ENS is still unclear. This project will use advanced microscopy and a robust method of measuring dynamic activity and neurotransmission of the developing enteric circuitry by employing mice in which enteric neurons express a genetically encoded calcium indicator. Findings from this study will elucidate factors that affect maturation of synaptic transmission within the ENS.Research Opportunities
PhD students, Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
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