Anatomy
Head: Professor D H Barkla
Address: Department of Anatomy, Monash University, Clayton 3168
Telephone: (03) 9905 2751
- + Thalassaemic research This project studies in detail the
molecular basis, incidence, clinical and public health manifestations of
anaemias of clinical significance in selected populations. The molecular
diversity of these common disorders is currently being investigated using a
variety of methods including restriction enzyme analysis of DNA, the sequencing
of PCR amplified globin genes and mutation detection by chemical cleavage of
DNA.
- + DNA fingerprinting studies The reproductive fitness of males
in natural populations is measured by their capacity to sire progeny which
survive to reproduce in the next generation. In these studies we are using
genetic fingerprinting and fluorescent-probe techniques to examine population
heterogeneity, to determine paternity and to examine the effects of different
mating strategies and insemination procedures on sperm competition in some
selected mammalian species.
- + Cruciate ligament repairs Anterior cruciate injuries
(ACL)/rupture are very common in athletes, motor car and other accidents and
lead to considerable short and long term disability. Recent work demonstrates
that human autograft collagen fibres used to replace the ACL are uniformly of
small diameter and do not approach the large diameter fibres seen in the
patellar tendon from which the grafts are derived. This study aims to develop
improved methods for the repair of ACL injuries in humans.
- + Reproduction in marsupials Six distinct life history
strategies have been recognised within the family Dasyuridae (the carnivorous
marsupials). The semelparous species have perhaps the most interesting strategy
with a mating period that is shorter than gestation and highly synchronised and
abrupt mortality of all males, often before females have ovulated, at the end
of their first short mating period. The study aims to establish the hormonal
control mechanisms for reproduction in marsupials.
- + Hormonal control of testicular function For over 50 years it
has been known that the gonadotrophic hormones FSH and LH, together with
testosterone, control the process of adult male testicular function. We know
that testosterone plays a predominant role in the control of spermatogenesis
and fertility, though little is known about the biochemical and physiological
mechanisms of testosterone action in the testis. This study is focussed on the
actions of FSH and testosterone on the proliferation and maturation of the germ
cells.
- + Hormonal control of testicular development The first of these
involves the factors controlling testicular size and capacity to produce sperm.
Work currently in progress in the laboratory is centred on the role of thyroid
hormone in the control of testicular development in the neonatal animal. More
recent work has demonstrated that the effects of hypothyroidism are synergistic
with elevated levels of FSH. This project is directed at eliciting the
mechanisms of these effects.
- + Stereology The application of contemporary stereological
methods to the quantification of tissue components, especially methods relating
to the estimation of cell number. The biological application of these methods
has been both the investigation of the hormonal control of spermatogenesis and
the hormonal control of testicular development particularly in the context of
spermatogenic potential. This project offers `hands-on' experience in
stereological techniques.
- + Neurodegeneration research In vivo and in vitro
investigations of neuronal degeneration in order to better understand
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Motor Neurone Disease as well as diabetic
neuropathies. This study screens novel therapeutic agents which block
neurodegenerative processes and maps postmortem human brain and spinal cord
tissue to determine neurodegenerative changes.
- + Control of movement Several experiments are underway
examining how the cerebellum and basal ganglia influence the cortex during
skilled or learned movements. The student will learn how to perform single
cells studies in the live animal.
- + Factors regulating regeneration of motor neurones The
regeneration of nerves following damage is often poor. Over recent years many
new neural growth factors have been identified and some of these factors show
great potential to aid in the repair of the peripheral nervous system. The
project will involve the microsurgical repair of peripheral nerve and an
assessment of functional recovery.
- + Neural pathways for motor control This project will use the
latest techniques to investigate the connections between the different areas of
the brain involved in motion control. The project involves injection of very
small amounts of neuronal tracer to map neuronal pathways.
- + Transgenic mice without dopamine receptors The molecular
neurobiology laboratory aims to investigate neural diseases and normal brain
development using recombinant DNA technology. Homologous recombination has been
utilised to generate gene knockout mice with functional ablation of the brain
dopamine receptors involved in Parkinsons disease. Gene targeting will also be
exploited to generate mice in which toxin genes are introduced into specific
subpopulations of developing brain cells.