A5013805162- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- 3D Printing in Biomedical Research
- Barrier Structure and Function Studies
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
- Mycobacterium research and diagnosis
- Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research
- Neural dynamics and brain function
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Cytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions
- Immune cells in cancer
- Immune Response and Inflammation
- Occupational Health and Performance
- Military Strategy and Technology
- Pancreatic function and diabetes
- Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
- Geological Modeling and Analysis
- Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
- Cell Image Analysis Techniques
- Cell Adhesion Molecules Research
- Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Immune Cell Function and Interaction
- Simulation and Modeling Applications
University of Auckland
2016-2025
Brain Research New Zealand
2016-2025
James Cook University
2025
Pharmac
2018
Northrop Grumman (Germany)
2004-2011
NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit
2006
Athersys (United States)
2005
The University of Queensland
2003
Western Washington University
1999-2001
United States Geological Survey
2001
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is strongly induced following brain injury and polarises microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Augmentation of TGFβ1 responses may therefore be beneficial in preventing inflammation neurological disorders including stroke neurodegenerative diseases. However, several other cell types display immunogenic potential identifying the effect on these cells required more fully understand its effects inflammation. Pericytes are multifunctional which...
The vasculature of the brain is composed endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytic processes. cells are critical interface between blood CNS parenchyma a component blood-brain barrier (BBB). These innately programmed to respond myriad inflammatory cytokines or other danger signals. IL-1β TNFα well recognised pro-inflammatory mediators, here, we provide compelling evidence that they regulate function immune response profile human cerebral microvascular (hCMVECs) differentially. We used...
The xCELLigence technology is a real-time cellular biosensor, which measures the net adhesion of cells to high-density gold electrode arrays printed on custom-designed E-plates. strength influenced by myriad factors that include cell type, viability, growth, migration, spreading and proliferation. We therefore hypothesised biosensor would provide valuable platform for measurement drug responses in multitude different experimental, clinical or pharmacological contexts. In this manuscript, we...
It is commonly accepted from gene expression studies that the CB2 receptor expressed by most cell types of rodent and human immune system. However, exact identity cells expressing protein in blood or abundance receptors each subset not well characterised. We conducted a detailed analysis levels blood-derived healthy donors. Flow-cytometry was using 4 commercially available anti-CB2 polyclonal antibodies conjunction with selection specific markers. Across multiple subjects we observed NK...
Abstract Microglia, the resident macrophages of central nervous system play vital roles in brain homeostasis through clearance pathogenic material. Microglia are also implicated neurological disorders uncontrolled activation and inflammatory responses. To date, vast majority microglial studies have been performed using rodent models. Human microglia differ from counterparts several aspects including their response to pharmacological substances secretions. Such differences highlight need for...
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is a promising therapeutic target for immunological modulation. There is, however, deficit of knowledge regarding CB2 signaling and function in human primary immunocompetent cells. We applied an experimental paradigm which closely models the situ state leukocytes (PBMC; peripheral blood mononuclear cells) to characterize activation number pathways response CB2-selective ligand (HU308). observed "lag" phase unchanged cAMP concentration prior development...
In this paper, we demonstrate the application of electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technology for measuring differences in formation a strong and durable endothelial barrier model. addition, highlight capacity ECIS to model parameters physical associated with (I) paracellular space (referred as Rb) (II) basal adhesion cells (α, alpha). Physiologically, both are very important correct barriers. is only commercially available that can measure these independently each other,...
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and rapidly progressive neurological disorder. Biomarkers are critical to understanding disease causation, monitoring progression assessing the efficacy of treatments. However, robust peripheral biomarkers yet be identified. Neuroinflammation breakdown blood-brain barrier (BBB) common familial sporadic ALS may produce a unique biomarker signature in blood. Using cytometric bead array (n = 15 participants per group (ALS or control)) proteome...
Tanycytes in the ependymal layer of third ventricle act both as a barrier and communication gateway between cerebrospinal fluid, brain portal blood supply to pituitary gland. However, range, importance mechanisms involved function tanycytes remain be explored. In this study, we have utilized photoperiodic animal examine expression three unrelated gene sequences relation photoperiod-induced changes seasonal physiology behaviour. We demonstrate that cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 1...
Neuromedin U (NMU) has been associated with the regulation of food-intake and energy balance in rats. The objective this study was to identify sites gene expression for NMU receptor-2 (NMU2R) mouse rat hypothalamus ascertain effects nutritional status on these genes. In situ hybridization studies revealed that is expressed several regions balance. Analysis obese ob/ob mRNA levels were elevated dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMH) nucleus mice compared lean litter-mates. addition, DMH fasted 24 h...
Abstract Summary: The patched gene ( Ptc ) is a member of the hedgehog signaling pathway which plays central role in development many invertebrate and vertebrate tissues. In addition, number other members are mutated some common human cancers. Patched receptor for ligand mouse ablation leads to developmental defects an embryonic lethal phenotype. Here we describe conditional allele mice will have utility temporospatial function. genesis 36:158–161, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocytes have critical roles in the human CNS health and disease. They provide trophic support to neurons are innate-immune cells with keys during states-of-inflammation. In addition, they integral functions associated maintaining integrity of blood-brain barrier.We used cytometric bead arrays xCELLigence technology monitor inflammatory response profiles astrocyte compromise real-time under various conditions. Responses were compared a variety cytokines known be released neuroinflammation....
Abstract Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders and pericytes are implicated in brain inflammatory processes. Cellular responses orchestrated by transcription factors but information on transcriptional control is lacking. Because factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta (C/EBPδ) induced a number disorders, we sought investigate its role regulating pericyte immune responses. Our results reveal that C/EBPδ concentration- time-dependent fashion...
The overall goal of this work was to assess the ability Natural Killer cells kill cultures patient-derived glioblastoma cells. Herein we report impressive levels NK-92 mediated killing various observed at ET (effector: target) ratios 5:1 and 1:1. This enabled direct comparison degree cell loss across a broader range cultures. Importantly, even high 5:1, there are always subpopulations that prove very challenging evade Of value in study has been application ECIS (Electric Cell–Substrate...
It is estimated that two billion people are latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ), the causative agent of (TB). Latent infection (LTBI) can occur in multiple organs, including lymphatics. The risk LTBI reactivation increases immunocompromised conditions, such as coinfection human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and during treatment autoimmune diseases organ transplantation. immunological correlates protection against TB, LTBI, remain largely elusive. Here, we used a mouse...
Background and purpose: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in Huntington's disease (HD) has been investigated by several groups with complex sometimes contrasting results. We sought to examine key points intersection between cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB ) signalling, survival the formation mutant huntingtin aggregates HD. Experimental approach: Using a simplified pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell model HD expressing exon wild‐type or huntingtin, we assayed death aggregate using...
Abstract The human brain is a highly vascular organ in which the blood-brain barrier (BBB) tightly regulates molecules entering brain. Pericytes are an integral cell type of BBB, regulating integrity, neuroinflammation, angiogenesis and wound repair. Despite their importance, identifying pericytes amongst other perivascular types deciphering specific role neurovasculature remains challenge. Using primary adult cultures fluorescent-activated sorting, we identified two CD73 + CD45 −...