Associate Professor Helen Cooper - Neural Migration

The adult human brain contains approximately 1011 neurons which make an estimated 1014 synaptic connections. How is such a astonishing structure generated? Cell and axon migration are fundamental processes essential for establishing the architectural plan of the central nervous system during vertebrate embryogenesis. Newly born neurons migrate along predefined pathways to establish the variety of distinct structures present in the adult brain. In addition, young neurons must also extend axons to their appropriate targets in order to establish the extensive network of connections found between neurons in the adult brain. Research in the Neural Migration Laboratory focuses on the molecular signalling systems governing neural differentiation, migration and axon pathfinding in the embryonic brain. This team has now identified several important cell surface receptors essential for these developmental processes. Current research is aimed at discovering how these receptors function during key phases of nervous system development. To address these questions we use both the mouse and zebrafish as our developmental models. 

Neural tube formation

The earliest neural structure in the vertebrate is the neural tube, comprising a single layer of neural stem cells surrounding a central lumen. Mutations in our receptors produce neural tube defects which closely resemble the congenital neural tube abnormalities seen in humans.

Formation of the neocortex

The intricate neural architecture of the 6-layered mammalian neocortex is dependent on the ability of neural stem cells to differentiate into new neurons. These young neurons must then migrate into the correct cortical layers. In humans, mutations in genes controlling these processes have severe consequences for cortical development leading to intractable epilepsy, mental retardation, schizophrenia, dyslexia and autism.

Axon navigation in the growing brain

The corpus callosum is the major axon tract connecting the left and right hemispheres in the human cortex. There are more than 50 different human congenital syndromes, often associated with mental retardation and epilepsy, in which this axon tract fails to develop. This project may identify molecular targets that can be manipulated to encourage axon regrowth and correct pathfinding in the damaged adult human brain and spinal chord.

Adult neurogenesis

The adult brain contains neural stem cells that continue to make new neurons throughout life. Research in the Cooper lab has identified signalling molecules that may be harnessed to promote the birth of new neurons and their migration to damaged regions of the brain. The development of effective endogenous stem cell-based therapeutic strategies to promote neurogenesis and migration would be a major step forward in achieving functional recovery in the damaged brain.

Current Collaborations

Associate Professor Helen Cooper and Professor Perry Bartlett at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) have teamed up with Professor Max Lu and Dr Gordon Xu at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland (UQ) to explore new technologies for the treatment of Huntington's Disease. 

Selected publications

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