Profiles

Lisa Foa

Prof Lisa Foa

Lisa Foa

Head of School, Psychological Sciences

Room Level 1, Room 140 , Social Sciences Building

+61 3 6226 2681 (phone)

+61 3 6226 2679 (fax)

Lisa.Foa@utas.edu.au

After conception our nervous system begins to grow. The complex circuitry of the brain begins to wire together in the embryo. Sometimes the nervous system doesn't develop normally and conditions like autism, schizophrenia and mental retardation can result. The nervous system is 'built' with molecules and proteins, and currently we don't know a lot about them. There are no effective drugs or therapies to treat nervous system disorders and no way to intervene with nervous system development.

Understanding nervous system development

Professor Lisa Foa is trying to change that. She is a developmental neurobiologist studying how the circuitry of the brain begins to connect within the embryo.

'If we can understand the molecules and proteins that control nervous system development, and how they work normally, then we may be able to create drug and gene targets for conditions when the system is not working as it should,' said Professor Foa.

'We may also be able to determine a way to regenerate a nervous system that has been damaged through trauma, like a car crash, or disease like diabetes.'

Professor Foa's research has been instrumental in understanding how calcium signals affect nerve cell growth during nervous system development.

'Calcium governs communication between cells and signalling within cells. When information is sent through the nervous system, calcium passes that information along the line like a baton in a relay,' said Professor Foa.

Her team is currently investigating how calcium is controlled within growing nerve cells and how this is important for nervous system development and function.

'Calcium is essential to a healthy nervous system. Without it nerves won't grow or function. If calcium levels are too low nerve cells shrivel and die, and if calcium levels are too high it becomes toxic and can kill cells. The latter is one hypothesis about Alzheimer's disease, that calcium is no longer regulated properly, and so calcium levels increase too much and cells begin to die. This means that our work has implications for the developing and ageing brain,' said Professor Foa.

'We aim to discover which proteins regulate calcium and control it. We have discovered a couple of novel proteins that are important, but there are still so many proteins that we don't know anything about.'

Professor Foa is particularly well known for her work on 'nerves growing in the dish'. She has been instrumental in building the neuroscience facilities in Tasmania, which have recently expanded to include zebrafish.

'The zebrafish nervous system functions the same way our nervous system does, using the same chemicals and nerve cells, except they are transparent. This allows the developing embryo and nervous system to be monitored in real time, in vivo.'

'Within the fish, we can make cells fluorescent with either dyes or genetics, and then we can watch those fluorescent cells develop within the active nervous system. Twenty-four hours after conception we can see the nerve cells in the spinal chord glow red or green.'

'Zebrafish have allowed us to take the work that we've done in the dish and see if it works in a real animal. We can manipulate the proteins and see what happens. We can see if the nervous system is developing normally.'

Tasmania's world-class facilities and team are attracting people from around the country and the globe to work here.

Biography

Lisa graduated from Deakin University with her PhD in 1996 and then spent 5 years in the US, working at the University of Michigan and then at the prestigious Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. While in the US, Lisa learnt a variety of in vivo and in vitro live cell imaging techniques that she now employs in her own laboratory at the University of Tasmania.

Lisa is now Associate Head Research for the School of Medicine and Head of the Biomedical Sciences Discipline for the College of Health and Medicine. She also teaches and coordinates a third year Neuroscience course in Bachelor of Medical Research, and carries an oversight role with the pre-clinical pharmacology teaching in the medical curriculum. Lisa supervises 3rd year research, honours and PhD students in her developmental neurobiology research laboratory.

Career summary

Qualifications

PhD, Deakin University, Australia, 1996, thesis title: The ontogeny of putative GABAergic neurons and their receptors in the nervous system of the crayfish Cherax destructor
Graduate course: Neural Systems and Behavior, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA, 1992
B.Sc. (Hons), Deakin University, Australia, 1989

Memberships

Other

1997 – present - Society for Neuroscience (US)
1990 – present - Australian Neuroscience Society

Teaching

Teaching expertise

Lisa has supervised a number of Honours and PhD students. She currently supervises several PhD Students who are different stages of their candidature.

Teaching responsibility

Lisa teaches and coordinates Neuroscience. She also oversees Pharmacology teaching in Medicine. In her neuroscience teaching, Lisa introduces students to current research in developmental neurobiology and learning and memory. Additionally she regularly runs third year students' research projects in her lab and also has Honours and PhD students who all work in Neuroscience research.

Units Taught

Research Appointments

2015 – present - Elected Discipline Head, Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health
2014 – present - Appointed to the Health Services Innovation Research Advisory committee
2014 – present - Appointed Associate Head Research, School of Medicine
2014 – present - Chair School of Medicine Research Committee
2014 – present - Faculty of Health Research Committee
2014 – present - Member of ERA3 (Health) cluster
2014 – 2016 - Faculty Representative on University Graduate Research Complaints Panel
2013 – 2014 - NHMRC Peer Review Honour Roll
2013 – 2014 - NHMRC Peer Review Panel Member for Dora Lush PhD Scholarship applications
2011 - Convenor Seminar Series for the Menzies Research Institute
2010 - Chair NHMRC Peer Review Panel for Biomedical PhD Scholarship applications

View more on Professor Lisa Foa in WARP

Research Themes

Our research is aligned with the University's research theme of Better Health focusing on understanding how the complex circuitry of the brain is formed in the developing embryo. We are particularly interested in what we call 'axon pathfinding', where neurons extend processes, or axons, through the cellular milieu of the embryonic environment and connect with other neurons. Growing axons possess a highly dynamic navigational structure, known as a growth cone at their extending tips, and we know that growth cones are the cells' 'navigation' system.

But how do growth cones navigate? How do they find their targets during development? Answering these questions is important for us to understand developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia and in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, where normal neural connectivity is lost. If we can understand how normal connections are made, we can discover new drug and gene targets for these significant disorders.

We know that calcium is crucial for growth cone navigation. Our research is focused on how calcium is controlled, so that we can decipher how calcium signals alter growth cone navigation. In our research, we use a combination of calcium imaging, optogenetics, live cell imaging in vitro and in vivo, and molecular biology.

We have a team of Postdocs, honours and PhD students, lead by Lisa and long-term collaborator, Dr Rob Gasperini, working on projects that cover four main areas:

1. How does calcium control growth cone navigation? We use two model systems to study growth cone navigation:

Live cell and calcium imaging of growth cones in vitro, and in collaboration with Dr John Lin (UTas) we use optogenetics to manipulate signaling in the growth cones
In collaboration with Dr Ethan Scott (UQ), we're using calcium imaging and genetic manipulation to study growth cone behavior in vivo within the zebrafish

2. Do glial cells move the same way growth cones do? We are using our models that we have for growth cones to study glial behavior in collaboration with Dr Kaylene Young (Menzies).

3. Can we use novel molecules or compounds to regulate growth cone navigation and axon regeneration after injury or disease? In collaboration with Emeritus Prof Adrian West and Prof Bruce Taylor (Menzies) we're studying axon regeneration in vivo after disease.

4. Our studies on calcium also relate to the ageing brain. In collaboration with Prof David Small (Menzies), we study the control of calcium in ageing, as one hypothesis on why neurons degenerate in Alzheimer's disease suggests calcium dysregulation.

Collaboration

Dr Robert Gasperini, Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Professor David Small, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania
Dr Kaylene Young, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania
Professor Adrian West School of Medicine, University of Tasmania
Professor Bruce Taylor, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania
Assoc Prof Jenny Rodger, University of Western Australia
Dr John Chilton, University of Exeter, UK
Dr Thomas Fath, University of New South Wales

Fields of Research

Cellular nervous system (320902)
Neurosciences (320999)
Central nervous system (320903)
Peripheral nervous system (320906)
Neurology and neuromuscular diseases (320905)
Sensory systems (320907)
Systems physiology (320803)
Autonomic nervous system (320901)
Cancer genetics (321103)
Molecular targets (321108)
Cell physiology (320801)
Signal transduction (310111)
Pharmaceutical sciences (321405)
Basic pharmacology (321401)
Ophthalmology (321201)
Endocrinology (320208)
Medicine, nursing and health curriculum and pedagogy (390110)
Nutrition and dietetics (321099)
Respiratory diseases (320103)
Animal immunology (310905)
Cell neurochemistry (310104)
Epidemiology (420299)
Biochemistry and cell biology (310199)
Proteins and peptides (340407)
Occupational and workplace health and safety (350505)
Cancer cell biology (321101)
Nutritional science (321004)
Synthetic biology (310113)
Clinical psychology (520302)
Social work (440999)
Receptors and membrane biology (310110)
Foetal development and medicine (321501)
Not-for-profit accounting and accountability (350106)
Vision science (321204)
Household finance and financial literacy (350205)
Cell development, proliferation and death (310102)
Medical physiology (320899)
Genomics (310509)
Innate immunity (320407)
Continuing and community education (390301)
Cardiology (incl. cardiovascular diseases) (320101)

Research Objectives

Clinical health (200199)
Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)
Expanding knowledge in the health sciences (280112)
Health related to ageing (200502)
Prevention of human diseases and conditions (200104)
Treatment of human diseases and conditions (200105)
Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services) (200301)
Diagnosis of human diseases and conditions (200101)
Mental health services (200305)
Disease distribution and transmission (incl. surveillance and response) (200404)
Behaviour and health (200401)
Expanding knowledge in the biomedical and clinical sciences (280103)
Financial services (110299)
Public health (excl. specific population health) (200499)
Other education and training (169999)
Mental health (200409)
Human pharmaceutical products (240899)
Air quality (180101)

Publications

Total publications

Highlighted publications

(13 outputs)

Year	Type	Citation
2019	Journal Article	Pavez M, Thompson AC, Arnott HJ, Mitchell CB, D'Atri I, et al., 'STIM1 is required for remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum and microtubule cytoskeleton in steering growth cones', Journal of Neuroscience, 39, (26) pp. 5095-5114. ISSN 0270-6474 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2496-18.2019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 30Web of Science - 28 Co-authors: Pavez M; Thompson AC; Arnott HJ; Lin JY; Young KM; Gasperini RJ Tweet
2017	Journal Article	Gasperini RJ, Pavez MP, Thompson AC, Mitchell Camila, Hardy H, et al., 'How does calcium interact with the cytoskeleton to regulate growth cone motility during axon pathfinding?', Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences, 84 pp. 29-35. ISSN 1044-7431 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.07.006 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 47Web of Science - 42 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Pavez MP; Thompson AC; Young KM Tweet
2017	Journal Article	Premilovac D, Gasperini RJ, Sawyer S, West A, Keske M, et al., 'A New Method for Targeted and Sustained Induction of Type 2 Diabetes in Rodents', Scientific Reports, 7 Article 14158. ISSN 2045-2322 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14114-4 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Premilovac D; Gasperini RJ; Sawyer S; West A; Keske M; Taylor BV Tweet
2016	Journal Article	Auderset LF, Landowski LM, Foa L, Young KM, 'Low density lipoprotein receptor related proteins as regulators of neural stem and progenitor cell function', Stem Cells International Article 2108495. ISSN 1687-9678 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1155/2016/2108495 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 27Web of Science - 26 Co-authors: Auderset LF; Landowski LM; Young KM Tweet
2015	Journal Article	Landowski LM, Pavez MP, Brown LS, Gasperini R, Taylor BV, et al., 'Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins in a novel mechanism of axon guidance and peripheral nerve regeneration', Journal of Biological Chemistry, 291, (3) pp. 1092-1102.. ISSN 1083-351X (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M115.668996 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Landowski LM; Pavez MP; Brown LS; Gasperini R; Taylor BV; West AK Tweet
2012	Chapter in Book	Gasperini RJ, Foa L, 'Methods in neuronal growth cone biology', TRP Channels in Drug Discovery. Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Humana Press, T Biro & A Szallasi (ed), New York, pp. 239-252. ISBN 978-1-62703-094-6 (2012) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-095-3 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2012	Journal Article	Mitchell CB, Gasperini RJ, Small DH, Foa LC, 'STIM1 is necessary for store-operated calcium entry in turning growth cones', Journal of Neurochemistry, 122, (6) pp. 1155-66. ISSN 0022-3042 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07840.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 39Web of Science - 38 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Small DH Tweet
2011	Journal Article	Gasperini RJ, Hou X, Parkington H, Coleman H, Klaver DW, et al., 'TRPM8 and Na_v 1.8 sodium channels are required for transthyretin-induced calcium influx in growth cones of small-diameter TrkA-positive sensory neurons', Molecular Neurodegeneration, 6, (19) pp. 1-12. ISSN 1750-1326 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-19 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Klaver DW; Vincent AJ; Small DH Tweet
2009	Journal Article	Foa LC, Gasperini RJ, 'Developmental roles for Homer: more than just a pretty scaffold', Journal of Neurochemistry, 108, (1) pp. 1-10. ISSN 0022-3042 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05726.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 37Web of Science - 34 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2009	Journal Article	Gasperini RJ, Choi-Lundberg DL, Thompson MJW, Mitchell CB, Foa LC, 'Homer regulates calcium signalling in growth cone turning', Neural Development, 4, (1) pp. 1-19. ISSN 1749-8104 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-4-29 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 33Web of Science - 30 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Choi-Lundberg DL; Thompson MJW; Mitchell CB Tweet
2005	Journal Article	Foa LC, Jensen K, Rajan I, Bronson K, Gasperini RJ, et al., 'Homer expression in the Xenopus tadpole nervous system', Journal of Comparative Neurology, 487, (1) pp. 42-53. ISSN 0021-9967 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/cne.20496 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2002	Journal Article	Haas K, Jensen K, Sin WC, Foa LC, Cline HT, 'Targeted electroporation in Xenopus tadpoles in vivo - from single cells to the entire brain', Differentiation, 70, (4-5) pp. 148-154. ISSN 0301-4681 (2002) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-0436.2002.700404.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 134Web of Science - 114 Tweet
2001	Journal Article	Foa LC, Rajan I, Haas K, Wu G, Brakeman P, et al., 'The scaffold protein, Homer 1b/c, regulates axon pathfinding in the central nervous system in vivo', Nature Neuroscience, 4, (5) pp. 499-506. ISSN 1097-6256 (2001) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/87447 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 60Web of Science - 59 Tweet

Journal Article

(36 outputs)

Year	Citation	Altmetrics
2022	Southam K, de Sousa C, Daniel A, Taylor BV, Foa L, et al., 'Development and characterisation of a rat model that exhibits both metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration seen in type 2 diabetes', Journal of Physiology, 600, (7) pp. 1611-1630. ISSN 0022-3751 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1113/JP282454 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Southam K; de Sousa C; Daniel A; Taylor BV; Premilovac D Tweet
2021	Daniel A, Premilovac D, Foa L, Feng ZK, Shah K, et al., 'Novel short-chain quinones to treat vision loss in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22, (3) Article 1016. ISSN 1422-0067 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031016 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Daniel A; Premilovac D; Feng ZK; Shah K; Woolley KL; Bye N; Smith Jason Alfred; Gueven N Tweet
2020	Auderset LF, Pitman KA, Cullen CL, Pepper RE, Taylor BV, et al., 'Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a negative regulator of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation in the adult mouse brain', Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 8 Article 564351. ISSN 2296-634X (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.564351 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 15Web of Science - 16 Co-authors: Auderset LF; Pitman KA; Cullen CL; Pepper RE; Taylor BV; Young KM Tweet
2020	Song Y, Southam K, Bennett E, Johnston F, Foa L, et al., 'Adverse effects of prenatal exposure to residential dust on post-natal brain development', Environmental Research, 198 pp. 1-9. ISSN 0013-9351 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110489 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Song Y; Southam K; Bennett E; Johnston F; Wheeler AJ; Zosky GR Tweet
2020	Thaver S, Foa L, Richards SM, Lyons AB, Zosky GR, 'In utero exposure to diesel exhaust particles, but not silica, alters post-natal immune development and function', Chemosphere, 268 Article 1293142. ISSN 0045-6535 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129314 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Thaver S; Richards SM; Lyons AB; Zosky GR Tweet
2020	Vicenzi S, Foa L, Gasperini RJ, 'Serotonin functions as a bidirectional guidance molecule regulating growth cone motility', Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 78, (5) pp. 2247-2262. ISSN 1420-9071 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03628-2 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Vicenzi S; Gasperini RJ Tweet
2019	Pavez M, Thompson AC, Arnott HJ, Mitchell CB, D'Atri I, et al., 'STIM1 is required for remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum and microtubule cytoskeleton in steering growth cones', Journal of Neuroscience, 39, (26) pp. 5095-5114. ISSN 0270-6474 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2496-18.2019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 30Web of Science - 28 Co-authors: Pavez M; Thompson AC; Arnott HJ; Lin JY; Young KM; Gasperini RJ Tweet
2019	Pitman KA, Ricci R, Gasperini R, Beasley S, Pavez M, et al., 'The voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2 promotes adult oligodendrocyte progenitor cell survival in the mouse corpus callosum but not motor cortex', Glia pp. 1-17. ISSN 0894-1491 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/glia.23723 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 12 Co-authors: Pitman KA; Ricci R; Beasley S; Pavez M; Charlesworth J; Young KM Tweet
2019	Thaver S, Bennett EJ, Foa L, Richards SM, Lyons AB, et al., 'Pregnancy protects against the pro-inflammatory respiratory responses induced by particulate matter exposure', Chemosphere, 225 pp. 796-802. ISSN 0045-6535 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.088 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Thaver S; Bennett EJ; Richards SM; Lyons AB; Zosky GR Tweet
2017	Gasperini RJ, Pavez MP, Thompson AC, Mitchell Camila, Hardy H, et al., 'How does calcium interact with the cytoskeleton to regulate growth cone motility during axon pathfinding?', Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences, 84 pp. 29-35. ISSN 1044-7431 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.07.006 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 47Web of Science - 42 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Pavez MP; Thompson AC; Young KM Tweet
2017	Premilovac D, Gasperini RJ, Sawyer S, West A, Keske M, et al., 'A New Method for Targeted and Sustained Induction of Type 2 Diabetes in Rodents', Scientific Reports, 7 Article 14158. ISSN 2045-2322 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14114-4 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Premilovac D; Gasperini RJ; Sawyer S; West A; Keske M; Taylor BV Tweet
2016	Auderset LF, Landowski LM, Foa L, Young KM, 'Low density lipoprotein receptor related proteins as regulators of neural stem and progenitor cell function', Stem Cells International Article 2108495. ISSN 1687-9678 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1155/2016/2108495 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 27Web of Science - 26 Co-authors: Auderset LF; Landowski LM; Young KM Tweet
2016	Wang S, Bolos M, Clark R, Cullen CL, Southam KA, et al., 'Amyloid β precursor protein regulates neuron survival and maturation in the adult mouse brain', Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences, 77 pp. 21-33. ISSN 1044-7431 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.09.002 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 23Web of Science - 21 Co-authors: Wang S; Bolos M; Clark R; Cullen CL; Southam KA; Dickson TC; Young KM Tweet
2015	Landowski LM, Pavez MP, Brown LS, Gasperini R, Taylor BV, et al., 'Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins in a novel mechanism of axon guidance and peripheral nerve regeneration', Journal of Biological Chemistry, 291, (3) pp. 1092-1102.. ISSN 1083-351X (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M115.668996 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Landowski LM; Pavez MP; Brown LS; Gasperini R; Taylor BV; West AK Tweet
2014	Bolos M, Hu Y, Young KM, Foa L, Small DH, 'Neurogenin 2 mediates amyloid-β precursor protein-stimulated neurogenesis', Journal of Biological Chemistry, 289, (45) pp. 31253-31261. ISSN 0021-9258 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M114.581918 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 14 Co-authors: Bolos M; Hu Y; Young KM; Small DH Tweet
2014	Dawkins E, Gasperini R, Hu Y, Cui H, Vincent AJ, et al., 'The N-terminal fragment of the β-amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer's disease (N-APP) binds to phosphoinositide-rich domains on the surface of hippocampal neurons', Journal of Neuroscience Research, 92, (11) pp. 1478-1489. ISSN 1097-4547 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23422 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Dawkins E; Gasperini R; Hu Y; Cui H; Vincent AJ; Bolos M; Young KM; Small DH Tweet
2014	Small DH, Hu Y, Bolos M, Dawkins E, Foa L, et al., 'β-Amyloid precursor protein: function in stem cell development and Alzheimer's disease brain', Neurodegenerative Diseases, 13, (2-3) pp. 96-98. ISSN 1660-2854 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1159/000353686 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Small DH; Hu Y; Bolos M; Dawkins E; Young KM Tweet
2013	Hu Y, Hung AC, Cui H, Dawkins E, Bolos M, et al., 'Role of cystatin C in amyloid precursor protein-induced proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells', Journal of Biological Chemistry, 288, (26) pp. 18853-18862. ISSN 0021-9258 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M112.443671 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 27 Co-authors: Hu Y; Hung AC; Cui H; Dawkins E; Bolos M; Young KM; Small DH Tweet
2012	Mitchell CB, Gasperini RJ, Small DH, Foa LC, 'STIM1 is necessary for store-operated calcium entry in turning growth cones', Journal of Neurochemistry, 122, (6) pp. 1155-66. ISSN 0022-3042 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07840.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 39Web of Science - 38 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Small DH Tweet
2011	Gasperini RJ, Hou X, Parkington H, Coleman H, Klaver DW, et al., 'TRPM8 and Na_v 1.8 sodium channels are required for transthyretin-induced calcium influx in growth cones of small-diameter TrkA-positive sensory neurons', Molecular Neurodegeneration, 6, (19) pp. 1-12. ISSN 1750-1326 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-19 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Klaver DW; Vincent AJ; Small DH Tweet
2010	Kerr ML, Gasperini R, Gibbs ME, Hou X, Shepherd CE, et al., 'Inhibition of Aβ aggregation and neurotoxicity by the 39-kDa receptor-associated protein', Journal of Neurochemistry, 112, (5) pp. 1199-1209. ISSN 0022-3042 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06540.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2010	Klaver D, Hung AC, Gasperini R, Foa L, Aguilar MI, et al., 'Effect of Heparin on APP Metabolism and Aβ Production in Cortical Neurons', Neurodegenerative Diseases, 7, (1-3) pp. 187-189. ISSN 1660-2854 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1159/000295661 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Klaver D; Hung AC; Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2010	Klaver DW, Wilce MCJ, Cui H, Hung AC, Gasperini R, et al., 'Is BACE1 a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease? Current strategies and future directions', Biological Chemistry: Official Journal of The German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 391, (8) pp. 849-859. ISSN 1431-6730 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1515/BC.2010.089 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 39Web of Science - 34 Co-authors: Klaver DW; Cui H; Hung AC; Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2010	Klaver DW, Wilce MCJ, Gasperini R, Freeman C, Juliano JP, et al., 'Glycosaminoglycan-induced activation of the β-secretase (BACE1) of Alzheimer's disease', Journal of Neurochemistry, 112, (6) pp. 1552-1561. ISSN 0022-3042 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.06571.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 20 Co-authors: Klaver DW; Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2010	Liu SJ, Gasperini R, Foa L, Small DH, 'Amyloid-beta Decreases Cell-Surface AMPA Receptors by Increasing Intracellular Calcium and Phosphorylation of GluR2', Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 21, (2) pp. 655-666. ISSN 1387-2877 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-091654 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 60Web of Science - 58 Co-authors: Liu SJ; Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2010	Small DH, Klaver DW, Foa L, 'Presenilins and the gamma-secretase: still a complex problem', Molecular Brain, 3, (1) pp. 1-6. ISSN 1756-6606 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-3-7 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 23Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Small DH; Klaver DW Tweet
2010	Staal JA, Dickson TC, Gasperini R, Liu Y, Foa L, et al., 'Initial calcium release from intracellular stores followed by calcium dysregulation is linked to secondary axotomy following transient axonal stretch injury', Journal of Neurochemistry, 112, (5) pp. 1147-1155. ISSN 0022-3042 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06531.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 84Web of Science - 73 Co-authors: Staal JA; Dickson TC; Gasperini R; Liu Y; Vickers JC Tweet
2010	Vincent AJ, Gasperini R, Foa L, Small DH, 'Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease: Emerging Roles in Calcium Dysregulation and Synaptic Plasticity', Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 22, (3) pp. 699-714. ISSN 1387-2877 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-101089 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 65Web of Science - 63 Co-authors: Vincent AJ; Gasperini R; Small DH Tweet
2009	Foa LC, Gasperini RJ, 'Developmental roles for Homer: more than just a pretty scaffold', Journal of Neurochemistry, 108, (1) pp. 1-10. ISSN 0022-3042 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05726.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 37Web of Science - 34 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2009	Gasperini RJ, Choi-Lundberg DL, Thompson MJW, Mitchell CB, Foa LC, 'Homer regulates calcium signalling in growth cone turning', Neural Development, 4, (1) pp. 1-19. ISSN 1749-8104 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-4-29 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 33Web of Science - 30 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Choi-Lundberg DL; Thompson MJW; Mitchell CB Tweet
2009	Small DH, Gasperini R, Vincent AJ, Hung AC, Foa L, 'The Role of Aβ-Induced Calcium Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease', Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 16, (2) pp. 225-233. ISSN 1387-2877 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2009-0951 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 67Web of Science - 62 Co-authors: Small DH; Gasperini R; Vincent AJ; Hung AC Tweet
2005	Foa LC, Jensen K, Rajan I, Bronson K, Gasperini RJ, et al., 'Homer expression in the Xenopus tadpole nervous system', Journal of Comparative Neurology, 487, (1) pp. 42-53. ISSN 0021-9967 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/cne.20496 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2005	Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, 'Homer 1b/c expression correlates with zebrafish olfactory system development', Journal of Neurocytology, 33, (6) pp. 671-680. ISSN 0300-4864 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11068-005-3335-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet
2002	Haas K, Jensen K, Sin WC, Foa LC, Cline HT, 'Targeted electroporation in Xenopus tadpoles in vivo - from single cells to the entire brain', Differentiation, 70, (4-5) pp. 148-154. ISSN 0301-4681 (2002) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-0436.2002.700404.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 134Web of Science - 114 Tweet
2001	Foa LC, Rajan I, Haas K, Wu G, Brakeman P, et al., 'The scaffold protein, Homer 1b/c, regulates axon pathfinding in the central nervous system in vivo', Nature Neuroscience, 4, (5) pp. 499-506. ISSN 1097-6256 (2001) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/87447 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 60Web of Science - 59 Tweet
1998	Foa LC, Cooke IRC, 'The ontogeny of GABA- and glutamate-like immunoreactivity in the embryonic Australian freshwater crayfish, Cherax destructor', Developmental Brain Research, 107, (1) pp. 33-42. ISSN 0165-3806 (1998) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/S0165-3806(97)00216-2 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 Tweet

Chapter in Book

(1 outputs)

Year	Citation	Altmetrics
2012	Gasperini RJ, Foa L, 'Methods in neuronal growth cone biology', TRP Channels in Drug Discovery. Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Humana Press, T Biro & A Szallasi (ed), New York, pp. 239-252. ISBN 978-1-62703-094-6 (2012) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-095-3 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ Tweet

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

2012

Gasperini RJ, Foa L, 'Methods in neuronal growth cone biology', TRP Channels in Drug Discovery. Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Humana Press, T Biro & A Szallasi (ed), New York, pp. 239-252. ISBN 978-1-62703-094-6 (2012) [Research Book Chapter]

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-095-3 [eCite] [Details]

Co-authors: Gasperini RJ

Conference Publication

(26 outputs)

Year	Citation	Altmetrics
2015	Landowski LM, Pavez MP, Gasperini RJ, Taylor BVM, West AK, et al., 'Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins guide navigating PNS axons', 2015 PNS Meeting, 28 June - 2 July, 2015, Quebec City, Canada (2015) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski LM; Pavez MP; Gasperini RJ; Taylor BVM; West AK
2014	Bolos M, Hu Y, Foa L, Young K, Small D, 'The role of Neurogenin2 in APP-stimulated neural stem or progenitor cell differentiation', 34th Annual Meeting Australasian Neuroscience Society, January, Adelaide, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Bolos M; Hu Y; Young K; Small D
2014	Bolos M, Hu Y, Foa L, Young KM, Small DH, 'APP regulates neural stem or progenitor cell differentiation through neurogenin 2 expresssion', Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, 5-9 July, Milan, Italy (2014) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Bolos M; Hu Y; Young KM; Small DH
2014	Hu Y, Bolos M, Dawkins E, Foa L, Young K, et al., 'Cystatin C regulates neural stem or progenitor cell proliferation (Poster)', 34th Annual Meeting Australasian Neuroscience Society, January, Adelaide, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Hu Y; Bolos M; Dawkins E; Young K; Small D
2014	Landowski L, Pavez MP, Gasperini R, Taylor BV, West AK, et al., 'LRP receptors in a novel mechanism of axon pathfinding and peripheral nerve regeneration', Proceedings of Neuroscience 2014, 15-19 November 2015, Washington DC (2014) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski L; Pavez MP; Gasperini R; Taylor BV; West AK
2014	Landowski LM, Taylor BVM, West AK, Foa LC, 'Identification of novel neurotrophic-like factors: a candidate for promoting nerve regeneration in neuropathy', ANS Adelaide 2014, Jan 28-31, 2014, Adelaide, Australia (2014) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski LM; Taylor BVM; West AK
2013	Dawkins E, Vincent AJ, Gasperini R, Cui H, Young K, et al., 'A direct interaction of Aβ with anionic cellular lipids mediates binding to neurons (Poster)', 12th International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases, Florence, Italy (2013) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Dawkins E; Vincent AJ; Gasperini R; Cui H; Young K; Small DH
2013	Hu Y, Hung AC, Cui H, Dawkins E, Foa L, et al., 'APP stimulates neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation by increasing cystatin C secretion. (Poster)', 33rd Annual Meeting Australian Neuroscience Society, January, Melbourne, Australia (2013) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Hu Y; Hung AC; Cui H; Dawkins E; Young KM; Small DH
2012	Dawkins EA, Gasperini R, Vincent AJ, Foa LC, Small DH, 'Analysis of Aβ cell interactions and uptake in hippocampal culture', Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Australian Neuroscience Society, 29 January - 1 February 2012, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 34. (2012) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Dawkins EA; Gasperini R; Vincent AJ; Small DH
2012	Landowski LM, Gasperini RJ, Taylor BVM, West AK, Foa LC, 'Metallothionein I/II induces growth cone chemotaxis via an LRP 1 and LRP 2 dependent mechanism', Neuroscience 2012, 13-17 October, 2012, New Orleans, Louisiana (2012) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski LM; Gasperini RJ; Taylor BVM; West AK
2012	Landowski LM, Gasperini RJ, Taylor BVM, West AK, Foa LC, 'Metallothionein I/II induces growth cone chemotaxis via an LRP 1 and LRP 2 dependent mechanism', Neuroscience 2012, 13-17 October, 2012, New Orleans, Louisiana (2012) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski LM; Gasperini RJ; Taylor BVM; West AK
2011	Hadrill CE, Gasperini RJ, Dickson TC, Foa LC, Small DH, 'Regulation of the cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM by the Aβ peptide of Alzheimer's Disease', Australian Neuroscience Society 31st Annual Meeting, 31 Jan - 3 Feb, Auckland, New Zealand (2011) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Hadrill CE; Gasperini RJ; Dickson TC; Small DH
2011	Hoang T, Gasperini RJ, Cui H, Shepherd CE, Strickland DK, et al., 'Interaction of the receptor-associated protein (RAP) with APP and Aβ', Australian Neuroscience Society 31st Annual Meeting, 31 Jan - 3 Feb, Auckland, New Zealand (2011) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Hoang T; Gasperini RJ; Cui H; Small DH
2011	Landowski LM, Gasperini RJ, Small DH, Taylor BVM, West AK, et al., 'Metallothionein I/II and metallothionein III induce growth cone chemotaxis via disparate mechanisms', Australian Neuroscience Society 31st Annual Meeting, 31 Jan - 3 Feb, Auckland, New Zealand (2011) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Landowski LM; Gasperini RJ; Small DH; Taylor BVM; West AK
2011	Mitchell C, Gasperini RJ, Small DH, Foa LC, 'STIM1 is necessary for regulation of growth cone motility', Australian Neuroscience Society 31st Annual Meeting, 31 Jan - 3 Feb, Auckland, New Zealand (2011) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Small DH
2011	Small DH, Klaver D, Liu S, Cui H, Hoang T, et al., 'Disruption of protein trafficking in Alzheimer's Disease: APP, Aβ and AMPA receptors', Australian Neuroscience Society 31st Annual Meeting, 31 Jan - 3 Feb, Auckland, New Zealand (2011) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Small DH; Klaver D; Liu S; Cui H; Hoang T; Gasperini RJ
2009	Gasperini RJ, Thompson M, Foa LC, 'Homer1 expression in the growth cone: regulating calcium homeostasis', Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society, 27-30 January 2009, Canberra, pp. 45. (2009) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Thompson M
2009	Mitchell CB, Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, 'Homer and store operated calcium entry in growth cone motility', Spinal Cord Research Symposium, Queensland Brain Institute, pp. 8. (2009) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Mitchell CB; Gasperini RJ
2009	Vickers JC, Staal JA, Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, Liu Y, et al., 'Axonal stretch injury in vitro results in initial release of calcium from intracellular stores, prolonged calcium mismetabolism and secondary degeneration', Society for Neuroscience, 17-21 Oct, Chicago, pp. 214.2. (2009) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Vickers JC; Staal JA; Gasperini RJ; Liu Y; Dickson TC
2008	Gasperini RJ, Thompson MJW, Foa LC, 'Homer1 is necessary for maintaining calcium homeostasis in the growth cone', 2nd Brain Plasticity Symposium, 9-12 September 2008, Brisbane, pp. 16. (2008) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ; Thompson MJW
2007	Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, 'Homer is a key regulator of calcium dynamics in motile growth cones', 7th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience, 12-17 July 2007, Melbourne, pp. 355. (2007) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ
2006	Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, 'Homer is a molecular correlate of growth cone turning', Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society, 31 Jan - 3 Feb 2006, Sydney, pp. 37. ISSN 1034-3237 (2006) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ
2005	Gasperini RJ, Foa LC, 'Homer expression and early sensory circuit development in the zebrafish', Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society, 30 Jan - 2 Feb 2005, Perth, pp. 57. ISSN 1034-3237 (2005) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Gasperini RJ
2004	Haas MA, Vickers JC, Foa LC, Dickson TC, 'L1 and ERM proteins are involved in regenerative sprouting following neuronal trauma in vitro', 34th Annual Meeting for the Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, pp. 391.17. (2004) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Haas MA; Vickers JC; Dickson TC
2002	Chuckowree JA, Foa LC, Vickers JC, 'Microtubule stabilization inhibits neurite development and post-injury axonal sprouting in vitro', 32nd Annual Meeting for the Society for Neuroscience, November 2002, Florida, USA, pp. 133.8. (2002) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Chuckowree JA; Vickers JC
2002	Yee KC, Walls JT, Nicol SC, Foa LC, 'A case based approach to pharmacology teaching: the local experience', Proceedings of the 7th National Forum on Prevocational Medical Education, 7-8 Nov, Hobart, TAS (2002) [Conference Extract] [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Yee KC; Walls JT; Nicol SC

Grants & Funding

Funding Summary

Number of grants

Total funding

$4,264,916

Projects

Reaching Out, A new pipeline for Australian mental health workforce training and development. (2023 - 2025)$790,268

Description: Our project will co-design resources for and models of student activity, supervision, and organisational support to address these and other barriers that will then be implemented as a part of our training delivery stage.
Funding: Department of Health and Aged Care ($790,268)
Scheme: Grant-National Mental Health Pathways to Practice
Administered By: Monash University
Research Team: Haines T; Heinsch LM; Castle D; Stirling CM; Foa LC; Kostecki KC; Van Niekerk LM; Elmer H; Canty JB
Period: 2023 - 2025

Driverless axons: Steering Regeneration Towards The Light (2019 - 2021)$432,127

Description: Defects in the connections between nerve cells underpin many developmental disorders such as autism and mental retardation. Furthermore, defects in re-establishing nerve cell connections prevents successful regeneration after disease or trauma. Calcium is vital to nerve cells, especially as they grow and connect. This project will develop novel light-activated tools to manipulate calcium signals to control nerve cell growth and connectivity and enhance nerve regeneration.
Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($432,127)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; Lin J; Gasperini RJ
Period: 2019 - 2021
Grant Reference: 1165616

Can novel mutations in Homer1 alter synaptogenesis? (2018)$43,224

Description: This is a basic Neuroscience project that will examine the signaling function of the scaffold protein Homer in developing neurons and how Homer1 regulates calcium signaling from the ER.
Funding: The Trustee for Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation Limited ($43,224)
Scheme: Donation - Individual
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; Gasperini RJ; Pavez MP
Year: 2018

Molecular, biochemical and genetic mechanisms of cataract in adults and children - improving diagnosis and outcomes (2018)$24,783

Description: Cataract is one of the most common causes of visual impairment and when it occurs inchildren it can have a lifelong impact on their vision. We will identify the genes involved incataract and investigate the mechanisms of cataract formation in adults and children. Agreater understanding of the molecular basis of the disease will improve diagnostic rates forchildren and families and provide the basis for developing non-surgical treatments withfewer side effects for adults and children.
Funding: University of Tasmania ($24,783)
Scheme: Grant- Research Enhancement Program
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Burdon KP; Foa LC
Year: 2018

Driverless Axons: Steering Regeneration Towards The Light (2018)$24,600

Description: The intricate circuitry of the nervous system begins as developing neurons extend axons toconnect with their target cells, in a process known as axon guidance. Defects in axon guidanceunderpin a range of developmental disorders including autism and mental retardation. Inaddition, accurate axon guidance is required for successful regeneration. The distal tip of theextending axon, the growth cone is highly motile as it navigates the surrounding environment.This motility is essentially a consequence of calcium signals that control the growth conecytoskeleton. Manipulating calcium signaling to control the cytoskeleton and subsequentgrowth cone motility will provide novel insights for directing axon growth in vivo, to controlcircuit development and regeneration.
Funding: University of Tasmania ($24,600)
Scheme: Grant- Research Enhancement Program
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; Lin J; Gasperini RJ
Year: 2018

Can anti-diabetic agents improve blood flow and outcome following stroke in type 2 diabetes? (2018)$24,912

Description: People with type 2 diabetes are four times more likely to have a stroke. Interestingly, common anti-diabetic drugs seem to improve patient outcomes following a stroke. This project will determine whether anti-diabetic drugs improve brain blood flow dynamics during and after stroke to reduce stroke severity in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.
Funding: Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation ($24,912)
Scheme: Grant-Minor Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Premilovac D; Sutherland BA; Burgess JR; Howells DW; Foa LC; Keske MAV
Year: 2018

Short chain quinones against diabetic retinopathy (2016 - 2019)$75,174

Description: We will test novel short chain quinones against idebenone and related compounds in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy.
Funding: Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG ($75,174)
Scheme: Contract Research
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Guven N; Premilovac D; Foa LC
Period: 2016 - 2019

Generating and characterizing a reliable rodent model type 2 diabetes (2016)$14,673

Funding: University of Tasmania ($14,673)
Scheme: Grant-Research Enhancement (REGS)
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Premilovac D; Foa LC; Taylor BVM; Guven N
Year: 2016

Hazelwood coal mine fire emissions: Are there risks for infant brain development? (2016)$14,959

Funding: University of Tasmania ($14,959)
Scheme: Grant-Research Enhancement (REGS)
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Wheeler A; Johnston F; Zosky GR; Foa LC
Year: 2016

Promoting regrowth of nerve fibres into the epidermis during diabetic neuropathy by LRP agonists (2015 - 2017)$413,731

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($413,731)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; Taylor BVM; West AK; Keske MAV
Period: 2015 - 2017
Grant Reference: 1088952

Development of a therapeutic agent for a chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (2015)$21,739

Description: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy treatment, causing irreversible disability in 40% of cancer survivors. CIN results from the loss or damage of neurons during chemotherapy. We have compelling evidence that the protein metallothionein promotes regeneration of peripheral nerves, and examine its therapeutic use in CIN.This project will create new knowledge in the area of chemotherapy induced neuropathy, and establish the suitability of trophic agents as disease-modifying agents for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Funding: Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation ($21,739)
Scheme: Grant-Clinical Research
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Taylor BVM; Landowski LM; West AK; Vickers JC; Foa LC; Guven N
Year: 2015

Repulsion and Attraction: How do LRPs turn growth cones? (2014 - 2016)$358,447

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($358,447)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; West AK; Gasperini RJ
Period: 2014 - 2016
Grant Reference: 1068317

Neuron to glia signalling: learning how synaptic signalling can promote CNS remyelination (2014 - 2016)$589,583

Description: Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) and oligodendrocyte damage contribute significantly to the mental and physical impairmentsseen in periventricular leukomalacia (pre and postnatal white matter injury leading to cerebral palsy), spinal cord injury, CNS inflammation, multiple sclerosis and stroke (see background). We have previously demonstrated that new oligodendrocytes are continuously born and added to the central nervous system (CNS), formed from resident OPCs (Rivers*, Young* et al., 2008; Psachoulia et al., 2009; Clarke*, Young* et al., 2012), and that these OPCs have a significant capacity for generating larger numbers of oligodendrocytes in response to a demyelinating injury (Tripathi et al., 2010; Zawadzka et al., 2010).However this endogenous repair system will need to be therapeutically enhanced in order achieve efficacious repair, as many of the newborn OPCs remain in an immature state and fail to differentiate into mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes (Tripathi et al., 2010). There is a body of evidence demonstrating that electrical activity from neurons to OPCs (synaptic and extrasynaptic) in the form of glutamate, GABA and ATP signalling, instructs OPC proliferation, migration, differentiation and myelination (see background). Furthermore, neuronal activity induces an intracellular calcium signal in OPC that instructs the local translation of myelin proteins (Wake et al., 2011). By combining Dr Young's expertise in OPC biology, Dr Foa's expertise in calcium signalling and Dr Gasperini's expertise in synapse biochemistry, we aim to identify key regulators in the pathway coupling neuronal electrical transmission with OPC intracellular calcium signalling, and subsequently OPC differentiation, in a bid to identify therapeutic targets that will increase axon-OPC connectivity,oligodendrocyte differentiation, survival and myelination for the treatment of de/dysmyelinating disorders.
Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($589,583)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Young K; Foa LC; Gasperini RJ
Period: 2014 - 2016
Grant Reference: 1066025

Transient receptor potential channels, calcium and Alzheimer's disease (2013 - 2015)$390,758

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($390,758)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Small DH; Foa LC; Vickers JC; Parkington H; Coleman H
Period: 2013 - 2015
Grant Reference: 1042566

Do metallothioneins promote and direct regenerative growth of epidermal nerve fibres in diabetic peripheral neuropathy? (2013)$33,000

Funding: Brain Foundation ($33,000)
Scheme: Grant-Research
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: West AK; Taylor BVM; Foa LC
Year: 2013

Establishing a state-of-the-art 'Live Cell Recording and Imaging Facility' at Menzies Research Institute Tasmania (2013)$22,000

Funding: Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation ($22,000)
Scheme: Grant
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Young K; Small DH; Foa LC; Dickson TC
Year: 2013

The role of store-operated calcium entry in neuronal development (2012 - 2014)$341,175

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($341,175)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC; Small DH; Gell DA
Period: 2012 - 2014
Grant Reference: 1024145

Calcium signals in neurons: a dynamic role for the endoplasmic reticulum (2012)$4,800

Funding: The Select Foundation ($4,800)
Scheme: Grant-Small Grants Scheme
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Gasperini RJ; Mitchell C; Foa LC
Year: 2012

Understanding the cause of Alzheimer's disease (2012)$177,325

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($177,325)
Scheme: Grant-Dementia Seed Funding
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Small DH; Foa LC; Vickers JC
Year: 2012
Grant Reference: 1020843

Multidimensional analysis of biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease using in vivo MRS (2011)$45,600

Funding: The Mason Foundation ($45,600)
Scheme: Grant-Judith Jane Mason & Harold Stannett Williams
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Small DH; Edwards LM; Foa LC
Year: 2011

Establishing a high-resolution, live cell fluoresence imaging facility at the Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania (2010)$100,000

Funding: Ian Potter Foundation ($100,000)
Scheme: Grant
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2010

Post Synaptic Density Scaffold proteins in the growth cone: Homer and Shank, crucial for calcium signaling (2008 - 2010)$228,250

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($228,250)
Scheme: Grant-Project
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Period: 2008 - 2010
Grant Reference: 512801

Mechanisms of Metallothioneins and Homer in Chemoattraction (2007)$10,000

Funding: University of Tasmania ($10,000)
Scheme: Grant-Institutional Research Scheme
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2007

Wiring Functional Brain Circuits: Is There a Role for Homer and Metallothioneins Proteins? (2006)$7,560

Funding: University of Tasmania ($7,560)
Scheme: Grant-Institutional Research Scheme
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2006

Leica DMIRB Inverted Microscope Configured for Fluorescence and Bright Field with Phase Contrast (2005)$10,000

Funding: National Health & Medical Research Council ($10,000)
Scheme: Grant-Equipment
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Chuah MI; West AK; Holloway AF; Rattigan S; Richards SM; Chung RS; Foa LC
Year: 2005
Grant Reference: 264668

Homer and Growth Cones: Unravelling the Jigsaw of Nerve Cell Connections in the Brain (2005 - 2006)$10,000

Funding: Masonic Medical Research Foundation Limited ($10,000)
Scheme: Grant
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Period: 2005 - 2006

Homer Genes and their Role in the Wiring of the Brain's Electrical Circuit (2004)$9,091

Funding: Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation ($9,091)
Scheme: Grant-Research
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2004

Does Homer function in axon pathfinding within the embryonic Zebrafish olfactory system? (2003)$29,000

Funding: Clive & Vera Ramaciotti Foundation ($29,000)
Scheme: Grant-Establishment
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2003

The Behaviour of Learning and Memory Genes in the Ageing Brain (2002)$18,137

Funding: Masonic Medical Research Foundation Limited ($18,137)
Scheme: Grant
Administered By: University of Tasmania
Research Team: Foa LC
Year: 2002

Research Supervision

Current

Completed

Current

Degree	Title	Commenced
PhD	Psychosocial and Support Needs for Those Living with Rare Disease	2022

Completed

Degree	Title	Completed
PhD	An Investigation on the Function of a Rare Homer1 Mutation in Synaptogenesis Candidate: Daniel Peter Bligh	2023
PhD	Activating Specific Calcium Signals to Control Axon Growth In Vivo Candidate: Hayden James Arnott	2022
PhD	Developing Systems to Optogenetically Inhibit Neuropeptide Exocytosis Candidate: Andrew Glenn Reading	2022
PhD	Pericyte Contractility, Microvascular Blood Flow and the Consequences of Stroke Candidate: Lachlan Shaun Brown	2022
PhD	Identifying Genetic Causes of Paediatric Cataract Onset and Severity: Validation of candidate gene HTR1F and mapping of modifier genes Candidate: Duran Zhao	2022
PhD	Deciphering the Role of Serotonin in Brain Circuit Formation Candidate: Silvia Vicenzi	2021
PhD	Development of Optogenetic Approaches to Selectively Modulate G Protein Signalling Candidate: Jayde Louise Lockyer	2021
PhD	The Early Life Effects of Maternal Exposure to Particulate Matter Candidate: Santon Thaver	2021
PhD	LRP1 is a Negative Regulator of Oligodendrogenesis in the Adult Mouse Central Nervous System Candidate: Loic Francis Auderset	2020
PhD	Mitochondrial Therapy Against Diabetic Retinopathy Candidate: Abraham Ojochenemi Daniel	2020
PhD	Optogenetic Manipulation of Calcineurin Signalling Candidate: Elise Joanna Devenish	2019
PhD	Development of Optogenetic Approaches to Modulate Synaptic Plasticity in the Postsynaptic Cells Candidate: Agnieszka Miroslawa Zbela	2019
PhD	STIM1 Regulates Spatiotemporal Calcium Signals and the Cytoskeleton in Motile Growth Cones Candidate: Macarena Patricia Pavez	2018
PhD	Deciphering the Role of STIM1 in Nervous System Development Candidate: Adrian Colin Thompson	2017
PhD	Towards Understanding the Mechanism of Clioquinol Neurotoxicity Candidate: Jamuna Chhetri	2017
PhD	Role of Amyloid Precursor Protein in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Differentiation Candidate: Yanling Hu	2016
PhD	Molecular Mechanisms Used by Staphylococcus Aureus to Access Iron from Human Haemoglobin Candidate: Claire Frances Dickson	2014
PhD	LRP Receptors in a Novel Mechanism of Axon Pathfinding and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Candidate: Lila Maree Landowski	2014
PhD	Role of Phosphoinositides in the Biology of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Candidate: Edgar Adam Henry Dawkins	2014
PhD	STIM1 Mediates Multiple Signalling Pathways in Neuronal Growth Cones Candidate: Camilla Bessie Mitchell	2013
PhD	Homer, TRP Channels and Calcium: The Signalling Triad of Growth Cone Motility Candidate: Robert John Gasperini	2008