Honours / ILP / Summer Projects
In collaboration with Assoc Prof Paul Bertrand
Gut Neuroscience Laboratory: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract function is controlled by a large network of neurons that reside within the wall of the intestine. This network contains sensory neurons, interneurons and motor neurons. Another critical component to the modulation of function are the neuroendocrine cells known as enterochromaffin cells (EC cells) which are the site of synthesis, storage and release of 5-HT (serotonin; 5-hydroxytryptamine). Release of 5-HT is a critical step in the sensory transduction of chemical and mechanical information from the lumen of the GI tract to the nervous system, and alterations in this process can cause or exacerbate disease.
Project 1: Characterisation of 5-HT release from intact gastrointestinal tract. This project will characterize the release of 5-HT from EC cells. It will use a novel electrochemical technique to measure 5-HT release selectively and in real-time from intact preparations of small and large intestine.
Project 2: Isolation of EC cells and crypts to examine the biophysics of 5-HT release. In this project, we will investigate the regulation of 5-HT release from single EC cells using state-of-the-art electrochemical methods. This will allow us to quantify release of 5-HT in real-time and determine the biophysics of release.
Project 3: Pharmacology of synaptic transmission in the gut. Many neurotransmitters are involved in neurotransmission within the intestine. This project will examine which neurotransmitters are involved in controlling gut function using in vitro preparations with pharmacological manipulations and immunohistochemistry.
Project 4: Innervation and motor reflex activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Multiple reflex circuits are present in the gut and the highly innervated smooth muscle is the end point for many of them. This project will investigate this reflex activity using electrophysiological, electrochemical and pharmacological techniques.
Project 5: Negotiated project. Students interested in studying the physiology, pathophysiology, and/or neurophysiology of the gut, or are interested in basic neuroscience questions, are encouraged to come talk with us for a tailor-made project.
Skills learnt: Animal handling, microdissection, basic laboratory skills, basic theory of neuronal function and neurophysiological techniques such as electrochemical and electrophysiological recording, pharmacological manipulation of neurotransmission, immunohistochemistry, in vitro techniques and molecular biology.
Gut Neuroscience Laboratory: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract function is controlled by a large network of neurons that reside within the wall of the intestine. This network contains sensory neurons, interneurons and motor neurons. Another critical component to the modulation of function are the neuroendocrine cells known as enterochromaffin cells (EC cells) which are the site of synthesis, storage and release of 5-HT (serotonin; 5-hydroxytryptamine). Release of 5-HT is a critical step in the sensory transduction of chemical and mechanical information from the lumen of the GI tract to the nervous system, and alterations in this process can cause or exacerbate disease.
Project 1: Characterisation of 5-HT release from intact gastrointestinal tract. This project will characterize the release of 5-HT from EC cells. It will use a novel electrochemical technique to measure 5-HT release selectively and in real-time from intact preparations of small and large intestine.
Project 2: Isolation of EC cells and crypts to examine the biophysics of 5-HT release. In this project, we will investigate the regulation of 5-HT release from single EC cells using state-of-the-art electrochemical methods. This will allow us to quantify release of 5-HT in real-time and determine the biophysics of release.
Project 3: Pharmacology of synaptic transmission in the gut. Many neurotransmitters are involved in neurotransmission within the intestine. This project will examine which neurotransmitters are involved in controlling gut function using in vitro preparations with pharmacological manipulations and immunohistochemistry.
Project 4: Innervation and motor reflex activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Multiple reflex circuits are present in the gut and the highly innervated smooth muscle is the end point for many of them. This project will investigate this reflex activity using electrophysiological, electrochemical and pharmacological techniques.
Project 5: Negotiated project. Students interested in studying the physiology, pathophysiology, and/or neurophysiology of the gut, or are interested in basic neuroscience questions, are encouraged to come talk with us for a tailor-made project.
Skills learnt: Animal handling, microdissection, basic laboratory skills, basic theory of neuronal function and neurophysiological techniques such as electrochemical and electrophysiological recording, pharmacological manipulation of neurotransmission, immunohistochemistry, in vitro techniques and molecular biology.
