Understanding how platelets mediate new neuron formation in the adult brain. Exercise boosts the generation of new nerve cells from adult neural stem cells in the part of the brain responsible for lea

Description

Understanding how platelets mediate new neuron formation in the adult brain. Exercise boosts the generation of new nerve cells from adult neural stem cells in the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, the hippocampus. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms behind this effect, in particular, how blood cells known as platelets mediate this process. The expected outcomes include the discovery of new communication pathways between platelets and the brain following exercise and will determine the importance of these blood cells in mediating brain function. This will help to explain how exercise affects the brain and may benefit Australian society through the implementation of new methods to support learning and memory in schools and workplaces, thereby enhancing performance and productivity.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Dr Odette Leiter