We study brain abnormalities in rats with Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia and neurological anomalies. This disease in rats, as in human, can be caused by endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) mutation. We have shown that EDNRB mediates neuronal proliferation and has anti-apoptotic effects in neonatal rat cerebellum and hippocampus. We aim to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the brain damages of Hirschsprung's disease, using a rat model (spotting lethal rats) that lacks functional EDNRB.
Teaching and outreach
- MEDI8010, MED8020 (anatomy, embryology)
- BIOL3186, Introductory Human Anatomy
External members
- Associate Professor David Croaker, Canberra Hospital, Canberra
- Associate Professor Daniel Cass, Westmead Hospital, Sydney
- Professor John Furness, University of Melbourne
- Associate Professor Heather Young, University of Melbourne
