The Song Group

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

Leader

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
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Project Status
Abnormal brain development in a rat model of Hirschsprung's disease Current
Stem cell transplantation in treating cerebellar cell loss in Hirschsprung’s disease Current

Research centre