Department of Neurosciences Universiti Sains Malaysia
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The Department of Neurosciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Science University of Malaysia) was established in 2004, beginning as a unit in 1996. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Jafri Malin Abdullah, MD, Dip. Cert. Spec. Neurosurgery, University of Ghent, Belgium, PhD, FACS, FRCS (Ed), FWFNS, FICS, its vision is to gain advancement in the understanding of brain disorders with implications for treatment and rehabilitation.
The department is actively involved in various basic as well as applied clinical sciences research. In February 2006, it inaugurated the Neuroscience Research and Teaching Laboratory. The Palm Laser Micro-dissection and Laser Scanning Microscope and the Patch Clamp System are some of the newly acquired equipment.
Major research interests include evaluation of the neuro-therapeutic potential of indigenous plant sciences, neurogenetics, cell culture, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumours, vaccines as well as behavioural neurology.
[edit] Research
Evaluation of extracts of two species of sea cucumber in regenerating astrocytes after mechanically induced injury of the basal ganglia Glial scar consists of reactive astrocytes and proteoglycans. In this study, we are interested in the investigation of reactive astrocytes (reactive gliosis) which creates a barrier in CNS regeneration. The marker that we are looking for is the Palladin expression on reactive astrocytes. Palladin is rapidly and persistently upregulated in astrocytes in response to injury in vivo and in vitro studies. If we can reduce the expression of Palladin, the reactive astrocytes will decrease in number, allowing the CNS regeneration to occur. To achieve this, the healing properties of two species of Sea Cucumber extracts will be investigated in terms of the reduction of the formation of glial.
Acceptability of hippocampal isografts transplants in rat’s brain with basal ganglia lesions: an immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy analysis The neural organ consists of brain, spinal cord, eye, and peripheral ganglia that comprise a wide variety of different cell types. There are neuronal, glial, endothelial, epithelial, connective, stem and other cell elements. Glial cells can be astroglia, oligodendroglia, or microglia in the central nervous system or schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Each neuronal and glial cell type can be further subdivided into subtypes based on anatomical location, developmental age, and the repertoire of genes expressed. The most important unit is the astrocyte which bridges all neurons and functions as the “engine” of the brain. Current tissues that were used were mainly from embryonic tissues , xenografts especially from porcine and tumor cells like teratocarcinoma of the testes. It is believed that cells from the same species may be useful for the purpose of treatment of strokes, dementia or movement disorders which involves the basal ganglia lesion.
Isografts transplants of Schwann cells in a paraplegic rat spinal cord model: immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy analysisParaplegia is a permanent paralysis of the body caused by injury or disease affecting the spinal cord. It involves a loss of sensation and movement in the legs and in part or the entire trunk. Despite intensive experimental research and recent advancements in bio-technology and re-engineering, no cure has been found in the treatment of complete spinal cord lesions. The incidence of traumatic paraplegia due to spinal cord injury in Malaysia is high Schwann cells naturally support axonal regeneration after injury in the peripheral nervous system, and have also shown a significant, albeit limited, ability to support axonal growth and remyelination after grafting to the central nervous system (CNS).
The department’s research activities are fully supported by the Brain Research and Information Network (BRAINetwork) Cluster. Initiated in 2005 by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, it aims to promote an interdisciplinary approach to brain science research, integrating fundamental, developmental and clinical research. Apart from research, the department is committed to contribute to the growth of human resources in the country, initiating post-graduate studies in neurosurgery, neuroscience and neurology.
[edit] Links
http://info.kk.usm.my/neurosciences/index.asp http://www.brainetwork-usm.org
