Dr Jenny Gunnersen
BSc (Hons) (JCUNQ) PhD
Senior Research Officer
Brain Development Group
Brain Development Laboratory
Contact Details
Email: | |
Phone: | +61 (0)3 8344 5761 |
Fax: | +61 (0)3 9348 1707 |
Research Interests
- Development of neuronal connectivity
- Molecular and cellular processes of brain development
- Molecular basis of learning and memory
- Neurodegenration and disease
Laboratory Techniques
I am experienced with a wide range of Molecular and Cell Biology techniques, including:
- Morphometric analysis of dendritic arborization; Golgi-Cox impregnation
- Sub-cellular fractionation
- Global gene expression profiling using SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression)
- Bioinformatics
- Mouse embryonic stem cell culture, transfection and colony screening
- Generation and analysis of transgenic mice
- Tissue-specific gene knockout using the Cre/loxP system
- Design and production of expression constructs
- Southern, northern and western blotting
- Analysis of gene expression by RT / PCR, RNase protection and northern blot
- Culture, transfection of primary cells (neurons, astrocytes, luteal cells) and cell lines
- Analysis of transcriptional regulation including construction of reporter vectors, CAT reporter
- Gene assays, nuclear protein extraction and electrophoretic mobility shift assays
- In situ histochemistry and immunohistochemistry
- Protein purification and scale-up according to U.S. FDA Good Manufacturing Practice
- Production and purification of fusion proteins
- SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focussing
- ELISA
- Enzyme kinetics and rapid uptake kinetics
Additional Information
Since 1998, I have been a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Brain Development Group. Initially we conducted a screen for molecules important for cortical development and we have subsequently been focusing on the production of experimental models, including gene knockout mouse and tissue culture models, to examine the function of novel genes we identified in the original screen. In particular, we are the first group to identify a function for the Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez-6) protein. We found that Sez-6 modulates dendritic branching and excitatory synapse development and this, in turn, alters behavioural traits such as memory and motor functions. We are currently working towards understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development and fine-tuning of electrical connections between cortical neurons. This area of research has relevance for diseases, including mental retardation and schizophrenia.
Publications and Articles
Please see PubMed.
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