Neuroimaging Laboratory
Group Leader
A/Prof Gary F Egan BSc (Hons) PhD (Melb) MBA (Mon)
Contact Details
Email: | |
Phone: | +61 (0)3 8344 1938 |
Fax: | +61 (0)3 9347 0446 |
Number of
Staff: 13
Students: 11
Research Interests
The Neuroimaging Group, led by A/Prof Gary Egan, have diverse research interests, falling into three main categories
- The use of human and animal brain imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to investigate clinical and basic neuroscience research questions
- Development of neuroimaging methods and neuroimaging data analysis and modelling techniques for human and animal MRI data
- Development of high-throughput grid computing hard- and soft- ware technologies for managing MRI data storage, input, analysis and visualisation.
Current Projects
Dr Michael Farrell and the Interoception Laboratory are investigating the neural basis of interoceptive sensations that are crucial to maintaining internal homeostasis, such as hunger, thirst and pain. Currently, the Laboratory is using Functional MRI to examine the neural representation of pain in the elderly and in those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Farrell and colleagues have shown, using MRI and a mechanical pressure stimulus applied to the fingernail, that although Alzheimer’s disease sufferers complain of less pain than cognitively intact peers and are administered fewer medications to treat pain, pain perception and processing are not diminished in Alzheimer’s disease. This study has significant implications for the clinical treatment of pain in this highly dependent and vulnerable patient group.
A/Prof Egan is collaborating on several translational research projects that are utilising MRI to understand pathological and neurological changes in humans and in animal models of disease. MR imaging is being used to investigate the de-myelinative and axonal degenerative processes that occur with disease progression in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The knowledge from this study is being used to guide to human studies of axonal de-myelination in MS, through collaborative research with the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospitals. Animal MR imaging is also being used to understand the pathological features of animal models of Huntington’s disease and epilepsy.
The Scientific Computing team, managed by Dr Neil Killeen, is developing a $1 million ARC-funded computing facility for online storage of large MR image sets, as well as software tools for the archiving, retrieval and analysis of MR images. The main goals of this project are to promote data and computing resource sharing among the leading neuroscience research groups within Australia, and enhance collaborative neuroscience research on a national and international scale.
Dr Leigh Johnston and her team are conducting research into the development of algorithms for automated segmentation of high resolution structural brain images, with the aim of developing precise, individualised atlases and automated methods for region segmentation. Work within this group involves application of statistical signal processing techniques for image enhancement, and development of novel and automated parcellation algorithms. Improved methods of functional MRI analysis are also a major research focus of the group with software currently being developed to allow region of interest specific analyses of Functional MRI time series data.
Laboratory Techniques
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
- Contrast agent-enhanced MRI
- Scientific computing
Funding
- NHMRC Transitional Institute Grant (2002-06)
“An animal MR imaging facility for biomedical research”
F. Mendelsohn, G.F. Egan - NHMRC Project Grant (2004-06)
“A neuroimaging (fMRI) study of cognitive deficits in Huntington’s disease”
N Georgiou-Karistianis, G Egan, R. Cunnington, J Bradshaw, E. Chiu, A. Churchyard. - NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship Grant (2006-10)
“Neuroinformatics and neuroscience e-research“
G.F. Egan - ARC Special Research Initiative Project (2006-07)
“Development of e-Research Tools for an MRI Grid Computing Facility”
G.F. Egan, R. Buyya, I. Mareels, R. Kotagiri, A. Toga - ARC Linkage Project (2006-09)
“Image analysis and data throughput technologies for Grid computing and e-research”
G.F. Egan, I. Mareels, K. McDonell, L. Rae, R. Kotagiri - DEST International Science Linkages Grant (2006-07)
“New technologies for neuroscience research and development: Tracing brain connections and mapping brain function using Magnetic Resonance Imaging”
G.F. Egan - Schering Berlex AG (2006-07)
“MRI Investigations of a mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis”
G.F. Egan, T. Kilpatrick, F. McDonald, H. Cate, Q. Yang
Additional Information
The Neuroimaging Group has an established 4.7 Tesla MRI facility dedicated to small animal imaging. This facility is currently being utilised to obtain in vivo brain images in several research projects using animal models of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and epilepsy. External research groups are able to access the facility, with trained scientists available to image small animals under experimental conditions, and provide scientific input where appropriate.
For more information and to book the small animal magnet, click here.
Research
