We explore the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the development of the neocortex.
The group has identified unexpected, novel roles for the axon guidance receptors Neogenin (a netrin receptor) and Ryk (a Wnt receptor) in neural stem cell biology, neurogenesis, dendrite outgrowth and synaptogenesis. The Cooper group has shown that loss of these receptors in the mouse leads to cortical malformations which are equivalent to those seen in humans.
The group’s latest studies are providing a mechanistic understanding of how these signalling pathways ensure the fidelity of cortical development. The laboratory has also uncovered intriguing links between these receptors and genes associated with schizophrenia and autism. The Cooper laboratory believes that these studies will produce fundamental insights into the pathophysiology of cortical malformations and perhaps provide some clues to the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Importantly, to ensure that discoveries are relevant to the human brain, the group has also initiated a collaboration with Professor Ernst Wolvetang (AIBN, UQ) to investigate these signalling pathways in human induced pluripotent stem cells, which can generate embryonic neural stem cells and many neuronal subtypes found in the neocortex. In the coming years the laboratory hopes to identify new modulators of neurogenesis and neuronal connectivity. The Cooper group will also explore the functions of genes known to carry mutations that contribute to cortical malformations and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Group leader
Professor Helen Cooper
Group Leader, Neural migration
Deputy Director (Research) Queensland Brain Institute
+61 7 3346 6354
h.cooper@uq.edu.au
UQ Researcher Profile
Understanding the role of autism genes in cortical development
Cortical malformations arising from abnormal neuronal positioning in the neocortex (neuronal heterotopias) are causative for intellectual disability and intractable childhood epilepsies. Intriguingly, similar disruptions to the architecture of the neocortex are also observed in autistic children. Mutations in genes that regulate neural stem cell activity and neuronal migration have been implicated in both inherited cortical malformations and autism. This predicts that there is a common molecular mechanism contributing to both neuronal heterotopias and autism spectrum disorders. Our goal is to identify the pivotal molecular pathways that maintain neural stem cell function and neuronal migration in the developing brain and to uncover how mutations in genes implicated in autism impact cortical development.
We have identified the stem cell receptor, Neogenin, as an important regulator of neural stem cell activity and the migration of newborn neurons. We have shown that Neogenin controls the activity of genes known to be prominent risk factors for autism, intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Using mutant mouse and human induced pluripotent stem cell models, we are now exploring the role of this signaling pathway in the development of the neocortex. We are also investigating how mutations in these genes lead to the emergence of autism-like behaviors in our mouse models.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for hydrocephalus
Project 1
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition (1 in 3000 births) associated with severe intellectual impairment and motor dysfunction. Ependymal cells (ECs) form a multi-ciliated epithelium at the ventricular surface and the inability to form a cohesive ependymal epithelium has emerged as a major cause of hydrocephalus. ECs are produced from a subpopulation of neural stem cells within the embryonic brain. The failure of these stem cells to produce mature ECs leads to hydrocephalus. Despite the fundamental importance of the stem cell to EC transition, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing this process is very limited.
Mutations in Neogenin lead to severe hydrocephalus in mice due to a failure in the production and maturation of ECs. Therefore the Neogenin signaling pathway is critical for the transition from stem cell to mature EC. The aim of our current research is to understand how silencing this pathway contributes to hydrocephalus and to provide proof-of-principle that enhancing Neogenin activity can prevent hydrocephalus.
Project 2
The choroid plexus is the predominant supplier of cerebral spinal fluid, and abnormal choroid plexus function leads to excessive cerebral spinal fluid production and hydrocephalus. Therefore its importance in maintaining normal brain function is paramount. In this project we investigate the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in choroid plexus formation using loss-of-function and mutagenesis approaches in the developing mouse.
Understanding the molecular processes building complex neural circuits
The contribution of a given neuron to the information flow within the neural circuitry of the brain is governed by the unique three-dimensional architecture of the dendritic tree and the ability to form functional synapses. Abnormal dendritic growth and synapse formation lead to diminished synaptic connectivity and impaired cognitive function associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and schizophrenia, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this project we investigate the role of the Wnt and Neogenin signaling pathways in sculpting dendritic structure and the establishment of synaptic structures.
Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons as a Model System for Epigenome Maturation during Development
Martin, Sally, Poppe, Daniel, Olova, Nelly, O’Leary, Conor, Ivanova, Elena, Pflueger, Jahnvi, Dechka, Jennifer, Simmons, Rebecca K., Cooper, Helen M., Reik, Wolf, Lister, Ryan and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2023). Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons as a Model System for Epigenome Maturation during Development. Genes, 14 (5) 957, 957. doi: 10.3390/genes14050957
The ups and downs of Pax6 in neural stem cells
Shohayeb, Belal and Cooper, Helen M. (2023). The ups and downs of Pax6 in neural stem cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry 104680, 104680. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104680
Hydrocephalus in Nfix−/− mice is underpinned by changes in ependymal cell physiology
Harkins, Danyon, Harvey, Tracey J., Atterton, Cooper, Miller, Ingrid, Currey, Laura, Oishi, Sabrina, Kasherman, Maria, Davila, Raul Ayala, Harris, Lucy, Green, Kathryn, Piper, Hannah, Parton, Robert G., Thor, Stefan, Cooper, Helen M. and Piper, Michael (2022). Hydrocephalus in Nfix−/− mice is underpinned by changes in ependymal cell physiology. Cells, 11 (15) 2377, 2377. doi: 10.3390/cells11152377
Pkd1 and Wnt5a genetically interact to control lymphatic vascular morphogenesis in mice
Chau, Tevin CY., Baek, Sungmin, Coxam, Baptiste, Skoczylas, Renae, Rondon‐Galeano, Maria, Bower, Neil I., Wainwright, Elanor N., Stacker, Steven A., Cooper, Helen M., Koopman, Peter A., Lagendijk, Anne K., Harvey, Natasha L., François, Mathias and Hogan, Benjamin M. (2021). Pkd1 and Wnt5a genetically interact to control lymphatic vascular morphogenesis in mice. Developmental Dynamics, 251 (2) dvdy.390, 336-349. doi: 10.1002/dvdy.390
Conservation of neural progenitor identity and the emergence of neocortical neuronal diversity
Shohayeb, Belal, Muzar, Zukhrofi and Cooper, Helen M. (2021). Conservation of neural progenitor identity and the emergence of neocortical neuronal diversity. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, 118, 4-13. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.024
Morcom, Laura, Gobius, Ilan, Marsh, Ashley P. L., Suárez, Rodrigo, Lim, Jonathan W. C., Bridges, Caitlin, Ye, Yunan, Fenlon, Laura R., Zagar, Yvrick, Douglass, Amelia M., Donahoo, Amber-Lee, Fothergill, Thomas, Shaikh, Samreen, Kozulin, Peter, Edwards, Timothy J., Cooper, Helen M., IRC5 Consortium, Sherr, Elliott H., Chédotal, Alain, Leventer, Richard J., Lockhart, Paul J. and Richards, Linda J. (2021). DCC regulates astroglial development essential for telencephalic morphogenesis and corpus callosum formation. eLife, 10 e61769, 1-35. doi: 10.7554/eLife.61769
Shohayeb, Belal and Cooper, Helen M. (2021). Mosaic synapses in epilepsy. Science, 372 (6539), 235-236. doi: 10.1126/science.abh3555
Mechanisms of cortical development: From the embryo to adulthood
Cooper, Helen M. and Flores, Cecilia (2021). Mechanisms of cortical development: From the embryo to adulthood. Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, 118, 1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.08.012
Tawarayama H, Yamada H, Amin R, Morita-Fujimura Y, Cooper HM, Shinmyo Y, Tanaka H, Ikawa S. Draxin-mediated regulation of granular cell progenitor differentiation in the postnatal hippocampal dentate gyrus. Neuroscience 431:184-192, 2020.
Adherens junctions: guardians of cortical development
Veeraval L, O’Leary CJ, COOPER HM. Adherens junctions: guardians of cortical development. Frontiers in Cell & Developmental Biology 8:6, 2020.
WNT5a regulates epithelial morphogenesis in the developing choroid plexus
Langford MB, O’Leary CJ, Veeraval L, White A, Lanoue V, COOPER HM. WNT5a regulates epithelial morphogenesis in the developing choroid plexus. Cerebral Cortex 287: 44518, 2020.
Chaturvedi V, Fournier-Level A, COOPER HM, Murray M. Loss of Neogenin1 in human colorectal carcinoma cells causes a partial EMT and wound-healing response. Scientific Reports 11:4110, 2019.
Branching mechanisms shaping dendrite architecture
Lanoue V, COOPER HM. Branching mechanisms shaping dendrite architecture. Developmental Biology 451: 16-24, 2019.
Brain targeting delivery facilitated by ligand-functionalized layered double hydroxide nanoparticles
Chen W, Zuo H, Zhang E, Li Li, Henrich-Noack P, COOPER HM, Qian Y, Xu Z-P. Brain targeting delivery facilitated by ligand-functionalized layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 10: 20326-20333, 2018.
Tawarayama H, Yamada H, Amin R, Morita-Fujimura Y, Cooper HM, Shinmyo Y, Kawata M, Ikawa S, Tanaka H. Draxin regulates hippocampal neurogenesis in the postnatal dentate gyrus by inhibiting DCC-induced apoptosis. Scientific Reports 8:840, 2018.
Marsh APL, Edwards TJ, Galea C, COOPER HM, Engle EC, Jamuar SS, Méneret A, Moutard M-L, Nava C, Rastetter A, Robinson G, Rouleau G, Roze E, Spencer-Smith M, Trouillard O, Billette de Villemeur T, Walsh CA, Yu TW, IRC5 Consortium, Heron D, Sherr EH, Richards LJ, Depienne C, Leventer RJ, Lockhart PJ. DCC mutation update: congenital mirror movements, isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum and developmental split brain syndrome. Human Mutation 39:23-39, 2018.
Zuo H, Chen W, Li B, Xu K, COOPER HM, Gu Z, Xu Z-P. MnAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as a dual-functional platform for magnetic resonance imaging and siRNA delivery. Chemistry, 23:14299-14306, 2017.
Zuo H, Chen W, COOPER HM, Xu Z-P. A facile method for modifying layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with targeting ligand-conjugated albumin for enhanced delivery to brain tumour cells. ACS Applied Material Interfaces 9:20444-20453, 2017.
O’Leary CJ, Nourse CC, Lee NK, White A, Langford M, Sempert K, Cole SJ, COOPER HM. Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE Regulatory Complex to ependymal and radial progenitor adherens junctions prevents hydrocephalus. Cell Reports 20:370-383, 2017.
Torres-Berrío, Angélica, Lopez, Juan Pablo, Bagot, Rosemary C., Nouel, Dominique, Dal Bo, Gregory, Cuesta, Santiago, Zhu, Lei, Manitt, Colleen, Eng, Conrad, Cooper, Helen M., Storch, Kai-Florian, Turecki, Gustavo, Nestler, Eric J. and Flores, Cecilia (2017) DCC confers susceptibility to depression-like behaviors in humans and mice and is regulated by miR-218. Biological Psychiatry, 81 4: 306-315. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.017
Lee, Natalie K., Fok, Ka Wai, White, Amanda, Wilson, Nicole H., O’Leary, Conor J., Cox, Hayley L., Michael, Magdalene, Yap, Alpha S. and Cooper, Helen M. (2016) Neogenin recruitment of the WAVE regulatory complex maintains adherens junction stability and tension. Nature Communications, 7 11082: . doi:10.1038/ncomms11082
Validating Eaton's hypothesis: cubane as a benzene bioisostere
Chalmers, Benjamin A., Xing, Hui, Houston, Sevan, Clark, Charlotte, Ghassabian, Sussan, Kuo, Andy, Cao, Benjamin, Reitsma, Andrea, Murray, Cody-Ellen P., Stok, Jeanette E., Boyle, Glen M., Pierce, Carly J., Littler, Stuart W., Winkler, David A., Bernhardt, Paul V., Pasay, Cielo, De Voss, James J., McCarthy, James, Parsons, Peter G., Walter, Gimme H., Smith, Maree T., Cooper, Helen M., Nilsson, Susan K., Tsanaktsidis, John, Savage, G. Paul and Williams, Craig M. (2016) Validating Eaton's hypothesis: cubane as a benzene bioisostere. Angewandte Chemie (International Edition), 55 11: 3580-3585. doi:10.1002/anie.201510675
Zuo, Huali, Gu, Zi, Cooper, Helen and Xu, Zhi Ping (2015) Crosslinking to enhance colloidal stability and redispersity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 459 10-16. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.063
O'Leary, Conor J., Bradford, DanaKai, Chen, Min, White, Amanda, Blackmore, Daniel G. and Cooper, Helen M. (2014) The Netrin/RGM receptor, neogenin, controls adult neurogenesis by promoting neuroblast migration and cell cycle exit. Stem Cells, 33 2: 503-514. doi:10.1002/stem.1861
Engineering small MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery
Dong, Haiyan, Chen, Min, Rahman, Shafiur, Parekh, Harendra S., Cooper, Helen M. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2014) Engineering small MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery. Applied Clay Science,100 C: 66-75. doi:10.1016/j.clay.2014.04.028
Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases
Chen, Xiang-Jun, Xu, Huan, Cooper, Helen M. and Liu, Yaobo (2014) Cytoplasmic dynein: a key player in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Science China Life Sciences, 57 4: 372-377. doi:10.1007/s11427-014-4639-9
The Yin and Yang of Wnt/Ryk axon guidance in development and regeneration
Clark, Charlotte E. J., Liu, Yaobo and Cooper, Helen M. (2014) The Yin and Yang of Wnt/Ryk axon guidance in development and regeneration. Science China Life Sciences, 57 4: 366-371. doi:10.1007/s11427-014-4640-3
Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth
Clark, Charlotte E. J., Richards, , Linda J., Stacker, Steven A. and Cooper, Helen M. (2014) Wnt5a induces Ryk-dependent and -independent effects on callosal axon and dendrite growth. Growth Factors, 32 1: 11-17. doi:10.3109/08977194.2013.875544
Manitt C., Eng C., Pokinko M., Ryan R.T., Torres-Berrio A., Lopez J.P., Yogendran S.V., Daubaras M.J.J., Grant A., Schmidt E.R.E., Tronche F., Krimpenfort P., Cooper H.M., Pasterkamp R.J., Kolb B., Turecki G., Wong T.P., Nestler E.J., Giros B. and Flores C. (2013) Dcc orchestrates the development of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence and is altered in psychiatric patients. Translational Psychiatry, 3 . doi:10.1038/tp.2013.105
Kim, Jee Hyun, Lavan, Doron, Chen, Nicola, Flores, Cecilia, Cooper, Helen and Lawrence, Andrew J. (2013) Netrin-1 receptor-deficient mice show age-specific impairment in drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity but still self-administer methamphetamine. Psychopharmacology, 230 4: 607-616. doi:10.1007/s00213-013-3187-5
RGMa regulates cortical interneuron migration and differentiation
O'Leary, Conor, Cole, Stacey J., Langford, Michael, Hewage, Jayani, White, Amanda and Cooper, Helen M. (2013) RGMa regulates cortical interneuron migration and differentiation. PLoS One, 8 11: e81711.1-e81711.12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081711
Trophic factors differentiate dopamine neurons vulnerable to Parkinson's disease
Reyes, Stefanie, Fu, Yuhong, Double, Kay L., Cottam, Veronica, Thompson, Lachlan H., Kirik, Deniz, Paxinos, George, Watson, Charles, Cooper, Helen M. and Halliday, Glenda M. (2013) Trophic factors differentiate dopamine neurons vulnerable to Parkinson's disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 34 3: 873-886. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.07.019
Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure
Kee, Nigel, Wilson, Nicole, Key, Brian and Cooper, Helen (2013) Netrin-1 is required for efficient neural tube closure.Developmental Neurobiology, 73 2: 176-187. doi:10.1002/dneu.22051
Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen, Lu, Gao Qing (Max) and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013) One-pot preparation of highly fluorescent cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide quantum dots under neutral-pH condition for biological applications. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 390 1: 3-10. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2012.08.003
Chen, Min, Helen Cooper, Zhou, Ji Zhi, Bartlett, Perry F. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013) Reduction in the size of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles enhances the efficiency of siRNA delivery. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science,390 1: 275-281. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2012.09.033
Tuning core-shell SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cell labeling
Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen M. and Xu, Zhi Ping (2013) Tuning core-shell SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cell labeling. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 1 17: 2315-2323. doi:10.1039/c3tb20202j
Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum
Unni, Divya K., Piper, Michael, Moldrich, Randal X., Gobius, Ilan, Liu, Sha, Fothergill, Thomas, Donahoo, Amber-Lee S., Baisden, John M., Cooper, Helen M. and Richards, Linda J. (2012) Multiple Slits regulate the development of midline glial populations and the corpus callosum. Developmental Biology, 365 1: 36-49. doi:10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.02.004
The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration
Clark, Charlotte E.J., Nourse, C. Cathrin and Cooper, Helen M. (2012) The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration. Neurosignals, 20 3: 202-220. doi:10.1159/000332153
Altered development of Xenopus embryos in a hypogeomagnetic field
Mo, Wei-chuan, Liu, Ying, Cooper, Helen M. and He, Rong-qiao (2012) Altered development of Xenopus embryos in a hypogeomagnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics, 33 3: 238-246. doi:10.1002/bem.20699
Wong, Yunyi, Cooper, Helen M., Zhang, Kai, Chen, Min, Bartlett, Perry and Xu, Zhi Ping (2012) Efficiency of layered double hydroxide nanoparticle-mediated delivery of siRNA is determined by nucleotide sequence. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 369 1: 453-459. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2011.12.046
Synthesis of robust sandwich-like SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cellular imaging
Zhu, Yian, Li, Zhen, Chen, Min, Cooper, Helen M., Lu, Gao Qing (Max) and Xu, Zhi Ping (2012) Synthesis of robust sandwich-like SiO2@CdTe@SiO2 fluorescent nanoparticles for cellular imaging. Chemistry of Materials, 24 3: 421-423. doi:10.1021/cm2033417
Loss of Wnt5a disrupts primordial germ cell migration and male sexual development in mice
Chawengsaksophak, Kallayanee, Svingen, Terje, Ng, Ee Ting, Epp, Trevor, Spiller, Cassy M., Clark, Charlotte, Cooper, Helen and Koopman, Peter (2012) Loss of Wnt5a disrupts primordial germ cell migration and male sexual development in mice. Biology of Reproduction, 86 1: 1-12. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.111.095232
Oncostatin M regulates neural precursor activity in the adult brain
Beatus, Paul, Jhaveri, Dhanisha J., Walker, Tara L., Lucas, Peter G., Rietze, Rodney L., Cooper, Helen M., Morikawa, Yoshihiro and Bartlett, Perry F. (2011) Oncostatin M regulates neural precursor activity in the adult brain.Developmental Neurobiology, 71 7: 619-633. doi:10.1002/dneu.20871
The netrin receptor DCC is required in the pubertal organization of mesocortical dopamine circuitry
Manitt, Colleen, Mimee, Andrea, Eng, Conrad, Pokinko, Matthew, Stroh, Thomas, Cooper, Helen M., Kolb, Bryan and Flores, Cecilia (2011) The netrin receptor DCC is required in the pubertal organization of mesocortical dopamine circuitry. The Journal of Neuroscience, 31 23: 8381-8394. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0606-11.2011
Dave, Richa K., Ellis, Tammy, Toumpas, Melissa C., Robson, Jonathan P., Julian, Elaine, Adolphe, Christelle, Bartlett, Perry F., Cooper, Helen M., Reynolds, Brent A. and Wainwright, Brandon J. (2011) Sonic hedgehog and notch signaling can cooperate to regulate neurogenic divisions of neocortical progenitors. PLoS One, 6 2: e14680-1-e14680-13. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0014680
Efficient delivery of siRNA to cortical neurons using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles
Wong, Yunyi, Markham, Kathryn, Xu, Zhi Ping, Chen, Min, Liu, Gao Qing (Max), Bartlett, Perry F. and Cooper, Helen M. (2010) Efficient delivery of siRNA to cortical neurons using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Biomaterials,31 33: 8770-8779. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.07.077
Bradford, D., Faull, R. L. M., Curtis, M. A. and Cooper, H. M. (2010) Characterization of the netrin/RGMa receptor neogenin in neurogenic regions of the mouse and human adult forebrain. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 518 16: 3237-3253. doi:10.1002/cne.22397
Synthetic neovibsanes and their ability to induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells
Chen, Apj, Muller, CC, Cooper, HM and Williams, CM (2010) Synthetic neovibsanes and their ability to induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. Tetrahedron, 66 34: 6842-6850. doi:10.1016/j.tet.2010.06.056
Total synthesis of (+/-)-4,5-Bis-epi-neovibsanin A and B: A neurite outgrowth comparison study
Chen, Annette P. -J., Müller, C. Catharina, Cooper, Helen M. and Williams, Craig M. (2009) Total synthesis of (+/-)-4,5-Bis-epi-neovibsanin A and B: A neurite outgrowth comparison study. Organic Letters, 11 16: 3758-3761. doi:10.1021/ol901406j
Netrin-1: Diversity in development
Bradford, Dana, Cole, Stacey and Cooper, Helen M. (2009) Netrin-1: Diversity in development. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 41 3: 487-493. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2008.03.014
Kee, Nigel, Wilson, Nicole, De Vries, Melissa, Bradford, DanaKai, Key, Brian and Cooper, Helen M. (2008) Neogenin and RGMa control neural tube closure and neuroepithelial morphology by regulating cell polarity. The Journal of Neuroscience, 28 48: 12643-12653. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4265-08.2008
Subcellular compartment targeting of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles
Xu, Zhi Ping, Niebert, Marcus, Porazik, Katharina, Walker, Tara L., Cooper, Helen M., Middelberg, Anton P.J., Gray, Peter P., Bartlett, Perry F. and Lu, Gao Qing (Max) (2008) Subcellular compartment targeting of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles. Journal of Controlled Release, 130 1: 86-94. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.05.021
Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development
de Vries, Melissa and Cooper, Helen M. (2008) Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development.Journal Of Neurochemistry, 106 4: 1483-1492. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05485.x
Fitzgerald, D. P., Bradford, D. and Cooper, H. M. (2007) Neogenin is expressed on neurogenic and gliogenic progenitors in the embryonic and adult central nervous system. Gene Expression Patterns, 7 7: 784-792. doi:10.1016/j.modgep.2007.05.004
Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as cellular delivery vectors of supercoiled plasmid DNA
Xu, Zhi Ping, Walker, Tara L., Liu, Kerh-lin, Cooper, Helen M., Lu, G. Q. Max and Bartlett, Perry F. (2007) Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles as cellular delivery vectors of supercoiled plasmid DNA. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2 2: 163-174. doi:10.2147/IJN.S
Neogenin: A multi-functional receptor regulating diverse developmental processes
Cole, S. J., Bradford, D. and Cooper, H. M. (2007) Neogenin: A multi-functional receptor regulating diverse developmental processes. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 39 9: 1569-1575. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.11.009
Fitzgerald, D. P., Cole, S. J., Hammond, A., Seaman, C. and Cooper, H. M. (2006) Characterization of neogenin-expressing neural progenitor populations and migrating neuroblasts in the embryonic mouse forebrain. Neuroscience,142 3: 703-716. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.06.041
Localization of neogenin protein during morphogenesis in the mouse embryo
Fitzgerald, D. P., Seaman, C. and Cooper, H. M. (2006) Localization of neogenin protein during morphogenesis in the mouse embryo. Developmental Dynamics, 235 6: 1720-1725. doi:10.1002/dvdy.20744
Ryk: A novel Wnt receptor regulating axon pathfinding
Keeble, T. R. and Cooper, H. M. (2006) Ryk: A novel Wnt receptor regulating axon pathfinding. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 38 12: 2011-2017. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.07.005
Emery, B., Cate, H. S., Marriottt, M., Merson, T., Binder, M. D., Snell, C., Soo, P. Y., Murray, S., Croker, B., Zhang, J. G., Alexander, W. S., Cooper, H., Butzkueven, H. and Kilpatrick, T. J. (2006) Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 limits protection of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor signaling against central demyelination. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America, 103 20: 7859-7864. doi:10.1073/pnas.0602574103
Keeble, T. R., Halford, M., Seaman, C., Kee, N., Macheda, M., Andersen, R. B., Stacker, S. A. and Cooper, H. M. (2006) The Wnt receptor Ryk is required for Wnt5a-mediated axon guidance on the contralateral side of the corpus callosum. Journal of Neuroscience, 26 21: 5840-5848. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1175-06.2006
Osborne, P. B., Halliday, G. M., Cooper, H. M. and Keast, J. R. (2005) Localization of immunoreactivity for deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), the receptor for the guidance factor netrin-1, in ventral tier dopamine projection pathways in adult rodents. Neuroscience, 131 3: 671-681. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.11.043
The Netrin receptor Neogenin is required for neural tube formation and somitogenesis in zebrafish
Mawdsley, David J., Cooper, Helen M., Hogan, Benjamin M., Cody, Stephen H., Lieschke, Graham J. and Heath, Joan K. (2004) The Netrin receptor Neogenin is required for neural tube formation and somitogenesis in zebrafish.Developmental Biology, 269 1: 302-315. doi:10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.02.001
Petratos, S., Butzkueven, H., Shipham, K., Cooper, H., Bucci, T., Reid, K., Lopes, E., Emery, B., Cheema, S. S. and Kilpatrick, T. J. (2003) Schwann cell apoptosis in the postnatal axotomized sciatic nerve is mediated via NGF through the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor. Journal of Neuropathology And Experimental Neurology, 62 4: 398-411.
Axon guidance receptors direct growth cone pathfinding: rivalry at the leading edge
Cooper, H. M. (2002) Axon guidance receptors direct growth cone pathfinding: rivalry at the leading edge.International Journal of Developmental Biology, 46 4: 621-631.
Seaman, Clare, Anderson, Richard, Emery, Ben and Cooper, Helen M. (2001) Localization of the netrin guidance receptor, DCC, in the developing peripheral and enteric nervous systems. Mechanisms of Development, 103 1-2: 173-175. doi:10.1016/S0925-4773(01)00350-1
Netrin-3 protein is localized to the axons of motor, sensory, and sympathetic neurons
Seaman, Clare and Cooper, Helen M. (2001) Netrin-3 protein is localized to the axons of motor, sensory, and sympathetic neurons. Mechanisms of Development, 101 1-2: 245-248. doi:10.1016/S0925-4773(00)00563-3
Hjorth, J. T., Gad, J., Cooper, H. and Key, B. (2001) A zebrafish homologue of deleted in colorectal cancer (zdcc) is expressed in the first neuronal clusters of the developing brain. Mechanisms of Development, 109 1: 105-109. doi:10.1016/S0925-4773(01)00513-5
Anderson, R. B., Cooper, H. M., Jackson, S. C., Seaman, C. and Key, B. (2000) DCC plays a role in navigation of forebrain axons across the ventral midbrain commissure in embryonic Xenopus. Developmental Biology, 217 2: 244-253. doi:10.1006/dbio.1999.9549
(2023–2030) The McCusker Charitable Foundation
(2023–2030) The McCusker Charitable Foundation
(2023–2028) Alison and Jamie Nicol
(2023–2024) The Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation Ltd
(2021–2024) NHMRC IDEAS Grants
Identifying a molecular signalling network governing spine morphogenesis
(2020–2024) NHMRC Ideas Grant
Aberrant ependymal development and the formation of hydrocephalus
(2018–2020) NHMRC Project Grant
Project 1: Does Neogenin and its ligands, netrin and RGMa, control neural stem cell function in induced pluripotent stem cells and the developing mouse cortex?
Project 2: Identifying the molecular mechanism through which Neogenin controls the actin cytoskeleton in migrating neurons and axons.
Project 3: Understanding the role of autism genes in cortical development
Project 4: Identifying signaling pathways contributing to ependymal cell differentiation and hydrocephalus.
Project 5: Investigating signaling pathways that control the actin cytoskeleton in mammalian dendrite morphogenesis and synaptogenesis.
Research areas
- Neocortex development
- Axon guidance receptors
- Scizophrenia & autism
- Pluripotent stem cells
Latest news
-
-
QBI medical research recognised among nation’s best
22 August 2016 -
New MPhil scholarships draw international neuroscience talent
5 February 2016
