ECR Members

Under the supervision of Prof Helen Cooper, I investigate the molecular pathways that govern stem cell activity and the birth of cortical neurons, crucial factors for cortical development. More specifically, I am studying WAVE-Cyfip1-FMRP complex network in apical radial glial cell morphology and function in the context of autism.

I am a postdoc in Dr Tim Bredy’s lab at QBI with broad interest in RNA biology, and a particular focus on small noncoding RNAs and epitranscriptomics. I am currently working on small nucleolar RNAs and investigating the function of ‘orphan’ snoRNAs with non-canonical targets which are involved in regulation of learning and memory. I also love the breadth of creative methods that are emerging in the RNA space and am working on adapting techniques for examining RNA modifications and structure for the challenging sample types typical of neuroscience research.   

I work with Professor Reutens on miRNA profiling in the post-traumatic epilepsy model. We have observed that microRNAs change following immunomodulatory treatment and that improved functional outcome in a mouse model of TBI overlaps with microRNA expression in exosomes. We are interested in exploring the potential of modulating the inflammatory response using miRNA-bioengineered exosomes to reduce brain damage, improve recovery of motor and cognitive functions, and modify or prevent susceptibility to post-traumatic epilepsy.

I have shown the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX-antisense intergenic RNA myeloid 1 (HOTAIRM1) is involved in the development of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. HOTARIM1 knockdown in the ventral midbrain of E11 mouse embryos reduces the expression of DA neuron specification factors while non-DA neurons appear to be spared. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 may be involved. My recent research focuses on how RNA methylation mediates dopamine-related behaviour in an animal model of schizophrenia. I have shown that enhanced dopamine synthesis promotes RNA methylation in the striatum. My future study will determine whether RNA methylation is the critical mechanism mediating the behavioural phenotype relevant to schizophrenia.

My research aimed at elucidating the function and activity of long non-coding RNAs at the synapse. I am particularly interested in how the activity of long non-coding RNAs and RNA modifications regulate the formation and maintenance of fear extinction memory. In addition, I am also interested in how small peptides derived from long non-coding RNAs affect synaptic plasticity and memory.

Adekunle is a postdoctoral fellow of Race Against Dementia – Dementia Australia Research Foundation at the Walker Lab. He uses advanced single-molecule imaging techniques to study the normal and pathological role of the RNA binding protein - TDP-43 in Motor neuron disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. He aims to shed light on the precise mechanisms involved in TDP-43 aggregation and how this might be stopped or reversed at nanoscale resolution. Further, he aims to characterise how altered RNA binding might alter the overall dynamics of TDP-43 in disease.