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Themes & disciplines

Molecular Neurosciences

Molecular neurosciences

Through a combination of approaches, our researchers aim to identify new ways to prevent and treat schizophrenia, obesity and obesity-related colon cancer. A key strategy is to study the pathological mechanisms of disease using human brain tissue, animal models and cell culture. Results from these studies are translated into novel pharmacological and dietary interventions for human diseases.

Research groups

Our research integrates technologies in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering to create cellular models of the human nervous system. Specifically, we work on establishing new techniques for differentiating hPSCs into various neural lineages, such as dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons, cortical neurons and auditory neurons. Our work plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of human neurodevelopment and has impact on regenerative medicine applications for neurological disorders, specifically Friedreich's ataxia (FA) and hearing loss.

Our laboratory has also developed valuable tools for collaborative research in modelling neurodegenerative conditions. This includes generation of NGN2 transgenic hPSC lines, which allows for rapid conversion of neurons in vitro (following the protocol of Fernandopulle et al.). Our transgenic hPSC lines includes FA induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSC) and their corresponding isogenic control iPSC lines, that were developed by Dr Marek Napierala (owned by University of Alabama, USA). The transgenic cell lines have been applied to study disease mechanisms underlying FA and to test potential therapeutic interventions, including candidate pharmaceutical compounds and gene therapy.

View Scholars page

Humans are experiencing stress at higher levels than ever before. In the developed world, this appears to be a product of our way of life, where we are busier than ever yet more isolated from our natural environments and communities. In other places, war, conflict, climate change and environmental disasters are displacing people from their homes and countries at unprecedented rates.

Stress is not always bad for us. It’s what gets us out of bed and gives us laser focus. Yet stress that is stronger than an individual’s ability to adapt and cope is one of the leading risk factors for developing severe mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. In fact, the World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030, one third of all disease burden in the world will be caused by stress.

We are therefore at a crossroad. We urgently need an improved understanding of the detailed and widespread effects of stress on human biology, so that we can identify people who are vulnerable to the effects of stress and improve their resilience. To do this, we must first understand what are the biological effects of stress and how does stress raise risk to mental illness.

An inverse Colgi-cox stained image of the human brain cortex by Dominical Kaul

Our goal

The Matosin Lab broadly aims to understand how stress contributes to the development of mental illness. The lab has two main streams:

  1. In the first stream, we aim to understand what happens to the cells and molecules in the human brain after stress exposure or in mental illness. To do this, we study human brains donated to science by people who used to live with a mental illness and/or had very stressful lives. Tiny slivers of brain or pieces no larger than the size of a pea are used to pinpoint differences in the shapes, numbers, orientation and connections of brain cells, as well as what is happening inside them from the level of the gene to the protein. This research provides the fundamental knowledge needed to develop new treatments and interventions.
  2. In the second stream, we aim to understand what are the long-term and sustained effects of stress on the human body, and then to build a framework for identifying people who are at risk to mental illness and ways to improve their resilience. Our group is also interested in how the effects of stress and trauma can be transmitted from parent to offspring, therefore having transgenerational impact. To address these questions, we study biological samples  – including saliva, mouth swabs, blood, and breast milk – and psychological data from people and communities who have been heavily stress exposed. By studying human tissues and fluids that are easily accessible and minimally invasive to collect, this research provides the possibility to develop ways to (a) screen for people at risk to the detrimental effects of stress, (b) identify who could benefit from specific treatments and interventions, and (c) design those treatment and interventions.

Our values in and out of the lab

Scientific excellence, impactful research, collaboration, openness and authenticity, training and connecting the next generation of scientists with world leaders, enthusiasm, creating an environment that is positive and encourages teamwork and generosity.

View Dr Natalie Matosin's Scholars page

Contact nmatosin@uow.edu.au for more information.