Queensland scientists are investigating if delays in the formation of the brain’s ‘electrical insulation’ are responsible for the onset ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
ADHD affects up to 10 per cent of Australian children and demand for assessment is surging, with Queensland GPs recently permitted to diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication to cut delays and costs for affected families.
Now a $2m grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is being used by scientists at Mater Research and The University of Queensland to study if delays to the formation of myelin – the fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibres in the brain – impacts the way brain circuits form and communicate.
The project will also involve researchers at Queensland Brain Institute, the Australian National University and the University of Western Australia and is being led by Dr Carlie Cullen, head of the Glial Neurobiology Group at Mater Research.
“We think delayed myelination during a critical window in early life can set up lifelong circuit glitches in the brain,” Dr Cullen said.
“If we can understand those delays we may be able to safely adjust them and ease the behaviours that make school, work and relationships hard for so many families.”
The myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the brain’s nerve cells. The formation of myelin – myelination – begins in utero and continues throughout childhood and into early adulthood.
“Neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, autism and schizophrenia, often show abnormal connectivity and changes in myelin,” Dr Cullen said.
“Our research could identify a new cellular target for managing symptoms and inform future therapies that complement behavioural and medication strategies.”
The research team will use novel genetic modelling to track and assess the impact of delayed myelination in pre-clinical trials.
Mater Research postdoctoral researcher Dr Raphael Ricci said tiny timing errors in brain signals could have significant effects on cognition and behaviour.
“If the brain’s signals arrive a few milliseconds out of sync, circuits weaken,” Dr Ricci said.
“Myelin sets that timing. Our job is to measure it and, if needed, reset it.”
Dr Cullen stressed the team’s goal is not to “cure” neurodiversity.
“We’re targeting the specific network timing problems that make daily life tougher—and we’re doing it with tools already in clinical use.”
