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UCT RESEARCH REPORT 2012
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rofessors Nicola Illing and Vivienne Russell investigate the molecular aspect of
brain-behaviour studies. Professor Illing has a particular interest in gene expression,
with an interest in how psychological stress changes gene expression in the brain. In
order to begin to address this question, she mentored a student project that focused
on comparing gene expression in white cells and in the brains of rodents exposed to
stress. The data were the first to be published in this area, and have led to a patented
test. She is currently working with a postdoctoral research fellow on gene expression
in white cells in people who abuse methamphetamine.
Genes are ultimately translated into proteins. Professor Russell and postdoctoral research
fellow Dr Jacqueline Dimatelis have focused on protein expression in animal models of
stress and of substance use. Their work suggests that the combination of early-life adversity
and later methamphetamine use results in more alterations in protein concentration
in a key area of the brain – the nucleus accumbens – which is involved with reward
Brain Behaviour
Given the complexity of human psychology, research on brain
and behaviour requires a multidisciplinary approach, spanning
molecular biology, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and
public mental health. Women in a number of different departments
across the university have made a significant contribution to the
efforts of the Brain and Behaviour Initiative (BBI), one of UCT’s
signature themes. The BBI initially focused on psychological
trauma and resilience, but over time these scientists have also
addressed other questions that are particularly relevant to South
Africa, including neuroHIV/AIDS and addiction.