RANKL, A Critical New Player In The Coordination Of Whole Body Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$842,946.00
Summary
Imbalances in food intake and energy expenditure can lead to the development of obesity or anorexia. Conserved mechanisms are in place to coordinate the energy requirements of organs and tissues. The main centre is the brain which receives, processes and sends out information to accommodate the needs of the different tissues. Bone tissue in particular is in need of a lot of energy. Factors produced by bone are therefore critical in the coordination of whole body energy homeostasis.
We discovered, characterised and commercialised Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) for human therapy. Its blood level predicts death from cancer, heart attack/stroke and other diseases. This study will add important information for understandg the actions of this important protein
APLP2: A Neuroprotective Receptor For Acute Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,739.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of deaths in Australians under 45 years of age. We have shown that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is protective in models of TBI. To understand how APP is neuroprotective we have isolated APP binding proteins and identified the amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) molecule as a strong candidate for the APP-neuroprotective receptor. This grant will investigate the interaction between APP and APLP2 as a novel neuroprotective pathway in TBI.
The Contribution Of Subunit Interfaces To Receptor Activation In Ligand Gated Ion Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,070.00
Summary
This project seeks to provide insights into new mechanisms that could be used to enhance or inhibit neuronal signalling. The family of pentameric neurotransmitter receptors that are key components in the process of neuronal signalling and are the target of this study. It will investigate the molecular motions that occur when the receptor shifts from the resting state to the activated state in the presence of neurotransmitter. This critical to understanding the normal function of these receptors ....This project seeks to provide insights into new mechanisms that could be used to enhance or inhibit neuronal signalling. The family of pentameric neurotransmitter receptors that are key components in the process of neuronal signalling and are the target of this study. It will investigate the molecular motions that occur when the receptor shifts from the resting state to the activated state in the presence of neurotransmitter. This critical to understanding the normal function of these receptors in the brain and how they can be modulated.Read moreRead less
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.
Unravelling The Genetic Causes Of Bipolar Disorder: Lessons From Rare But Highly Penetrant Variants In Very Heritable Forms Of Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,834.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder affecting over 350,000 Australians, for which the causes remain largely unknown. This project will apply a powerful new technology, exome sequencing, to rare families with highly heritable forms of bipolar disorder to identify specific genetic factors which increase disease risk. A greater understanding of the genetic causes of this illness may eventually lead to improvements in diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people suffering with this debi ....Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder affecting over 350,000 Australians, for which the causes remain largely unknown. This project will apply a powerful new technology, exome sequencing, to rare families with highly heritable forms of bipolar disorder to identify specific genetic factors which increase disease risk. A greater understanding of the genetic causes of this illness may eventually lead to improvements in diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people suffering with this debilitating mental illness.Read moreRead less
“The Aftershock” – Understanding The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Depression And Emotional Regulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,771.00
Summary
The majority of people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience problems with mood and emotional regulation. We will use imaging to measure brain changes from TBI, and link these to risk of depression, as well as behavioural and molecular alterations. Study cohorts will include former international footballers, junior sports people and emergency patients presenting with an acute TBI. The project will inform current policy and provide a strong scientific basis for future work.
A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Obesity: Examining The Potential Of Addiction Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,935.00
Summary
Difficulty in managing food intake, especially highly palatable food, can result in obesity and the health liabilities associated with being overweight. In its extreme, the difficulty reducing food intake resembles an addictive disorder. We have compelling preliminary data which show deficits in the brain associated with addiction are also found in diet-induced obesity. Therefore strategies used to treat addiction can potentially be used to treat obesity.
GEM Study: General And Emotional Cognition In First Onset Psychosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,659.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental illness that disrupts cognitive and emotional function. We assessed which cognitive and emotional impairments characterize the first onset of schizophrenia and identified their brain basis in neural circuits. We also assessed whether these impairments predict outcomes over time.
A Randomised Clinical Trial Of Physical Activity To Delay The Progression Of Cerebrovascular Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,613.00
Summary
The aim of this randomised clinical trial is to establish whether a 24 months physical activity (PA) program for older adults with memory problems can delay the progression of damage to the blood vessel system in the brain, measured on an MRI scan. It also will investigate whether cognition, mood, quality of life, functional level, fitness and biological markers will improve with the intervention. If successful this PA program could become part of clinical care for adults at risk of dementia.