Identifying novel roles of disease-related proteins in the regulation of exocytosis and nervous communication. This research aims to identify new molecules involved in regulating nerve communication and hormone secretion and which are relevent to human diseases and conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease. The findings may provide new targets in the treatments of such conditions. This research is therefore of special relevance to National ....Identifying novel roles of disease-related proteins in the regulation of exocytosis and nervous communication. This research aims to identify new molecules involved in regulating nerve communication and hormone secretion and which are relevent to human diseases and conditions including Type 2 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease. The findings may provide new targets in the treatments of such conditions. This research is therefore of special relevance to National Research Priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health and especially to the sub-areas of this Research Priority 2: Ageing well, ageing productively and Preventative healthcare.Read moreRead less
Sustaining neuronal communication through bulk endocytosis. Brain activities such as learning and memory rely on the ability of neurons to communicate. This research will improve our understanding of how synaptic vesicles recycle during periods of intense synaptic activity. This is a fundamental process relevant to neuronal communication, insulin release, hormone secretion, and allergic responses in health and disease and therefore has broad significance. This work will enhance Australia's exist ....Sustaining neuronal communication through bulk endocytosis. Brain activities such as learning and memory rely on the ability of neurons to communicate. This research will improve our understanding of how synaptic vesicles recycle during periods of intense synaptic activity. This is a fundamental process relevant to neuronal communication, insulin release, hormone secretion, and allergic responses in health and disease and therefore has broad significance. This work will enhance Australia's existing strength in cell biology and neuroscience and provide high quality training for an undergraduate student and post-doctoral scientist.Read moreRead less
Huntingtin-associated protein 1 controls cell communication. The purpose of this study is to identify the mechanisms by which a novel regulator of cell communication which we have identified is able to control the release of chemical signals from a cell. This project will provide critical insight into a cellular pathway that underlies hormone secretion, neurotransmission and higher brain functions.
Axon Degeneration And Axon Protection In CNS Disease And Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,120.00
Summary
One of the major reasons for the clinical symptoms of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Motor Neuron Disease is the loss of connections between the nerve cells. Nerve cells are connected by specialized processes called axons. In disease these processes can breakdown. This project specifically looks at how axons break down in disease and tests therapeutic strategies to protect them.
Uncovering The Molecular Mechanisms Behind Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,967.00
Summary
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (or CMT) is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting the normal function of the limbs and causing lifelong disabilities. There is currently no cure for CMT. The aim of this research is to develop a new model of CMT, which will allow us to uncover novel information about how the disease develops. This research will provide a better understanding of the disease and therefore provide valuable insight for the future generation of therapeutics.
A Novel Intracellular Roadblock To Cobalamin Utilization In Ageing And Alzheimer�s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$11,304.00
Summary
Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and normal neurological function. B12 deficiency contributes to age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer�s disease. This research will provide important new information regarding the ageing process and the impact that brain changes associated with ageing and Alzheimer's disease have on B12 metabolism. It will provide important information related to the therapeutic potential of B12.
Role Of The Microglial Adaptor Molecule TYROBP In Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,433.00
Summary
Immune activation characterizes Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains; however, how it impacts AD progression is not understood. Our previous studies in AD brains identified the immune molecule TYROBP, pointing at both beneficial and detrimental effects triggered by this molecule. Here, we aim to understand in detail how TYROBP is involved in AD and how we can enhance its beneficial effects and decrease its unintended actions.
Defining The Function Of Apolipoprotein-D In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,231.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence is rising and there is no curative treatment. Neurotoxic amyloid-beta peptide and concomitant lipid oxidation in the brain contribute to the cause of AD. We have identified a new pathway by which a protein called apoD may inhibit lipid oxidation in the AD brain. We will test the impact that changing apoD levels in neurons and in genetically modified mice has on neuron stress and AD-like characteristics. This may reveal new avenues to prevent or treat AD.
Anti-inflammatory Copper Complexes For Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,622.00
Summary
Brain inflammation and disrupted metabolism of the biologically important metal, copper, play key roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. Our team has developed new copper-based therapeutics, but limited knowledge of how they work impedes clinical trials. My recent findings indicate that these drugs potently prevent inflammation. My proposal seeks to understand how copper-complexes reduce damaging inflammatory responses in novel human cell models of AD.