Identification And Study Of Novel Conserved Molecule With An Axonal Protective Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,005.00
Summary
Axonal degeneration is a common feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions, such as motor neuron, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. However, the genetic causes that regulate this biological event are poorly understood. We have identified a novel, conserved axonal protective molecule. We will study how it functions, and if it can be exploited to protect diseased neurons.
Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic interve ....Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic intervention.Read moreRead less
How Does Iron Accumulation Affect Parkinson’s Disease And What Controls It?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,517.00
Summary
Currently there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, and although we have a number of treatments to manage the disease there is an urgent need for a further understanding of the disease process. This proposal will investigate the critical role that iron plays in the cause of neuronal cell death that results in Parkinson's disease, and will investigate methods for regulating metal levels in the brain.
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.
Discovering Novel Molecules That Regulate Axonal Degeneration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,622.00
Summary
The axon is the primary signaling component of every neuron and is essential for normal function. Axonal degeneration is a key early pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. We lack a basic understanding of molecules that regulate this process. Such knowledge is essential for the development of treatments and therapies for dementia and the preservation of healthy ageing. I aim to discover the molecules that regulate axonal degeneration and study their function.
Neuronal Membranes And Connections In Dementia: Targets For Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
This research aims to understand why some people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) progress to dementia, whilst others do not. The fact that some people’s cognitive abilities can improve provides an opportunity to study the mechanisms that protect their brain cells from the degeneration associated with dementia. Understanding the cellular changes will lead to therapies that can be tested in the lab for individuals.
Targeting Early Cellular Damage During Secondary Degeneration Using Nanosphere-based Drug Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,407.00
Summary
After brain injury, there are no treatments to stop the spread of damage to intact tissue, a process involving different cell types and biochemical events. Clinical trials have targeted one event and have failed because large therapeutic doses are toxic and because combined treatments are needed to target different events. We will harness nanotechnology to target delivery of small, sustained doses of one or more drugs to specific cell types and biochemical events to stop the spread of damage.
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.