Nix Mediated Mitophagy: A New Therapeutic Approach To Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,428.00
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder in the world. A key problem in PD is that affected neurons lose energy and then die. We have discovered that by recycling mitochondria (the parts of the cell that produce energy), we can protect neurons from dying and restore function. This project will determine whether mitochondrial recycling mediated by Nix can restore energy and prevent neuronal loss. This would represent a new therapeutic approach to treat PD.
Viral-mediated Modulation Of BDNF Expression In Motor Neurons To Promote The Recovery Of Hand/digits Function In A Rat Model Of Spinal Cord Injury That Impairs Normal Grasping Action.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,427.00
Summary
This project seeks to lure injured axons towards motor neurons, a process that is essential for the recovery of motor function. BDNF gradients will be created along the injured axons path. Axons will have to elongate to reach the first source of BDNF. They will need to elongate even more to get to the next source of BDNF, hence bringing them each time closer to their lost targets. This gene therapy scenario has the potential to bring gene therapy a step closer for human spinal cord injury.
Studies On Induction Of Antigen Specific T Regulatory Cells To Control Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,033.00
Summary
The immune system has natural control mechanisms, called regulatory cells. Our group was the first in the world to correctly identify these cells. There is now a world-wide interest in these cells as they can prevent unwanted immune mediated injury. In autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, regulatory cells can prevent relapse and progression. This project will identify ways of producing potent specific regulatory cells to control multiple sclerosis and other debilitating neurological d ....The immune system has natural control mechanisms, called regulatory cells. Our group was the first in the world to correctly identify these cells. There is now a world-wide interest in these cells as they can prevent unwanted immune mediated injury. In autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, regulatory cells can prevent relapse and progression. This project will identify ways of producing potent specific regulatory cells to control multiple sclerosis and other debilitating neurological diseases.Read moreRead less
An Australasian, Multi-centre, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial Of The Efficacy Of Fluoxetine In Improving Functional Recovery After Acute Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,306,367.00
Summary
Stroke is one of the top three causes of disability. Treatments that improve recovery after stroke are lacking. We reviewed the world literature and found a number of very small studies which, together, suggest that the antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, may improve the recovery in stroke patients. AFFINITY is a large trial in 1600 Australians and New Zealanders with stroke which aims to find out whether taking fluoxetine for 6 months after a stroke improves recovery compared to a placebo.
Enhancing Social Functioning In Young People At Ultra High Risk (UHR) For Psychosis: RCT Of A Novel Strengths-based Online Social Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,543,657.00
Summary
Psychosis is a devastating mental health disorder that results in great personal suffering and enormous societal costs. Early intervention is seen as the most promising treatment approach with potential to bring about long-term recovery. The aims of this project are to assess the effectiveness of a highly novel strengths-based online social media intervention in preventing psychosocial deterioration and improve social functioning in young people at ultra high risk of developing psychosis.
Healing The Past By Nurturing The Future: Learning How To Identify And Support Indigenous Parents Who Have Experienced Complex Childhood Trauma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,193,719.00
Summary
Complex childhood trauma causes profound and long-lasting effects on physical, social and emotional wellbeing, which can be triggered during the transition to parenthood and impede the capacity of parents to nurture their children. The transition offers a unique opportunity for healing and preventing intergenerational transmission of trauma. This project co-designs and evaluates acceptability and feasibility of screening and support for Indigenous parents experiencing complex trauma.
Does Antipsychotic Dose Reduction Lead To Better Functional Recovery In First Episode Psychosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,371,552.00
Summary
Can a person with a first episode of psychosis, once remitted, reduce their dosage of medication and still achieve better outcomes in functioning, physical health and brain volume, than if they had stayed on traditional maintenance doses of medication? This study will examine if using a dose reduction strategy in conjunction with an evidence based suite of psychosocial interventions leads to better social and vocational recovery and improved physical health and brain volume.
Enhancement Of Newborn Neuron Survival To Promote Repair Following Adult Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,780.00
Summary
Following brain damage tissue needs to be rebuilt and newborn nerve cells need to survive. Identification of factors that enhance the numbers and promote the survival and appropriate integration of newborn nerve cells is therefore important and over the last few years we have identified two regulatory factors that are prime candidates to enhance numbers and survival of newborn neurons following injury: the Rho pathway and suppressor of cytokine signalling-2, which we will test for effectiveness ....Following brain damage tissue needs to be rebuilt and newborn nerve cells need to survive. Identification of factors that enhance the numbers and promote the survival and appropriate integration of newborn nerve cells is therefore important and over the last few years we have identified two regulatory factors that are prime candidates to enhance numbers and survival of newborn neurons following injury: the Rho pathway and suppressor of cytokine signalling-2, which we will test for effectiveness following brain injury.Read moreRead less
Randomised Controlled Trial Of The RECOVER Tailored Psychological Intervention For First Episode Bipolar Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,550,291.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most disabling health conditions experienced by young adults, yet there are currently no psychological treatment options specifically developed for early intervention in BD. This project will test if a new psychological intervention called RECOVER, administered to young people who have experienced a first episode of BD, can help prevent this experience from developing into a chronic disorder.
Deciphering The Role Of Atypical DNA Methylation In Neuronal Genome Regulation And Neurological Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,484.00
Summary
This research will use a combination of genomic, biochemical and functional genomics approaches to investigate the role of the atypical mCH form of DNA methylation in neuronal genome regulation and function, and provide new insights into the role of the epigenome in healthy brain function and neural pathologies.