Trace Element Regulation In Neurological Disease: From Molecular Pathogenesis To Translational Impact.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and motor neuron disease are a major health burden for Australia and new approaches to treatment are urgently required. Essential trace elements such as copper, zinc and iron show major changes in neurodegneration, however, we do not understand how this drives disease processes. This proposal will develop an innovative 3D ‘brain on a chip’ cell model to probe the role of trace elements in brain pathology and identify exciting new treatments options.
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.
Stimulation Of Neurogenesis By Growth Hormone To Improve Cognition In An Aged Animal Model Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,828.00
Summary
Production of new neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals plays a role in regulating learning and memory, and this production slows continuously with increasing age. Here we explore ways to activate dormant populations of neurogenic precursor cells in the hippocampus to produce new neurons. Since the precursor cells are still present in the hippocampus of an aged animal these studies will provide unequivocal evidence for their importance in reversing age-related cognitive decline and dementi ....Production of new neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals plays a role in regulating learning and memory, and this production slows continuously with increasing age. Here we explore ways to activate dormant populations of neurogenic precursor cells in the hippocampus to produce new neurons. Since the precursor cells are still present in the hippocampus of an aged animal these studies will provide unequivocal evidence for their importance in reversing age-related cognitive decline and dementia.Read moreRead less
Is Kainate Receptor Dysfunction At The Core Of Multiple Sclerosis Neuropathology?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a devastating disease. The current treatments for MS are not able to prevent the death of cells in the brain and are not able to prevent disability in MS patients. I have identified a family of genes that I predict are responsible for cell death in MS. I will determine what these genes do in the brain. My aim is to identify a target for new treatments to prevent cell death in MS.
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.
Investigation Of The Role Of Nfix In Adult Neurogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,590.00
Summary
This project will identify key components of the molecular roadmap that mediates adult neurogenesis. Elucidating the genes involved in this process will represent a major advance in our understanding of how neurogenesis within the adult brain is orchestrated, and will provide molecular targets for practical applications aimed at harnessing adult neurogenesis for replacement therapies.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100775
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,446.00
Summary
Using nanostructured scaffolds to understand and engineer neuronal circuits. This project aims to understand the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. While the role of biochemical features in the brain is well understood, it is not clear how the biophysical properties of the brain affect circuit formation. The outcomes of this project will improve our understanding of neuronal circuit formation as well as provide design rules for creating scaffolds to repair neuronal circuits after brain ....Using nanostructured scaffolds to understand and engineer neuronal circuits. This project aims to understand the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. While the role of biochemical features in the brain is well understood, it is not clear how the biophysical properties of the brain affect circuit formation. The outcomes of this project will improve our understanding of neuronal circuit formation as well as provide design rules for creating scaffolds to repair neuronal circuits after brain damage. This project will integrate Australia’s strengths in nanotechnology and neurosciences, bringing Australian research at the forefront of neural engineering.Read moreRead less
Nfib Regulates Glial Differentiation During Development And Disease Via Repression Of The Key Epigenetic Protein, Ezh2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,912.00
Summary
Glial development is critical during development, and unrestrained proliferation of glial stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present there is no cure for glioma and current treatments do not significantly delay tumour progression. Nfib is a transcription factor that may prevent tumour growth through cellular differentiation. We will investigate the role of Nfib during development and in the pathogenesis of glioma and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Defining Role Of Inflammatory Signals In Enhancing Motoneuron Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,688.00
Summary
Spinal cord injury is a devastating event that has a life-long impact on the patient’s life with wide-reaching social and economic effects. In this proposal we examine how inflammatory signals boost neuronal regeneration after injury. Furthermore, we define how new neurons are able to integrate into existing spinal circuitry. Out work provides critical insight and hold keys to unlocking strategies for future restorative therapies in the brain or spinal cord.
Aberrant Ependymal Development And The Formation Of Hydrocephalus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,005.00
Summary
Foetal hydrocephalus is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition associated with severe intellectual impairment. Breakdown of the ependymal cell layer, which acts as a barrier between brain tissue and the ventricular space, is a major cause of hydrocephalus. Despite the importance of these cells, we have little understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their production. This project will identify critical signalling pathways governing the establishment of the ependymal layer.