Neuronal Copper Homeostasis And The Role Of The Alzheimer Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is creating a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Copper plays an important role in the development of AD and drugs designed to adjust brain copper levels are being tested for AD treatment and show therapeutic benefits. This project will determine how copper is involved in AD so that more effective drugs can be developed. Focus will primarily be on copper-binding proteins central to AD and establishing their role in AD development and progression.
Investigating The Role Of Exosomal Shuttle RNA In Mediating Pathogenesis Of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
The risk for dementia increases with age and is placing a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Novel genetic signals can be communicated between cells. This process may contribute to the development of dementia related disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Prion diseases. We hope to identify the genetic signals communicated between cells that may contribute to dementia. This will help us develop novel treatments that delay the onset or ultimately prevent Alzheimer's and Prion disease.
A Window Of Vulnerability: Impaired Fear Inhibition In Adolescent Rats
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,849.00
Summary
Adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability to anxiety disorders. The brain undergoes substantial maturation during adolescence, particularly the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region critical for inhibiting fear. This project examines why fear inhibition is impaired in adolescents and compares the neural mechanisms mediating treatments that enhance fear reduction in adolescence. This research adds new knowledge about novel approaches for early interventions for adolescent anxiety.
Non-invasive Detection Of Hypoglycaemia In People With Diabetes Using Brain Wave Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,447.00
Summary
Hypoglycaemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy. Current treatments for nocturnal hypoglycaemia are usually ineffective. Combining brain wave recording and artificial intelligence, we will identify the changes that precipitate an episode of hypoglycaemia allowing the development of a non-invasive device to prevent or alleviate these fearful and potentially life-threatening events.
Imaging And Chemical Biomarkers For Assessing The Effectiveness Of Therapy In The First European Investigator-driven Clinical Trial Investigating The Benefits Of Hypothermia In Ischaemic Stroke Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,048,570.00
Summary
Hypothermia, entering phase III trial in Europe, has the potential to slow brain injury after stroke. It will allow existing thrombolytic therapies which restore critical brain blood flow to be used in many more patients than currently possible. However, hypothermia will soak up valuable resources if non-selectively applied to the ~15 million patients who have a stroke each year. We aim to identify biomarkers to test which patients will benefit most and permit the best resource allocation.