Functional Genomics Approach To Extend Lifespan While Preventing Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,600.00
Summary
In our ageing population, preventing age-related neurological decline is one of the central medical challenges of the 21st century. Here we use human population data obtained from people who reached 90 years of age free of any disease, or patients who suffer from dementia, combined with functional genomics studies in animals to pinpoint new genes that can be targeted to extend lifespan while preserving neurological function in these extended years of life.
The Missing Link: MGluR5 As A Therapeutic Target For Cognitive Decline In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,622.00
Summary
Cognitive decline is a core feature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), yet there is no cure or treatment. Recent evidence suggests that a protein called mGluR5 could cause brain cells to lose function, leading to memory loss. This project will investigate whether disrupting mGluR5 function can improve cognition in mice with genetic AD. Memory will be assessed in mice using innovative touchscreen tests that closely mimic the tests used in humans.
Interaction Of Amyloid-beta And Tau Pathology In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,592.00
Summary
Currently, over 200,000 Australians are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related forms of dementia, causing a huge socio-economic damage. To overcome the lack of effective treatments, we need to understand the underlying causes and translate them into therapy. Using state-of-the-art cell culture and genetic mouse models, I will reveal fundamental processes in AD and related dementias, and develop tailored treatments to battle these devastating disorders.
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder which shares several features with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (i.e. dementia-like cognitive deficits). There is currently no cure for HD. Using a mouse model of HD and a combination of relevant drugs (i.e. N-Acetylcysteine and deferiprone) targeting two distinct levels of the cascade of events leading to HD, we will slow down the progression of the disease and correct dysfunctions within the brain.
In Vivo Tau Imaging In Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,998.00
Summary
Alteration of the normal protein tau leads to its deposition inside the brain cells leading to their death. These deposits have been well characterized and they are associated with cognitive impairment. We propose to study tau deposits in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET) and assess its association with cognition and other signs of neurodegeneration
IRAP inhibitors are currently being developed as a new class of drugs for treating dementia and other forms of memory deficits. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about how these drugs act to improve memory. The experiments outlined in this proposal will provide important insights into the drug action in different mouse models of memory deficit.
Enzymes that generate or degrade peptides serve important roles - alterations in their activity can impact on a diverse range of physiological processes in healthy and diseased states. Angiotensin is a peptide that plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance - drugs that block the activity of its processing enzymes forms an important class of medication used to treat hypertension and heart disease. My research interest is in discovering novel roles for these enzymes.
Brain Connectivity Biomarkers Predict Specific Memory Consolidation Deficits Across Dementia Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,149.00
Summary
With the increasing ageing population there is expected to be a significant increase in the number of dementia cases in the near future. This project aims to improve the accuracy of existing diagnostic protocols for dementia by combining recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging with traditional cognitive assessments. We expect the outcome to improve detection in the early stages of disease onset so that patients may receive immediate medical treatment.
Neural Correlates Of Fear Conditioning And Extinction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$901,899.00
Summary
The amygdala is a part of the brain that processes emotional information. Disorders of amygdala function lead to a host of anxiety-related disorders such as phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. In this grant we will study how the amygdala processes sensory information from the environment and forms memories of salient events. These findings will tell us how memories are formed, stored and retrieved. In the long term it will provide targets for the development of new anxiolytic agents
Assessing The Role Of The N-terminus Of The Prion Protein, Emphasising Constitutive Cleavage, In Normal Function And Pathogenesis, As Well As Defining The Relationship Between Intensity Of Surveillance And Sporadic CJD Incidence.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,469.00
Summary
As a neurologist undertaking research into prion diseases over an extended period, I have been able to lead and participate in many projects that have made significant contributions, such as validation of new diagnostic tests for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), assessment of potential therapeutics, provide insights into the normal function of the prion protein and the underlying pathways causing cellular damage and determine the real significance of apparent clusters of sporadic CJD.