Understanding Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,043,216.00
Summary
This project opens a new line of enquiry into the cellular signalling mechanisms involved in the progression of AD and establishes whether targeting the involvement of type-1 IFN signalling influences the evolution of AD. New and novel approaches are clearly required to treat AD. Importantly, we believe that neuroinflammation is common to all causes of dementia and targeting the neuroinflammatory pathways has much wider implications than targeting the primary causative pathway.
Controlling Neuroinflammation In Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,577.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, with 269,000 Australians currently diagnosed with AD and is expected to soar to about 981,000 by 2050. AD accounts for greater than 60% of all cases of dementia. This grant investigates the role that neuroinflammation plays in the progression and exacerbation of AD and will identify new therapeutic strategies to combat this insidious disease.
Role Of Chemokines And Interferons In Neural Progenitor Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,178.00
Summary
Regeneration of the central nervous system following disease or injury is extremely limited and frequently results in substantial impairment. A potential therapy to replace damaged or killed nervous system cells is the use of neural stem cells. Neural stem cells are present in the central nervous system and frequently attempt, but fail to repair nervous system damage. This project aims to examine factors that regulate neural stem cell function including factors that may regulate their ability to ....Regeneration of the central nervous system following disease or injury is extremely limited and frequently results in substantial impairment. A potential therapy to replace damaged or killed nervous system cells is the use of neural stem cells. Neural stem cells are present in the central nervous system and frequently attempt, but fail to repair nervous system damage. This project aims to examine factors that regulate neural stem cell function including factors that may regulate their ability to migrate or become appropriate neural cell types. Of particular interest are factors known as chemokines that regulate cell migration as well as have a variety of other effects. In addition, interferons, which are inflammatory molecules present in the damaged nervous system and that we have shown affect neural stem cell function, may interact with chemokines and will also be examined. In addition to examining the effects of these factors on neural stem cells, the signalling pathways they use in these cells will also be determined.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Metals In Healthy Brain Aging: Identification Of Novel Compounds To Prevent Age-related Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$789,733.00
Summary
This grant will explore the basic mechanisms that underlie normal learning and memory. Specifically, we are focussing on how the modulation of metal levels may occur with age, and how this may cause or at least contribute to age-related cognitive impairment. We are also examining a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. This work will have implications for both normal and pathological ageing.
Electrical Stimulation With A “Random Noise” Pattern: A New Approach For The Treatment Of Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,160.00
Summary
This study is a world first, examining the use of a novel technology to treat depression by stimulating the brain mildly and non invasively. The study will examine the effectiveness of a 4-week course of Transcranial “Random Noise” Stimulation to treat depression, and will also measure whether improvement in mood is accompanied by a restoration of brain plasticity or adaptability.
Biomaterials For The Direct Reprograming Of Reactive Astrocytes Into Functional Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,500.00
Summary
We will employ peptide inspired hydrogel nanoscaffolds that can be injected into a brain lesion as a single injection to provide chemical and physical support for the surrounding cells. We will utilize various modifications to these materials to reprogram inflammatory cells into neurons, whilst also promoting the survival, maintenance and growth of existing neurons to encourage repair.
Molecular Imaging To Advance Treatment Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,419.00
Summary
Molecular imaging using a scan technique called positron emission tomography, enables detection and measurement of specific pathological features of disease such as the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s disease. This project will develop this technology for other aspects of brain disorders including dementias, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury and schizophrenia and use it to assist development of therapies and improve clinical diagnosis nation wide.
Exercise Reverses Cognitive Decline In Aged Animals By Growth Hormone Stimulation Of Neurogenesis In The Hippocampus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,409.00
Summary
The production of new neurons in the hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory. With increasing age, this production slows and is associated with cognitive decline. However the stem cells that make new neurons are still present, and we have discovered that exercise activates these cells, leading to renewed neuron production and reversal of cognitive decline. We will explore how this process is regulated in order to develop strategies to reduce cognitive decline in humans.
Precision Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis: Maximising The Effect Of Immunomodulatory Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$537,272.00
Summary
Response to therapy varies greatly among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The current lack of individualised MS therapy may lead to suboptimal MS management and accumulation of preventable disability. We will use MSBase, a large international MS cohort, to evaluate the effect of different treatment strategies and of highly effective and novel therapies. Identifying the patients who will benefit from these therapies, we will provide the key evidence for individualised MS management.
Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.