The Molecular Mechanism Of Ion-coupled Transport In The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,407.00
Summary
Cells in the brain communicate through chemical signals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitter transporters reside in the membranes of cells and are responsible for regulating levels of these chemicals in the brain. They play an important role in the normal function of the human brain but their dysfunction is responsible for many diseases including Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron disease. It is crucial to understand how these proteins work in both normal and disease states.
N-Acetyl Cysteine In Schizophrenia Resistant To Clozapine: A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial Targeting Negative Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$981,789.00
Summary
Many patients with schizophrenia remain treatment resistant even after “last resort” medications like clozapine. This proposal will conduct a novel multi-site randomised placebo controlled trial of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in patients with clozapine resistant schizophrenia. Treatment efficacy will be examined at 8, 26 and 52 weeks.
Roles of the kynurenine pathway in physiological and pathological brain function. This project will aim to study the metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan in the brain and its involvement in diseases including multiple sclerosis and brain tumours.
Unraveling the role of N-acetyl-aspartate in normal brain function and disease. The purpose of this project is to define the role of the predominating brain chemical N-acetyl-aspartate for normal nerve cell function and as toxic agent causing neurological illness and severe mental health problems. Findings of this research will enhance the design of novel therapies involving pharmacological and genetic treatment.
The “New” Biochemistry of Polyamines: When Metabolic Pathways Collide. Basic biochemistry and the metabolic regulation of proliferation remain as the fundamental building blocks of knowledge in cell biology that have enabled breakthrough advances in biology and medicine. Polyamines are unique and ubiquitous low-Mr amines that play vital roles in many biological processes, including proliferation, DNA/RNA synthesis, etc. This proposal will mechanistically dissect the "new" biochemistry of polyami ....The “New” Biochemistry of Polyamines: When Metabolic Pathways Collide. Basic biochemistry and the metabolic regulation of proliferation remain as the fundamental building blocks of knowledge in cell biology that have enabled breakthrough advances in biology and medicine. Polyamines are unique and ubiquitous low-Mr amines that play vital roles in many biological processes, including proliferation, DNA/RNA synthesis, etc. This proposal will mechanistically dissect the "new" biochemistry of polyamines, as we have discovered that polyamines are regulated by iron at 2-major levels, involving >10-key polyamine pathway proteins. This proposal represents first-in-field studies specifically designed to dissect mechanisms involved in this relationship. Our Central Hypothesis is that iron regulates polyamine metabolism.Read moreRead less
Environmental Influences On Allergic Airways Disease From Birth To 8yrs: Long-term Outcomes Of A Randomised Trial (CAPS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,000.00
Summary
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, it will not be possible to give confident advice about how to prevent asthma. We are applying to continue follow up of the cohort of the ....The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world yet no trials of primary prevention have been conducted which address the most common known causative agent (housedust mite allergens) and the most common known protective factor (dietary omega-3 fatty acids). Until the effectiveness of interventions which address these factors is certain, it will not be possible to give confident advice about how to prevent asthma. We are applying to continue follow up of the cohort of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) which has been underway since mid-1997. CAPS is a randomised controlled trial in which 616 infants at high risk of developing asthma because of a family history have been enrolled. The interventions include allergen reduction and dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. The interventions are designed to have maximum effect but be simple to implement by parents. Objective and subjective measurements of exposures, atopy, diet and asthmatic symptoms are being collected at 3 month intervals and at medical assessments when the children are 18 months, 3 and 5 years old. The interventions are stopped at age 5 years. The continued follow up of the cohort to age 8 will enable us to test conclusively if the interventions have had a positive effect. If so, CAPS will form the basis for a nationwide public health campaign which will have the potential to reduce the incidence of childhood asthma in Australia.Read moreRead less