The Astrocyte: A Crossroads In Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,598.00
Summary
Malaria is an infectious disease that kills over 1 million people each year. It is prevalent in the Australian region, e.g. PNG and SE Asia. One of its most serious complications is cerebral malaria (CM), which affects the brain and is often fatal. This project will determine whether a very important cell in the brain, the astrocyte, is involved in the disease processes that lead to CM. This is highly relevant to the development of therapies that can be given along with anti-malarial drugs.
Regulating Astrocytosis For Appropriate Defence And Repair Of The Brain After Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
An inflammatory process, designed to clean up cell debris and maintain tissue integrity following brain insult, also results in an astrocytic scar that biochemically impedes nerve repair. After 8 weeks astrocytes switch to become supportive, however once a scar is formed repair is permanently inhibited. Here, we will test the ability of biomaterials to optimise the timing of the necessary inflammatory phase, to encourage repair by converting astrocytes to their tropic phase more rapidly.
Cell Swelling And EEG Ripples: Components In The Transformation Of Normal Brain Activity Into Seizure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,090.00
Summary
Epilepsy is a highly debilitating conditioned and seizures are often poorly controlled. Using a novel multidisciplinary approach, the aim of this proposal is to define the participation of cell swelling and nerve cell brain activity during the start and spread of seizures. This research introduces a novel seizure induction mechanism and provides a paradigm shift in focus for epilepsy research, as well as suggests new pharmacologic targets for seizure-intervention.
Targeting Inflammation As A Biomarker And Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,920.00
Summary
We are undertaking the challenge of using and developing novel animal models in parallel with studies on affected human subjects to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms linking the changes in inflammation to amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and cognitive decline. Understanding these mechanisms will allow us to define the biological pathways involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.