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Cholinergic Abnormalities In Alzheimer's Disease: Identification Of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$478,500.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of ageing commonly associated with memory loss. The disease is caused by the build up of amyloid protein in the brain. However, it is not known how amyloid protein causes degeneration of normal brain function. Our previous studies have shown that amyloid protein targets two components which are important for normal brain function. These components are 1) acetylcholinesterase ....The aim of this project is to develop new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of ageing commonly associated with memory loss. The disease is caused by the build up of amyloid protein in the brain. However, it is not known how amyloid protein causes degeneration of normal brain function. Our previous studies have shown that amyloid protein targets two components which are important for normal brain function. These components are 1) acetylcholinesterase and 2) nicotinic receptors, which are known to be important for memory. The aim of this application is to identify the mechanisms by which amyloid protein targets acetylcholinesterase and nicotinic receptors and to design inhibitors of this interaction which may ultimately provide a platform for future drug development.Read moreRead less
Targetting Nogo A As A Means To Promote CNS Axonal Regrowth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,911.00
Summary
Unlike the peripheral nervous system, regenerative nerve fiber growth and structural plasticity are limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), following injury. Although lesioned axons can sprout spontaneously, this regeneration attempt is transitory and no significant re-growth occurs over long distances. Consequently, injury to the CNS often leads to permanent disability. In many cases, it has been shown that it is not the absence of growth-promoting molecules in the CNS but ....Unlike the peripheral nervous system, regenerative nerve fiber growth and structural plasticity are limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), following injury. Although lesioned axons can sprout spontaneously, this regeneration attempt is transitory and no significant re-growth occurs over long distances. Consequently, injury to the CNS often leads to permanent disability. In many cases, it has been shown that it is not the absence of growth-promoting molecules in the CNS but rather the presence of axon outgrowth inhibitors, including components of both CNS myelin and astroglial scars that limit regeneration. Given that axonal injury is an important pathological determinant of permanent disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), we have recently investigated the role of the CNS neurite outgrowth inhibitor, Nogo A in the development of a chronic form of murine MS-like disease. We showed that targeting Nogo A by active and passive immunization blunts clinical signs, demyelination and axonal damage associated with this model of MS. These results identify Nogo A as an important determinant of the development of autoimmune-mediated demyelination and suggest that its blockage may help to maintain and-or to restore the neuronal integrity of the CNS after autoimmune insult in disease such as MS. The principal goal of this application is to study the mechanism by which blockade of Nogo A improves clinical outcome in disease like MS and to determine whether neurite sprouting accounts for such an improvement. Targeting Nogo A and-or its receptor, has the potential to not only regulate-modulate the process of autoimmune mediated demyelination but could lead to the first therapy ever offered to patients that helps damaged nerves regenerate after axonal injury following neurodegeneration due to insult or disease.Read moreRead less