The Role Of A Presenilin 2 Truncation (PS2V) In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,741.00
Summary
The Presenilin and APP proteins are centrally important in inherited, early onset Alzheimer's disease. We have discovered that a shortened form of Presenilin protein, "PS2V", appears to increase specifically the rate at which the APP protein is cleaved to produce the "Amyloid beta" protein fragment that is found in Alzheimer's disease brains. This occurs when brain cells are under oxidative stress. Understanding this process will facilitate development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for t ....The Presenilin and APP proteins are centrally important in inherited, early onset Alzheimer's disease. We have discovered that a shortened form of Presenilin protein, "PS2V", appears to increase specifically the rate at which the APP protein is cleaved to produce the "Amyloid beta" protein fragment that is found in Alzheimer's disease brains. This occurs when brain cells are under oxidative stress. Understanding this process will facilitate development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for the disease.Read moreRead less
Role Of Apolipoprotein D In Alzheimer's Disease And Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,612.00
Summary
ApoD is a highly conserved lipocalin known for its antioxidant nature and role in regulation of inflammation. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are known to play a critical role in dementia. This project will study the association of apoD to inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer’s disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, two major forms of dementia. It will also examine the impact of apoD on disease pathology. Hence this project will lead us to therapeutic potentials of apoD.
The Role Of LIM Domain Kinase 1 In The Pathogenesis Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,531.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by progressive loss of cognition. Few Australians have remained untouched by the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in their families or social circles. Unfortunately, there is no cure and current therapies are limited to modest symptomatic relief. This project will explore the role of a protein that regulates the structural integrity of brain cells in disease, and test if targeting this protein could prevent disease progression.
Cell Death In The Retina: Analysing The Switch That Triggers Dependency On Target-derived Trophic Factors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,414.00
Summary
Construction of the developing nervous system in the embryo involves the creation of nerve cells and their connections, but also involves loss of a proportion of these cells prior to maturation. We will study this process of cell death and how developing nerve cells switch on their dependency to survival factors. In so doing we will better understand what happens when brain development goes wrong and also devise new ways to protect nerve cells in the injured or degenerate adult nervous system.
Does IRAP Contribute To Alzheimer's Disease Pathology?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,042.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease which is results in memory loss and cell death. All currently prescribed drugs treat the memory loss but are unable to stop the deterioration of brain cells. We have developed a class of drugs that reverse memory loss. These drugs target a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, IRAP. We recently found that these drugs also reduce the disease pathology. This research proposal aims to investigate the role of IRAP in the initiation or pro ....Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease which is results in memory loss and cell death. All currently prescribed drugs treat the memory loss but are unable to stop the deterioration of brain cells. We have developed a class of drugs that reverse memory loss. These drugs target a protein called insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, IRAP. We recently found that these drugs also reduce the disease pathology. This research proposal aims to investigate the role of IRAP in the initiation or progression of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.Read moreRead less
Inflammation plays both protective and damaging roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), so to identify a long lasting and effective treatment, it is important that we better understand the underlying processes. Our studies implicate a cytokine called interleukin-18 (IL-18) as a factor that accelerates AD pathology. Here we propose to study the mechanisms by which this cytokine alters basic cell biological functions and how these changes affect AD pathogenesis.
Modulating Beta-amyloid Aggregation And Toxicity With Natural Metal-binding Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,243.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder that afflicts millions of people worldwide. It is well established that the small peptide beta-amyloid, has a direct and important role in the development of AD. This project will investigate the ability of a small naturally occurring metal-binding protein to block the toxic actions of beta-amyloid.
Investigating Interleukin-37 As A Treatment And Biomarker For Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$677,857.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the defining healthcare condition of our generation. Finding asymptomatic at risk individuals at preclinical stages will allow initiation of therapies that will either slow or, preferably, stop the progression of the disease. Herein, we will study a protein called interleukin-37 as an early biomarker and treatment for AD.
Investigating Underlying Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes With Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,950.00
Summary
With type-2 diabetes representing a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms. This project will provide significant insight into how T2D impacts the brain with a focus on how deficiencies in brain inuslin signaling drives neurodegeneration. We will also evaluate novel inuslin like molecules at improving brain insulin siganling and preventing or slowing down the neurodegenerative process.
The Genetic And Environmental Determinants Of Amyloid Deposition In Older Individuals: An Amyloid Imaging Study Using The Twin Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,267.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain. We don’t fully understand how amyloid deposition occurs and what contribution is made by genetic and environmental factors. Amyloid deposition in the brain can now be quantified during life using positron emission tomography. In this study, we will examine brain amyloid in twins, which will determine what proportion of the pathology is attributable to environmental factors that may be modifiable.