The Physiological Basis Of Motor Adaptation In Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,214.00
Summary
People in pain move differently, yet the physiological basis for altered movement in pain is poorly understood. This lack of understanding has led to treatments for persistent pain that target generic symptoms with limited effect. The current study is the first to examine how different aspects of the nervous system are altered in pain and how this relates to movement. This information will guide the development of new treatment strategies for persistent pain in future.
Muscarinic Receptors In The Human Brain: In Health And In Sickness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$394,408.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness, with sub-optimal treatment outcomes. New drugs are being designed to provide more effective treatment. To understand the effects of these drugs, we need to know which brain cells have the protein these new drugs target and which cells are affected in schizophrenia. Our project will determine the localisation of this drug target; this knowledge will help the development of better treatments for schizophrenia.
Central Neural Regulation Of Brown Fat Function – Glucose Sensing And CNS Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$761,942.00
Summary
Our research aims to identify how specific brain cells detect changes in glucose levels and how ageing and diet affect their function. We identified a subset of nerve cells that detect changes in glucose and the “hunger” hormone ghrelin, their ability to do so adapting with age and nutritional status. This project will investigate the potential of these nerve cells as targets for therapeutic and diet- intervention strategies to target obesity, diabetes and promote healthy ageing.
Understanding The Role Of Caudal Auditory Belt Areas In Perception Of Complex Sounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,518.00
Summary
Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely ....Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely to occur if they are damaged.Read moreRead less
Viral Determinants Of HIV-1 Transcriptional Latency In The Central Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,489.00
Summary
The anti-HIV drugs that are currently used to treat HIV-1 infection cannot eliminate the virus from the body, and therefore, cannot cure HIV-1 infection. The major reason why the drugs cannot provide a cure is because they cannot reach virus that hides in particular cells types referred to as "reservoirs". This study will determine how HIV-1 can take sanctuary in these reservoirs, which will be critical information for strategies that aim to cure HIV-1 infection.
Inhibitors Of NLRP3 Activation For Treatment Of Inflammatory CNS Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,023,137.00
Summary
This project will use novel tool compounds to advance our understanding of inflammatory brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. We will examine the molecular pathways and identify novel means to treat these debilitating diseases. We will then aim to design novel therapeutics which target these pathways.
Viral Determinants Of HIV-1 Transcriptional Latency In The Central Nervous System: Impact On Cure Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,521.00
Summary
This grant will identify the factors responsible for HIV-1 latency in the CNS, and will determine the effect of drugs aimed at reversing latency both on HIV-1 within the CNS, and also on the cells of the CNS.
Nasal Epithelium As A Portal Of Entry For Burkholderia Pseudomallei, With Special Reference To Neurological Melioidosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,419.00
Summary
Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease of manly tropical Australia and SE Asia and an emerging disease worldwide. It disproportionately affects indigenous Australians. It is caused by a bacterium found in soil and water and infection may be by inhalation in the rainy season. One manifestation of melioidosis is neurological symptoms. This project seeks to establish sites and pathways of infection resulting from inhalation, including the pathway from nasal mucosa to brain.
Reduced Baroreceptor Reflex Control Of Heart Rate In Chronic Renal Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,288.00
Summary
People with kidney disease are more likely to die of heart disease than their ailing kidneys. One reason is because their hearts do not respond properly to changes in blood pressure, as the nerve circuits controlling the heart become dysfunctional. We will examine where and why components of this circuit are unable to respond to changes in blood pressure. This will help guide new treatments to reduce the incidence of heart disease and risk of death associated with kidney disease.
Effect Of High Dose Infant Fish Oil Supplementation And FADS 1 & 2 Genetic Polymorphisms On Cognitive Development And School Giftedness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,938.00
Summary
This project will investigate the influence of fish oil supplementation during the first six months of life on intelligence, language, behaviour and school performance at age six. We will also investigate how genetic differences in fish oil metabolism can impact upon these relationships. The findings will enhance our knowledge pertaining to the potential benefits of fish oil on cognitive development, and will inform future practice regarding the high dose fortification of infant formula.