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Assessing gene function in the developing brain using zebrafish as a model system. As the average life expectancy in western countries increases there is an increasing incidence of mental health problems in the general population. Therapeutic approaches to Alzhemier's and Parkinson's disease as well as to brain injury arising from stroke rely on a thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of normal growth of this tissue. These are the very processes that need to be rea ....Assessing gene function in the developing brain using zebrafish as a model system. As the average life expectancy in western countries increases there is an increasing incidence of mental health problems in the general population. Therapeutic approaches to Alzhemier's and Parkinson's disease as well as to brain injury arising from stroke rely on a thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of normal growth of this tissue. These are the very processes that need to be reactivated in these diseases for recovery of function. This project seeks to understand normal development of the brain and in doing so it will expose novel targets for therapy in the aged. Read moreRead less
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0560757
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$160,896.00
Summary
Identification and Characterisation of Genes involved in the Copper Regulation of the Human Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP) Gene. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the ageing population. This research project aims to identify and characterise new genes involved in the copper regulation of the Alzheimer's disease gene. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets and clinical intervention strategies as well as early diagnost ....Identification and Characterisation of Genes involved in the Copper Regulation of the Human Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP) Gene. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the ageing population. This research project aims to identify and characterise new genes involved in the copper regulation of the Alzheimer's disease gene. This may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets and clinical intervention strategies as well as early diagnostic procedures in preventative healthcare for the treatment of AD. The benefits would affect the international community as a whole, potentially minimising the socio-economic costs arising from the predicted world-wide increase in AD in the ageing population.Read moreRead less
How critical is the inflammatory response in senile plaque formation in a mutant APP transgenic mouse model? The aims of this project is to examine the brains of mice genetically engineered to produce a human mutant form of insoluble beta amyloid protein known to play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the "trigger" for AD is an inflammatory reaction, then the relevant examination of the early stages of senile plaque formation in these animals could lead to pharma ....How critical is the inflammatory response in senile plaque formation in a mutant APP transgenic mouse model? The aims of this project is to examine the brains of mice genetically engineered to produce a human mutant form of insoluble beta amyloid protein known to play a critical role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the "trigger" for AD is an inflammatory reaction, then the relevant examination of the early stages of senile plaque formation in these animals could lead to pharmaceutical intervention to delay the development of this debilitating disease. A 5 year delay would significantly reduce the number of people with AD, not only adding years of improved quality of life, but also saving hundreds of millions of Australian dollars in health costs.Read moreRead less
The Genetic Analysis of Neurological Diseases. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's are debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, which affect 16,000 and 80,000 Australians, respectively. Between them, these diseases cost the community $7.8 billion per annum, and there is no cure. This proposal will study the genes that influence a person's predisposition to developing these diseases, and what makes some people have particular characteristics. It will provide novel insights into the diseases themse ....The Genetic Analysis of Neurological Diseases. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's are debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, which affect 16,000 and 80,000 Australians, respectively. Between them, these diseases cost the community $7.8 billion per annum, and there is no cure. This proposal will study the genes that influence a person's predisposition to developing these diseases, and what makes some people have particular characteristics. It will provide novel insights into the diseases themselves and information that could help in the development of new and more effective drugs, and biomarkers to assist in the prediction of prognosis. Such advances would decrease the economic impact of these diseases and improve quality of life for those affected.Read moreRead less
Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that ....Identifying the specific structural features of metallothionein that regulate its ability to modulate astrogliosis. This project contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priority 2 and could potentially have a significant impact upon the broader Australian Community by identifying a novel and powerful therapeutic agent based upon metallothionein proteins with the ultimate aim of helping patients who have a brain injury or a neurodegenerative disease. It is important to note that the partnership between UTAS and Bestenbalt LLC is a critical step in the development of these exciting research discoveries into commercially viable outcomes for the Australian Biotechnology Industry and the broader Australian community.Read moreRead less
The Role of Amyloid Protein Precursor in Mammalian Copper Transport. The knowledge gained from this investigation will help us to develop new medicines for the treatment of debilitating and ever more prevalent age-related neurodegenerative diseases and will help us to illuminate the role of metals in the ageing process itself. Apart from the obvious economic and social benefits in extending the productive lifetime of its citizens, the outcomes of this project have clear commercial applications. ....The Role of Amyloid Protein Precursor in Mammalian Copper Transport. The knowledge gained from this investigation will help us to develop new medicines for the treatment of debilitating and ever more prevalent age-related neurodegenerative diseases and will help us to illuminate the role of metals in the ageing process itself. Apart from the obvious economic and social benefits in extending the productive lifetime of its citizens, the outcomes of this project have clear commercial applications. We anticipate that there will be patents that will ensue from the programme, which will be licensed to Australian interests, and contribute to the national revenue in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.Read moreRead less
Neural Copper Homeostasis: the role of the Alzheimer Amyloid-beta Precursor Protein. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is creating a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Copper plays an important role in the development of AD, and drugs designed to adjust brain copper levels are being tested for AD treatment and show therapeutic benefits. This project will determine how copper is involved in AD so that more effective drugs can be developed. Focus will primarily be on copper-binding proteins ....Neural Copper Homeostasis: the role of the Alzheimer Amyloid-beta Precursor Protein. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is creating a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Copper plays an important role in the development of AD, and drugs designed to adjust brain copper levels are being tested for AD treatment and show therapeutic benefits. This project will determine how copper is involved in AD so that more effective drugs can be developed. Focus will primarily be on copper-binding proteins central to AD, including amyloid-beta, and their role in AD development. Upon completion of this project, we expect to better understand neural copper metabolism in health and in AD pathology, with outcomes directly applicable to therapeutic AD intervention.Read moreRead less
Transduction of neuronal signals by brain macroglial cells: implications for neuronal function. Study of mechanisms regulating brain cell (neuron and glial) communication is essential for understanding of normal brain function and transformations that occur in neurodegenerative states and age-related disorders. Mechanisms underlying neuron-glia communication are not well understood. By combining cell physiology, digital imaging technologies, and genetically designed and delivered molecules we w ....Transduction of neuronal signals by brain macroglial cells: implications for neuronal function. Study of mechanisms regulating brain cell (neuron and glial) communication is essential for understanding of normal brain function and transformations that occur in neurodegenerative states and age-related disorders. Mechanisms underlying neuron-glia communication are not well understood. By combining cell physiology, digital imaging technologies, and genetically designed and delivered molecules we will enhance our understanding of this brain cell communication and critical roles played by intracellular calcium. This will enhance international competitiveness of Australian biological research and provide novel insight of glial function in neurodegeneration and potential for specific therapeutic intervention in disease.Read moreRead less
Using metallothioneins as a model for understanding cellular and biochemical interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the brain. This research will reveal some of the changes that occur in the relationship between neurons and astrocytes as a consequence injury, aging or disease to the human brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases. These a ....Using metallothioneins as a model for understanding cellular and biochemical interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the brain. This research will reveal some of the changes that occur in the relationship between neurons and astrocytes as a consequence injury, aging or disease to the human brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases. These are significant community issues in both economical and social terms. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain, and will provide clues to promoting healthy aging.Read moreRead less
Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to th ....Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest biochemical and cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain.Read moreRead less