Epistatic Genetic Effects On Neuroanatomical Subtypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,141.00
Summary
Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with t ....Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with these biologically-derived subtypes.Read moreRead less
Restoration Of The Nigrostriatal Pathway In The Parkinsonian Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,431.00
Summary
Many obstacles exist for cell transplantation in Parkinson's disease; namely poor restoration of the host brain circuitry due to incorrect graft placement. This results in incomplete motor function and unwanted side effects. Through iterative studies we endeavor to restore this circuitry by placing grafts in the appropriate location and promoting their survival and growth-integrations. This will require: optimizing the donor tissue and exposure of the graft to growth stimulating factors.
Seizures appear unpredictable and greatly affect the quality of all aspects of life for patients with epilepsy and their carers. New advances in complex systems theory suggest that transitions from normal brain activity to seizures are preceded by measurable changes in the brain’s responses to stimuli, known as critical slowing. Measurement of critical slowing will enable prediction of seizures, providing a warning system, and possibly an opportunity to deliver preventative therapies.
Testing The Prion Hypothesis In Parkinson’s Disease Using A Novel In Vivo Model Of Α-synuclein Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,555.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disease with no cure. Recently it has been discovered that the disease can spread through the brain. We have developed the worlds first animal model to study exactly how the disease propagates inside of neurons during this spread. We will use the model to answer key questions about this critical stage of disease spread, knowledge that is essential for the development of successful therapies to prevent disease progression.
Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
Standardising Protocols For The Differentiation And Integration Of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Neural Transplants In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,664.00
Summary
Clinical trials have shown that transplanting dopamine neurons (specific nerve cells) into the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients can improve symptoms. Trials use fetal tissue for implantation, which is unsustainable and highly variable. This proposal will examine stem cells as an alternative. We will establish a reliable protocol to instruct human stem cells to become dopamine neurons, develop methods to select these cells and, examine the integration of these transplanted cells in the brain
Controlling Neuroinflammation In Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,577.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, with 269,000 Australians currently diagnosed with AD and is expected to soar to about 981,000 by 2050. AD accounts for greater than 60% of all cases of dementia. This grant investigates the role that neuroinflammation plays in the progression and exacerbation of AD and will identify new therapeutic strategies to combat this insidious disease.
Knowledge, Identification And Exploitation Of Dopaminergic Axon Guidance Cues Will Improve Cell Replacement Therapy For ParkinsonÍs Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,797.00
Summary
Many obstacles exist for cell transplantation in ParkinsonÍs Disease; namely poor graft survival, restoration of appropriate circuitry and adequate nerve fiber growth from new cells. Using knowledge of how neural circuits are established during fetal development, we will attempt to recapitulate these events following transplantation. Further, we will identify new and novel cues in regulating the connectivity and growth of these nerve fibers.
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 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