Disturbances Of DNA Regulation In Obesity, And Their Relationships To Metabolic Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,074.00
Summary
We have shown there exists significant differences in methylation patterns between Obese patients and healthy controls. In this study we will refine our understanding of the relationship between methylation and obesity. Our study will provide insight into how methylation changes observed in obesity influence downstream metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Uncovering The Function Of Susceptibility Variants In Alzheimer's Disease: From GWAS To Cell-Type Specific EQTLs And MQTLs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,804.00
Summary
This project will investigate some of the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur inside certain brain cells that make them selectively vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease, in order to better understand the mechsnisms that give origin to the disease and identify possible targets for precision therapies.
BRAIN-MEND: Biological Resource Analysis To Identify New Mechanisms And Phenotypes In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,866.00
Summary
Current classification of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) based on clinical phenotypes does not take into account underlying disease heterogeneity, or overlapping disease mechanisms, thus hindering therapy development. Segregation and re-classification of ND phenotypes is urgently needed. BRAIN-MEND will reclassify existing phenotypic classifications using using pathway and network analyses within and across complex NDs.
Regulation Of Cardiometabolic Disease By A Novel ATP Binding Cholesterol Transporter, ABCA8: A New Therapeutic Target?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,585.00
Summary
Approximately 1.7 million Australians and 12% of the population in Singapore has type 2 diabetes (T2D). We have identified a cholesterol transporter, ABCA8, the absence of which produces symptoms similar to those seen in humans with T2D. The aim of this project is to understand the molecular basis of the diabetes symptoms in mice that do not have ABCA8 with a view to identifying this transporter as a drug target to reduce T2D and its complications, including heart attacks.
Longitudinal Transcriptome Profiles For People With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,913.00
Summary
Over the past decade, less than half a percent of drugs trialled for Alzheimer Disease were found to be effective. This highlights the need for new drug targets. This Fellowship aims to study how genes express themselves over time, among people with very high risk of dementia (genetic form of Alzheimer Disease and Huntington Disease). By looking at gene expression in nerve tissue in the nose, fluid around the brain, and blood, I hope to better understand the disease mechanisms causing dementia.
Targeting G-quadruplex DNA As A Novel Therapeutic Strategy For Alzheimer’s And Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia and there is an urgent need to identify new ways of treating diseases that cause dementia. Our research is focused on targeting an unusual DNA structure in Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We will use a precision-targeted technology to better control formation of this DNA structure in disease-causing genes, allowing us to switch off the gene and hence stop disease progression for Alzheimer’s and FTD.
Development Of Blood-based Biomarkers For The Early Detection Of Brain Amyloid And The Investigation Of The Natural History Of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
To have a direct impact on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases we need a detailed molecular understanding of the proteins that drive the disease. My laboratory develops and applies the most advanced analytical tools available to develop blood-based markers that can detect the development of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms occur. This Fellowship will allow me to expand our understanding of the natural history of Alzheimer’s disease.
Protective Mechanisms Of MAP Kinase Phosphatase 5 In Adipose Tissue Fibrosis, Hepatic Steatosis And Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,729.00
Summary
Obesity and associated complications such as diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis are a serious health burden. Recently, we found that MKP5, a molecule that restricts intracellular signaling, plays a central role in preventing these diseases. This collaborative project will elucidate how precisely MKP5 acts and explore how this molecule can be targeted for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in prevention and treatment of human metabolic diseases.
DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL THERAPEUTICS FOR DEMENTIA: Investigating Tailored Brain Stimulation Approaches For Dementia Prevention And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,105.00
Summary
Dementia is a debilitating and devastating illness impacting significantly on sufferers, carers and the wider community. Current treatment approaches are limited in their effectiveness and alternative therapeutics are needed. My research will investigate the use of brain stimulation techniques for the treatment and prevention of dementia.
Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease Using Ocular Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,502.00
Summary
Curcumin fluorescence imaging of the retina will be tested for quantification of retinal amyloid plaque burden and rate of change. This will be compared to AD disease status, brain plaque burden and other markers to evaluate retinal imaging as an early test for AD.