Optimising Exercise Prescription For Brain Health In Older Adults At Risk Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,123.00
Summary
To reduce dementia burdens in the community, cost effective and targeted early regenerative strategies are critical. Engaging in frequent aerobic exercise is one strategy that can delay the onset and slow the progression of dementia. However, prescription is limited by an incomplete understanding of how exercise positively influences brain health. Here I will investigate the influence of current exercise levels, intensity and exercise environment on brain health in adults at risk of dementia.
Implications Of Retinal Neurodegeneration In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,213.00
Summary
Recent research has shown that “early signs” of Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) can be detected in the eyes. My research focus is to determine which particular changes in the retina are associated with AD. I will also investigate if blocking the production of beta amyloids (proteins produced in AD) in the eye will indeed help reduce their load in the brain and hence delay the onset of AD. Results from this research maybe used for early diagnosis and future medicinal studies that target the eye in AD.
Stand Up To Dementia: Reducing Prolonged Sitting To Improve Cognitive Function In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,901.00
Summary
Australia has an ageing population, resulting in more people being diagnosed with dementia. Prolonged sitting - (a behaviour that is very common amongst older adults) may increase the risk of cognitive decline and thus developing dementia. This study aims to further explore the relationship of sitting with dementia and cognitive function by using objective measures of sitting and also to develop programs and resources to reduce prolonged sitting which are informed by consumers.
Improving Human FMRI Through Modeling And Imaging Microvascular Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,144.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish a reliable vascular baseline to improve mapping of both small-scale functional architecture and large-scale brain networks in functional human brain mapping using MRI. By mapping the grey matter vasculature with high detail in both humans and animals, and by computing and matching of these atlases across species we will be able to validate this approach in vivo to confirm the better spatial specificity of the newly developed approach.
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.
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.
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.
Breast CAncer STratification: Understanding The Determinants Of Risk And Prognosis Of Molecular Subtypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,984.00
Summary
Breast cancer is not one disease, but many different types with different causes, treatments and outcomes. The aim of this project is to use genetic, lifestyle/environmental, mammographic breast density, pathologic and clinical data froma very large number of studies from all over the world to develop ways of predicting which women are at risk of particuar types of breast cancer, and if breast cancer develops what the likely outcome will be.
Early Nutrition, Epigenetics And Developmental Outcomes In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,093.00
Summary
Increasing evidence demonstrates that early nutrition, including in pregnancy, has long lasting programming effects on later health of children. Evidence implicates epigenetics (literally ‘above DNA’) in mediating these effects. The most convincing data exists for obesity and related disorders such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. The focus of this project is on understanding how ‘epigenetic’ mechanisms are influencing the way our genes function to cause these disorders.