Transfer Of Glutamine Between Astrocytes And Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,500.00
Summary
Brain tissue is comprised of only a few different cell types. These are classified as neurons, glial cells, and cells of mesodermal origin. Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain and include cells known as astrocytes. There is increasing evidence that astrocytes are actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal function. This study focuses on the mechanisms by which astrocytes supply neurons with precursors for the formation of signalling molecules (neurotrans ....Brain tissue is comprised of only a few different cell types. These are classified as neurons, glial cells, and cells of mesodermal origin. Glial cells are the most abundant cell type in the brain and include cells known as astrocytes. There is increasing evidence that astrocytes are actively involved in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal function. This study focuses on the mechanisms by which astrocytes supply neurons with precursors for the formation of signalling molecules (neurotransmitters) released from neurons in the transmission of nerve impulses. It will establish how these processes are controlled and also try to develop inhibitors that interfere with this process . The project tries to elucidate whether astrocytes actively regulate neuronal functions by regulating precursor supply. The work will make a significant contribution to our understanding of how astrocytes regulate neuronal activity, a process that may be critical in conditions such as stroke and epilepsy. A better understanding of the physiology of astrocytes might lead to improved treatments for these disturbances of brain function.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Glutamine Transporter SNAT3 In Ion Transport, Cell Signaling And Ammonia Detoxification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,249.00
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome observed in patients with liver cirrhosis and is caused by increased amounts of ammonia in the blood. The proposed project investigates a transporter that is involved in ammonia and glutamine metabolism in liver and brain. The two organs are critical to the pathology of liver failure and ammonia toxicity resulting from reduced liver function. The transporter thus could become a drug target for a variety of liver diseases.
Evaluation Of Pathogenic Mechanisms Involved In Nuclear And Mitochondrial DNA-encoded Mitochondrial Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Mitochondria produce energy for the cell. Disorders of mitochondrial function can cause human disease. These diseases are referred to as the mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrial disorders usually involve multiple tissues, particularly the muscle and brain.These disorders are usually caused by mutations in two different types of DNA; nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. There are many forms of mitochondrial disorders; some affect young children or infants and others cause adult disease. In some cases ....Mitochondria produce energy for the cell. Disorders of mitochondrial function can cause human disease. These diseases are referred to as the mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrial disorders usually involve multiple tissues, particularly the muscle and brain.These disorders are usually caused by mutations in two different types of DNA; nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. There are many forms of mitochondrial disorders; some affect young children or infants and others cause adult disease. In some cases, genetic defects may cause the same disease and other mutations may cause a wide range of symptoms. The reason why this occurs is unknown. This study investigates several factors that may determine why some mutations lead to a certain disease and why others may cause different diseases. These factors include the variation in energy levels that are produced by the mutant cells, and the different levels of vunerability that mutated cells may have to induced cell death. The goal of this proposal is to identify the factors that lead to mutations causing different clinical symptoms with the overall aim being to design treatment for these chronic diseases.Read moreRead less
I aim to understand the genetics of the epilepsies. Through detailed analysis of different types of epilepsy, and associated features such as intellectual disability and autism, I will describe new epilepsy syndromes, and together with gene discovery, implement novel targeted therapies. This translational program will transform clinical practice by informing diagnosis, prognostic and genetic counseling, and lead to targeted precision therapies to improve outcomes for each patient.
Autoimmune Channelopathies In Paediatrics Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,877.00
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the commonest neurological disorders. Some children with epilepsy have a known cause for their epilepsy; however in most cases the cause is unknown. One of the proposed causes is auto antibodies targeted against specific brain channels, resulting in seizures. This study will determine whether some patients with epilepsy have antibodies in the blood that lead to epilepsy. By defining an immune mediated epilepsy, we can treat and stop the epilepsy.
The Incidence And Genetics Of The Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,224.00
Summary
Severe epilepsies with frequent seizures and cognitive impairments in the first 18 months of life are known as ‘infantile epileptic encephalopathies’ (IEE). The cause of IEE is unknown in many patients, although presumed genetic. This study of patients with IEE in Victoria aims to describe the incidence of IEE, and understand the genetic causes of IEE. Understanding the causes of IEE will be the first step towards development of urgently-needed novel therapies for these devastating conditions.
Advances In The Understanding Of Autoimmune Encephalitides And Associated Movement Disorders In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,832.00
Summary
Encephalitis in childhood can be devastating with long lasting effects and mortality. This research focuses on children who suffer from encephalitis due to an autoimmune process. In such cases many children present with involuntary abnormal body movements. This project will explore whether differences in the nature of these movements or in electroencephalography or brain imaging with MRI, can help early differentiation of different types of autoimmune encephalitis.
The Alternate Renin Angiotensin System; A Novel Target For The Prevention And Treatment Of Liver Fibrosis And Portal Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,950.00
Summary
Cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system called the renin angiotensin system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of cirrhosis and its complications.
Tissue Ferritin Is A Damage-associated Molecular Pattern (DAMP) In Inflammasome-induced Inflammation Associated With Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation And Fibrogenesis In Chronic Liver Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$783,612.00
Summary
We have generated considerable evidence for a role for tissue ferritin as a mediator of inflammation associated with liver fibrosis (scarring) These highly novel and innovative studies will assist in identifying pathways involved in the proinflammatory phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (scar-forming cells in the liver) in chronic liver disease and thus will greatly aid in understanding how liver scarring occurs in chronic liver disease.