Structural Connectomes In Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Secondary Disease Progression Be Stopped And Cognitive Deficits Be Reversed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Many people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience cognitive problems, including poor memory and concentration. TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ because the overwhelming majority of patients with TBI show no abnormalities on standard MRI or CT scans. In my project, I will delineate the mechanisms of secondary injury in finer detail through enhanced neuroimaging techniques, resulting in new assessment and treatment modalities for individuals with TBI.
Early Identification Of Degenerative Dementia Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
With the continuing ageing of the population, an increasing number of adults will experience signs of dementia. Knowledge of the clinical presentation, disease mechanisms and evolution of frontotemporal dementia, a syndrome as common as Alzheimer’s disease in the < 65 year-old group, remains suboptimal. This research project will combine clinical investigations and brain imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy of this disease. This will lead to better treatment and management interventions.
In Vivo Imaging Of Protective And Malignant B Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,412.00
Summary
B cells are responsible for producing antibody that protects us from infection. Disruption of healthy B cell function can lead to a myriad of diseases including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and blood cancers such as leukaemia. The aim of my work is to use powerful microscopy to visualise how mutated B cells interact with their surrounding environment in real-time. These studies will allow the development of new treatments for cancer and immune conditions that target these interactions.
Understanding Whole Cell Protein Trafficking In Plasmodium Parasites
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
I am a molecular biologist and bioinformatician studying the cell biology of human parasites. I have expertise in the bioinformatic analysis of parasite genomes to predict where proteins will reside in cell, how they participate in metabolic pathways, and how they might be suitable as targets for drugs and vaccines to control parasitic diseases. This fellowship will investigate the cell biology of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, using computational and biochemical tools to ....I am a molecular biologist and bioinformatician studying the cell biology of human parasites. I have expertise in the bioinformatic analysis of parasite genomes to predict where proteins will reside in cell, how they participate in metabolic pathways, and how they might be suitable as targets for drugs and vaccines to control parasitic diseases. This fellowship will investigate the cell biology of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, using computational and biochemical tools to characterise drug and vaccine targets.Read moreRead less
Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Optimizing Stroke Therapy - Advanced Brain Imaging And Reperfusion Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Most stroke is due to a blocked blood vessel reducing blood flow to the brain. This research aims to optimize fast restoration of blood flow to the brain and improve patient outcomes. We will test potentially more effective clot-dissolving medication, examine potential benefits of redesigning pre-hospital ambulance transport systems and clarify the role of advanced brain imaging to maximize delivery of recently proven minimally invasive procedures to physically remove blood clots in the brain.
Nuclear architecture is critical to the preservation of genome integrity. The aim of this research proposal is to delineate the role of chromatin organisation in transcription factor target search and damage site recruitment of DNA repair factor machinery. To achieve this I have developed fluorescence microscopy methods to monitor changes in chromatin structure with submicron resolution. Only with this technology can I determine how chromatin dynamics maintain genome integrity or induce disease.
Tracing Iron From Neurodevelopment To Neurodegeneration In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Excessive brain iron can cause neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). This project will examine a link between early-life iron exposure and brain iron accumulation, focusing on the biochemical pathways through which iron causes death of brain cells in PD. Using the latest analytical technology, this CDF will study how iron can contribute to cell death, examine how this knowledge can improve clinical tools used to measure PD risk, and develop new therapies to address this risk.
Psychiatric research to date has predominantly focused on understanding mental illness and ways to treat it. This research program instead aims to understand the characteristics of those people who are 'resilient' and able to bounce back from trauma and adversity and thrive. For the first time, it will establish the biological brain markers that define resilience, and the impact of genetics and environment in these pathways. This study will also validate personalised solutions to e-health cognit ....Psychiatric research to date has predominantly focused on understanding mental illness and ways to treat it. This research program instead aims to understand the characteristics of those people who are 'resilient' and able to bounce back from trauma and adversity and thrive. For the first time, it will establish the biological brain markers that define resilience, and the impact of genetics and environment in these pathways. This study will also validate personalised solutions to e-health cognitive training tools that aim to boost resilience.Read moreRead less
NEW INSIGHTS IN TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF GLAUCOMA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Effective treatment of glaucoma and understanding the exact mechanism of cell death in glaucoma still remain challenging. Here I utilize a smart nanoparticle that could recognize sick cells followed by releasing drugs only to cells that are stressed and need the drug. High-resolution microscopy can map the detailed activity in retina after drug treatments. By doing so, we develop a novel way to deliver drugs to diagnose and treat glaucoma.