Investigating Mechanisms Of Axonal Pathology Following Oligodendrocyte Apoptosis: Avenues For Neuroprotection In Early MS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,138.00
Summary
Recent research suggests that Multiple Sclerosis could first be triggered by the death of a type of brain cell called an oligodendrocyte. These cells insulate nerve cells in the brain which help them function normally. We will test the idea that death of oligodendrocytes impairs nerve cell function by causing inflammation and by depriving nerve cells of energy. We will determine whether preventing inflammation and feeding the nerve cells an alternative source of energy can restore normal functio ....Recent research suggests that Multiple Sclerosis could first be triggered by the death of a type of brain cell called an oligodendrocyte. These cells insulate nerve cells in the brain which help them function normally. We will test the idea that death of oligodendrocytes impairs nerve cell function by causing inflammation and by depriving nerve cells of energy. We will determine whether preventing inflammation and feeding the nerve cells an alternative source of energy can restore normal function.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Innate Immune Memory In The Transition From Acute To Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,440.00
Summary
Chronic pain costs Australians more than $34 billion annually and is the 3rd highest Australian disease burden. It has long been thought to be a disease of the wiring of the brain. This project aims to challenge this long held belief by examining the impact of the immune system in creating chronic pain. Such work promises to provide new and better ways to prevent chronic pain, which will improve & maintain good health for all Australians.
Toll Like Receptor signalling as a mediator of sex differences in pain, opioid and alcohol action. Brain immunology will be examined in this project to see if the signalling of a receptor called Toll Like Receptor 4 can explain sex differences in pain, and the action of pain killers and alcohol. These findings will have significant implications on the understanding of male and female brains, and will assist in the design of new drugs to treat brain and spinal cord diseases.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180101075
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Novel immune cell subsets in the centre nervous system and supporting tissues. This project aims to identify and characterise novel resident immune cell subsets within the brain and retina, and their close supporting tissues. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of neuroimmunology and ocular immunology by using molecular and cellular techniques to examine the diversity of immune cells within the brain and retina. It is expected that the project will advance our understandin ....Novel immune cell subsets in the centre nervous system and supporting tissues. This project aims to identify and characterise novel resident immune cell subsets within the brain and retina, and their close supporting tissues. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of neuroimmunology and ocular immunology by using molecular and cellular techniques to examine the diversity of immune cells within the brain and retina. It is expected that the project will advance our understanding of the biological mechanisms that protect the central nervous system from harmful inflammation and thus improve our knowledge of the immunobiology of the brain and eye.Read moreRead less
The role of P2X7 and P2X4 receptor mediated innate phagocytosis in pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This project will identify how inherited variation in two proteins of the brain can accelerate the removal of neurones and predispose to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Knowledge of the biological basis of this finding will allow a search for new compounds which will slow and protect against this form of neurodegeneration.
Investigating the role of the innate immune complement system in the abnormal development of the central nervous system. Past research has discovered a surprising link between the immune system, dietary folate deficiency and the development of the embryonic brain. This project will investigate the immune system in the developing brain, in order to understand the causes of developmental defects such as neural tube defects, and the role dietary folate plays in this process.