Brain Metal Neurochemistry: Mechanism-driven Drug Discovery For Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex disease where certain proteins congeal in the brain and metals accumulate. This project investigates the function of the proteins in microscopically transporting the metals. It will also look for tests that predict the onset of AD by measuring iron and iron related proteins by using special brain imaging (MRI), and measurements in spinal fluid. Finally, it will test drug candidates that target the metals, in animal models of AD, and in early clinical trials.
Brain Iron Imaging For Alzheimer’s Disease (AIBL-ADIRON Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,885.00
Summary
Iron accumulation in the brain is linked to Alzheimer's disease. New Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans allow us to painlessly image the brain and measure its size and iron concentration. In this project more than 330 volunteers over 60 will be scanned every 18 months over 3 years. We will determine if those subjects with higher iron concentration in their brain have a smaller brain and worse performance in this period. This will confirm a role for iron in Alzheimer's as a new treatment target.
Metal-mediated Mechanisms And Therapeutic Approaches For Treating Brain Injury Across Age
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,229,769.00
Summary
This grant will examine the role of zinc and iron in the neuronal changes that occur following brain injury, with a specific focus on the role of these metals in functional outcomes. We will also examine how the role of these metals changes across the normal lifespan, and also whether these metal changes are consistent across different types of brain injury. Finally, we will examine the therapeutic potential of zinc- and iron-targeted compounds.
Lipophilic Iron Chelators As Potential Therapeutic Agents In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,537.00
Summary
The impaired coordination and tremors experienced by the 64,000 Australians with Parkinson’s disease make managing life at work and home difficult. With 240,000 Australians projected to be living with Parkinson’s disease by 2033, the discovery of agents that slow or stop disease progression is urgent. Iron in the brain has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease. In this project, the performance of new low toxicity agents in altering brain iron distribution will be studied as potential drugs for ....The impaired coordination and tremors experienced by the 64,000 Australians with Parkinson’s disease make managing life at work and home difficult. With 240,000 Australians projected to be living with Parkinson’s disease by 2033, the discovery of agents that slow or stop disease progression is urgent. Iron in the brain has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease. In this project, the performance of new low toxicity agents in altering brain iron distribution will be studied as potential drugs for Parkinson’s disease.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Contribution Of Iron In Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,263.00
Summary
Our group has discovered a novel role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cellular iron balance similar to another protein called ceruloplasmin (CP). Both, prevalently found in the brain, convert a damaging iron variety into the safer form. Disruption in either protein leads to cell death. We aim to establish how failure in APP and CP response may be detrimental to traumatic brain injury recovery. Understanding the iron role of APP and CP will lead to therapeutics to counter traumatic injury.
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder which shares several features with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (i.e. dementia-like cognitive deficits). There is currently no cure for HD. Using a mouse model of HD and a combination of relevant drugs (i.e. N-Acetylcysteine and deferiprone) targeting two distinct levels of the cascade of events leading to HD, we will slow down the progression of the disease and correct dysfunctions within the brain.