Stroke Induced Disturbances In Glymphatic Clearance: Implications For Brain Repair?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,688.00
Summary
We have made a remarkable discovery that the ability of the brain to clear waste proteins is significantly impaired after stroke. This may have important implications for development of dementia and milder changes in thinking late after stroke. We already have some clues regarding potential mechanisms. In this project we will further investigate these mechanisms and their effects on the brain and develop our understanding of potential ways to reverse the clearance problem to develop treatments.
Microglial Paralysis In Post-stroke Neurodegeneration: Help Or Hindrance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,351.00
Summary
Dementia and cognitive decline may occur months or years after a stroke, associated with delayed loss of brain cells in different brain regions. We recently discovered that the cells responsible for protection and repair of brain, called microglia, become paralysed in these regions. We will use a live-imaging microscope to determine whether the microglial paralysis causes brain cell death. We will also determine if a commonly used stroke prevention drug can worsen the microglial paralysis.
Targeting Post-synaptic Tau To Treat Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,686,311.00
Summary
We have previously identified post-synaptic tau as being critical in mediating toxicity in Alzheimer's disease brains. This project aims at understanding the exact underlying molecular mechanisms and, more importantly, developing novel drugs to block early toxicity that initiates cascades that eventually lead to brain atrophy and dementia. To achieve this aim, this project will generate and utilize models of Alzheimer's disease in combination with a broad range of latest analytical tools.