Using Non-invasive Magnetic Stimulation To Promote Remyelination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,869.00
Summary
In patients with multiple sclerosis, brain insulation is lost from nerves. This leads to permanent and progressive disability. We have identified a non-invasive method of magnetic stimulation, and have shown that it increases the number of new insulating cells added to the brain. In this study we will determine whether this new treatment can promote insulation repair in a model of multiple sclerosis.
Identifying Rare Genetic Variants Conferring Susceptibility To Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,898.00
Summary
Recently there has been success in identifying common genetic variants that confer susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The variants that have been discovered so far have modest effects on risk of disease, and only explain a small proportion of familial aggregation of disease. In this study we aim to identify rarer genetic variants that have stronger effects on risk of disease, using new statistical methods and new methods to sequence very large amounts of DNA.
The Role Of Excitotoxicity In Mediating Distal Axonal Degneration In ALS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,952.00
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the major cause of motor neuron disease, is a devastating diseasse for which there is no cure. There have been significant advances in understanding the pathology of ALS yet we still don’t know what causes the dying back of spinal motor neurons. We have new evidence that suggests that ALS may, in part, be caused by excitotoxcity - or over stimulation - of neurons in the spinal cord. We will follow this lead using a range of cutting edge experimental models.