Targeting G-quadruplex DNA As A Novel Therapeutic Strategy For Alzheimer’s And Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia and there is an urgent need to identify new ways of treating diseases that cause dementia. Our research is focused on targeting an unusual DNA structure in Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We will use a precision-targeted technology to better control formation of this DNA structure in disease-causing genes, allowing us to switch off the gene and hence stop disease progression for Alzheimer’s and FTD.
Discovering Novel Molecules That Regulate Axonal Degeneration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,622.00
Summary
The axon is the primary signaling component of every neuron and is essential for normal function. Axonal degeneration is a key early pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. We lack a basic understanding of molecules that regulate this process. Such knowledge is essential for the development of treatments and therapies for dementia and the preservation of healthy ageing. I aim to discover the molecules that regulate axonal degeneration and study their function.
Towards Targeting The Endosome In Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,959.00
Summary
Mutations and dysregulation of the SNX27-retromer protein platform are strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This research program will determine how SNX27-retromer interacts with key molecules associated with AD and PD, the outcomes of which be significantly improved understanding of how mutations in these proteins cause disease, and a necessary molecular framework for future therapeutic targeting.
Discovery Of Novel Neurodegeneration Genes Via Next-generation Sequencing Technologies And High-throughput Cellular Assays
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,144.00
Summary
My research program aims to discover genes that are mutated in dementia, by identifying gene variants present in patients and absent in healthy people, and examining how these variants affect the function of cells. Identifying new dementia genes will reveal the biological processes that lead to brain cell death. Knowledge of these processes is crucial for the development of new treatments for the many people affected worldwide with dementia.
L1 Retrotransposition: The Missing Link Between Genetics And Environmental Factors In Parkinson's Disease ?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
The study proposed here focuses on understanding the role of specific mobile DNA sequences in the interaction between environmental and genetic risk factors causing Parkinson’s disease (PD) leading to dementia. The project proposes identification of mobile DNA induced mutations in post-mortem human PD patient brain samples. The significance and mechanisms of mobile DNA induced mutations will be then tested in a PD mouse model.
Dissecting The Host X Diet X Microbiota Interactions Supporting Sustainable Weight Loss In Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$252,305.00
Summary
There is increasing evidence that the gut microbiome plays an important part in predisposing to obesity. This project seeks to identify whether such an obesogenic microbiota may also influence our ability to maintain weight loss after a period of caloric restriction. Further, we investigate whether dietary fibre can be used to reshape gut microbial population structure and function so as to support sustained weight loss on return to a normal dietary regimen using an obesogenic rat model.
To understand how Hendra virus multiplies in infected cells, we will investigate the structure of its replicative machinery. This will provide the basis for rational drug design increasing Australia’s preparedness against the emergence of Hendra-like viruses.
Systems Biology To Identify Molecular Targets For Vascular Disease Treatment (SysVasc), With A Focus On Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,721.00
Summary
Heart attacks are caused by rupture of atherosclerotic deposits (plaques) in vessel walls, which results in clot formation ultimately causing vessel occlusion. In collaboration with strong European collaborators, we will use modern high-throughput technologies in a large patient cohort as well as in a newly generated mouse model to discover the causative proteins, genes and their regulators. This will allow identifying individuals at risk and developing novel therapies to prevent heart attacks.
Harnessing Lipid-reactive Immunity To Combat Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,458.00
Summary
Critcial to the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) is its unique waxy (lipid)-rich cell wall. This proposal aims to target components of its cell wall to devlop novel therapeutic strategies. Specifically, the Australian-Singapore alliance will examine how the immune system "sees" lipid based antigens from M. tuberculosis, and then will ultimately use this information towards the devlopment of novel lipid-based vaccines.
Neuronal Membranes And Connections In Dementia: Targets For Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
This research aims to understand why some people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) progress to dementia, whilst others do not. The fact that some people’s cognitive abilities can improve provides an opportunity to study the mechanisms that protect their brain cells from the degeneration associated with dementia. Understanding the cellular changes will lead to therapies that can be tested in the lab for individuals.