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.
An Investigation Into The Neural Substrates Of Cognitive Deficits In Mild Cognitive Impairment, And The Mechanisms Of Action Of A Novel Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,644.00
Summary
Furthering our understanding of the brain mechanisms that underlie the deficits in memory, executive function, and language that occur with Mild Cognitive Impairment is vital for conceptualising the underlying disease processes, and for the development of targeted treatments. Hence, this project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the brain’s electrical and metabolic responses during specialised cognitive tasks, whilst simultaneously investigating a possible treatment.
Genetic Biomarkers And Molecular Pathways For Migraine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$273,988.00
Summary
Common migraine, is a frequent, debilitating and painful disorder that affects people during their most productive years (up to 25% of women and 8% of men). Our recent results indicate the presence of multiple genetic factors contributing towards migraine susceptibility. Utilising detailed migraine symptom and medication data, larger numbers of migraine cases and controls, and applying the latest genotyping and imputation technologies, we will identify novel genetic biomarkers and molecular path ....Common migraine, is a frequent, debilitating and painful disorder that affects people during their most productive years (up to 25% of women and 8% of men). Our recent results indicate the presence of multiple genetic factors contributing towards migraine susceptibility. Utilising detailed migraine symptom and medication data, larger numbers of migraine cases and controls, and applying the latest genotyping and imputation technologies, we will identify novel genetic biomarkers and molecular pathways for migraine.Read moreRead less
Lewy Bodies In Patients With Dementia – Determining Common And Unique Mechanisms In Relation To Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,644.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but often has multiple mixed pathologies. For example, Alzheimer post mortem brains may have abnormal accumulation of Lewy bodies in certain parts of the brains, and could be diagnosed as Lewy body disease. This may represent a skewed representation of some dementia subtypes. This project will identify the biological determinants of dementia patients with Lewy body disease for better understanding and future therapeutic targeting.
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.
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.
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.