Biomaterials For The Direct Reprograming Of Reactive Astrocytes Into Functional Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,500.00
Summary
We will employ peptide inspired hydrogel nanoscaffolds that can be injected into a brain lesion as a single injection to provide chemical and physical support for the surrounding cells. We will utilize various modifications to these materials to reprogram inflammatory cells into neurons, whilst also promoting the survival, maintenance and growth of existing neurons to encourage repair.
Testing The Prion Hypothesis In Parkinson’s Disease Using A Novel In Vivo Model Of Α-synuclein Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,555.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disease with no cure. Recently it has been discovered that the disease can spread through the brain. We have developed the worlds first animal model to study exactly how the disease propagates inside of neurons during this spread. We will use the model to answer key questions about this critical stage of disease spread, knowledge that is essential for the development of successful therapies to prevent disease progression.
The Role Of Oligodendrocytes In Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,292.00
Summary
Dementia affects 35.6 million people world-wide; this number is projected to double every 20 years. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type and has been found to have similar cause and pathology to common neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We ultimately require treatments to slow, stop and repair the damaged brain of FTD patients and this is only possible by understanding the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of disease.
Targeting Tau Phosphorylation To Treat And Prevent Acquired Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration And Neuropsychiatric Disease Following A Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
This project will explore a new approach to the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and the associated mental health disorders following a brain injury. This involves inhibiting pathological forms of the Tau protein, which has been implicated in the development of epilepsy and neurodegeneration. The drug that will be tested in this study has already been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated in humans, meaning that a positive result from these studies could be expediently translated into c ....This project will explore a new approach to the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and the associated mental health disorders following a brain injury. This involves inhibiting pathological forms of the Tau protein, which has been implicated in the development of epilepsy and neurodegeneration. The drug that will be tested in this study has already been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated in humans, meaning that a positive result from these studies could be expediently translated into clinical studies.Read moreRead less
Novel Therpeutic Approaches For Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,734.00
Summary
There are currently no effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. In this application we will develop a novel class of compound to assess their potential as AD therapeutics. These compounds will be tested in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease. The successful conclusion of the work described here would provide new leads suitable for further development as therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100406
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,936.00
Summary
Cognitive Compensation in Ageing. Decline in cognitive control can have a devastating effect on an individual's capacity to live a high quality and safe independent life. It is an untested assumption that older adults can compensate for age-related changes in cognitive control function to perform at the same level as younger adults. This project aims to be the first to test this widely-held assumption and will examine changes in cognitive control and the emergence of compensation over the adult ....Cognitive Compensation in Ageing. Decline in cognitive control can have a devastating effect on an individual's capacity to live a high quality and safe independent life. It is an untested assumption that older adults can compensate for age-related changes in cognitive control function to perform at the same level as younger adults. This project aims to be the first to test this widely-held assumption and will examine changes in cognitive control and the emergence of compensation over the adult lifespan (20 to 90 years). The project aims to establish whether cognitive compensation is an effective mechanism to maintain cognitive control function into old age and will inform future strategies to help older individuals live more successful and productive independent lives for longer.Read moreRead less
Oxidative Phosphorylation Regulation And Neuroprotection In Optic Neuropathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,231.00
Summary
We have shown clear differences in the mitochodria, cellular organelles that generate energy, between optic atrophy patients who have good vision and those of patients who have poor vision. We believe that these changes represent a compensation mechanisms that preserves mitochondrial energy production and protects optic nerve cells. This study will characterize these differences further with the aim of identfying new treatments for preventing nerve loss and preserving vision.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101180
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,000.00
Summary
The neuroethics of cognitive ageing. As the workforce ages, Australian and international governments are prioritising brain health, seeking to increase economic productivity and reduce the costs of age-related cognitive decline. In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, certain neurotechnologies are being promoted as the means to protect cognitive performance. This project aims to explore the ethical issues and social pressures that ageing individuals experience as a result of cognitive ageing. U ....The neuroethics of cognitive ageing. As the workforce ages, Australian and international governments are prioritising brain health, seeking to increase economic productivity and reduce the costs of age-related cognitive decline. In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, certain neurotechnologies are being promoted as the means to protect cognitive performance. This project aims to explore the ethical issues and social pressures that ageing individuals experience as a result of cognitive ageing. Understanding later life from the perspective of ageing individuals may enable society to meet the ethical and policy challenges raised by emphasising cognitive wellbeing above other aspects in the ageing process.Read moreRead less
Wellbeing in the elderly: the role of respect. Due to advances in health care, many more Australians are living to old age. It is important to ensure that older people, who comprise a significant proportion of the population, maintain high levels of quality of life (QOL). One of the factors that impact on QOL of older people is the respect afforded to them. This project will determine the issues related to respect for older people in Australia, and produce an evidence-based strategy for encoura ....Wellbeing in the elderly: the role of respect. Due to advances in health care, many more Australians are living to old age. It is important to ensure that older people, who comprise a significant proportion of the population, maintain high levels of quality of life (QOL). One of the factors that impact on QOL of older people is the respect afforded to them. This project will determine the issues related to respect for older people in Australia, and produce an evidence-based strategy for encouraging Australians to adopt more positive attitudes and behaviours related to increasing levels of respect for older people. It is expected that the project will reduce the level of ageism and enhance the status of older people in Australia.Read moreRead less
Drivers of ageing and adaptive ageing in middle-aged and older adults. This project aims to answer crucial questions about how our early years influence our health and wellbeing in middle and later life. Drawing on one of Australia’s longest running studies of social and emotional development, we link decades of developmental data collected since 1983 to social, emotional, cognitive and physical wellbeing in participants turning 40 (midlife) and 70 (later life). It will provide insight into impo ....Drivers of ageing and adaptive ageing in middle-aged and older adults. This project aims to answer crucial questions about how our early years influence our health and wellbeing in middle and later life. Drawing on one of Australia’s longest running studies of social and emotional development, we link decades of developmental data collected since 1983 to social, emotional, cognitive and physical wellbeing in participants turning 40 (midlife) and 70 (later life). It will provide insight into important and largely unanswered questions about the way social factors in the first half of life shape our later selves. This study will inform government and health policy targeting ageing populations.
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