Novel Pathomechanisms And Treatment Approaches In Alzheimer’s Disease And Related Forms Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,540.00
Summary
This fellowship will provide new insight into the molecular processes underlying onset and progression of common brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia and Motor Neuron Disease. Furthermore, new therapeutic targets for these diseases will be developed and tested in model systems, to facilitate future translation into clinical application, and to overcome the lack of treatments.
The Effect Of Metals On Neurofibrillary Tangle Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,313.00
Summary
The majority of studies into Alzheimer's disease (AD) have focussed on two brain lesions- the plaque and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT), which are believed to have a causative role in AD. Our lab has made several seminal discoveries about the role that metals play in the development of plaques. We are now extending this work to evaluate the role of metals in NFT formation. These studies will provide insight into the formation and possible treatments for this primary brain lesion in AD.
Investigating Underlying Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes With Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,950.00
Summary
With type-2 diabetes representing a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms. This project will provide significant insight into how T2D impacts the brain with a focus on how deficiencies in brain inuslin signaling drives neurodegeneration. We will also evaluate novel inuslin like molecules at improving brain insulin siganling and preventing or slowing down the neurodegenerative process.
DISCOVERY OF GENES THAT PROTECT AGAINST TAU-INDUCED NEUROPATHOLOGY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$921,764.00
Summary
Dementia incurs $5 billion of direct health costs, affects 300,000 Australians and its incidence is increasing. New treatments are urgently needed. Dementia is associated with tau protein aggregates in the brain. Finding genes that prevent symptoms caused by tau aggregates will help develop new treatments, but identifying such genes has been very difficult and expensive. We will use our world-leading resource to revolutionize gene discovery and identify genes that can protect against dementia.
In Vivo Assessment Of The Role Of Aggregated Tau In Preclinical And Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,269.00
Summary
Subtle changes in the brain precede an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis by 20-30 years. These changes provide an incredible opportunity to diagnose and treat AD; however, our understanding of them, remains limited. We aim to use new imaging technologies to investigate these subtle changes in the preclinical AD brain. This will give us a greater understanding of how these early changes effect AD progression and whether we can use this information to improve the diagnosis and treatment of AD.
Investigating The Consequences, Pathogenesis, And Treatment Of Repeated Brain Concussions In A Novel Rodent Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$513,752.00
Summary
Concussions are now recognized as a serious medical issue. There is particular concern for individuals who are at high risk of suffering concussions, such as soldiers and athletes, as evidence indicates that repeated concussions are associated with neurodegenerative disease. Here we will use an animal model of repeated concussion to examine these injuries. These studies will increase our understanding of concussion, and hold important implications for their management in the clinical setting.