Human Olfactory Neurosphere-derived Cells: A Novel Cellular Model For Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
ParkinsonÍs disease (PD) is an incurable, brain disease that affects 75,000 Australians with great societal cost. We are working on adult stem cells called (hONS) grown from peopleÍs olfactory mucosa (in the nose) as a research tool to study PD. Our project examines differences seen in hONS from people with PD and determines how certain cellular processes impact on the function of these cells. This work will enhance our understanding of the biology of PD and identify new targets for therapies.
Biomarkers To Aid Clinical Trials For Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$13,179,875.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease continue to affect more Australians every year, due to an ageing population and the lack of effective drugs currently available. Whilst these diseases present with different symptoms, we’ve discovered that they share a common underlying feature; the inability to clear certain metals and proteins from the brain. Our program aims to explore these clearance pathways in the brain and identify new targets to help us better diagnose and treat these diseases.
Development Of Blood-based Biomarkers For The Early Detection Of Brain Amyloid And The Investigation Of The Natural History Of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,144.00
Summary
To have a direct impact on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases we need a detailed molecular understanding of the proteins that drive the disease. My laboratory develops and applies the most advanced analytical tools available to develop blood-based markers that can detect the development of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms occur. This Fellowship will allow me to expand our understanding of the natural history of Alzheimer’s disease.
DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL THERAPEUTICS FOR DEMENTIA: Investigating Tailored Brain Stimulation Approaches For Dementia Prevention And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,105.00
Summary
Dementia is a debilitating and devastating illness impacting significantly on sufferers, carers and the wider community. Current treatment approaches are limited in their effectiveness and alternative therapeutics are needed. My research will investigate the use of brain stimulation techniques for the treatment and prevention of dementia.
Therapeutic And Diagnostic Approaches For The Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
Diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease cause enormous socio-economic harm to Australia. They are a major cause of disability and the burden associated with mental illness is predicted to grow by almost 50% over the coming decade. Therefore there is an urgent need to develop new approaches to identify and treat these diseases. This Fellowship will be dedicated to creating new diagnostic methods and treatments for these diseases
Mitochondrial Function And The Role Of PGC-1a In Parkinson�s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Australia. Insights into the mechanisms causing Parkinson's disease may lead to therapeutic advances. This project will examine PGC-1a, a co-factor involved in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, and examine it's role in the development of neuro-degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We aim to provide further understanding of cellular function in Parkinson's disease, and assist in therapeutic trials in neuro-degen ....Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Australia. Insights into the mechanisms causing Parkinson's disease may lead to therapeutic advances. This project will examine PGC-1a, a co-factor involved in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, and examine it's role in the development of neuro-degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We aim to provide further understanding of cellular function in Parkinson's disease, and assist in therapeutic trials in neuro-degeneration.Read moreRead less
COmBining Memantine And Cholinesterase Inhibitors In Lewy Body Dementia Treatment Trial (COBALT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,218,120.00
Summary
Many people who have been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease dementia will be prescribed drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) to help with their symptoms. This research trial, known as COBALT, is designed to find out whether there is any benefit from taking the drug memantine as well. Australian and UK researchers are collaborating on this trial which will recruit eligible participants from both countries.
Treating Parkinson's Disease Dementia With Nanoscaffolds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,144.00
Summary
Several diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), result in dementia. Currently, pharmacological therapy is the only treatment for PD dementia, which only offers symptomatic relief with diminished efficacy. Therefore, there is a need to develop new strategies that prevent or slow the onset of dementia. This study will utilize nanoscaffolds that facilitate the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins to prevent or slow the death of neurons associated with dementia in PD patients.