Cloning And Characterisation Of A Novel Developmental Gene Involved In Myelination.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,880.00
Summary
This project aims to identify and characterise a novel human gene involved in the formation of different organs and tissues, with an essential role in nervous system development. One of the most interesting facts of life, emerging from the completion of the Human Genome Project, is that it is not the number of genes but rather their regulation that plays the major role in evolution and determines the differences between species. The development of a human being from conception to birth is among ....This project aims to identify and characterise a novel human gene involved in the formation of different organs and tissues, with an essential role in nervous system development. One of the most interesting facts of life, emerging from the completion of the Human Genome Project, is that it is not the number of genes but rather their regulation that plays the major role in evolution and determines the differences between species. The development of a human being from conception to birth is among the most complex processes, where fine regulation of the timing and site of gene expression is crucial. We have recently identified a novel disorder where a mutation in a single gene disrupts the development and function of the eyes, the skull, the nervous, and the endocrine systems. The most disabling manifestations of the disease result from involvement of the peripheral nervous system. This is due to the failure of affected individuals to produce myelin, the insulating material that enwraps nerve fibres and facilitates the rapid conduction of nerve impulses. The mutated gene, which the project aims to identify, is likely to be involved in regulating the expression of multiple other genes essential for the early stages of myelination, as well as for the development of other tissues. The disease gene has been localised to a small interval on the long arm of chromosome 18, which does not contain any known developmental genes, suggesting that the project will provide novel information on the molecular pathways governing normal human development. As a result, the study may have important implications for understanding the general pathogenesis of disorders of the peripheral nervous system, including its common forms which affect thousand of people worldwide.Read moreRead less
NEU-HORIZONS: The Neuroprotection And Therapeutic Use Of Riluzole For The Prevention Of Oxaliplatin Neurotoxicity Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$382,402.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with more than 13500 cases recorded annually. Oxaliplatin is an effective chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The major side-effect of oxaliplatin is the development of nerve damage that leads to loss of feeling in the hands and feet and significant disability. The aim of this study is to conduct a trial of a new treatment for oxaliplatin-induced nerve damage.
Diabetic neuropathy causes severe disability, with pain, loss of sensation and weakness. The current project will assess the utility of a new testing method, known as nerve excitability assessment, as a method of detecting early changes in nerve function in diabetic patients. If this technique proves useful in detecting early nerve damage, it will assist in the development of therapeutic and preventative treatments for neuropathy in diabetic patients.
Nerve Excitability Assessment: A Novel Biomarker For The Early Detection Of Diabetic Neuropathy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,203.00
Summary
Australia has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. Diabetes may be complicated by the development of nerve damage, causing weakness and pain in the upper and lower limbs. The cause remains unclear and there are no tools available for its early detection. This study will provide further information about the cause of diabetic neuropathy and will investigate more sophisticated means for its early detection.
Promoting Regrowth Of Nerve Fibres Into The Epidermis During Diabetic Neuropathy By LRP Agonists
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,102.00
Summary
Nerve damage can develop post injury or disease and is often very debilitating, slow to heal and can cause increased pain. Our work aims to examine a new class of molecules that we show can activate selected fat-receptors on nerve cells to guide the growth of regenerating nerves. We will determine how these receptors function with the aim of developing a novel class of therapeutics directed at healing nerve damage.
Enhanced Sensory Perception Via Jitter Reduction And Neural Synchronisation Evoked By Subsensory Electrical Noise Stimulation – Restoring Sensitivity In Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,473.00
Summary
The elderly and patients with diabetes are at high risk of losing sensation in their feet and currently no treatment for this condition exists. This loss of feeling leads to falls, fractures and foot ulcers, which in many cases end with amputation. We have developed a new subsensory stimulation technique which for the first time restores lost sensation. Development of this novel treatment is made possible by a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, neuroscientists, physiologists and podiatrists.
How Amyloid Causes Neurodegeneration: The Role Of Transthyretin In Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$618,950.00
Summary
This project seeks to understand the biochemical basis of nerve degeneration in a disease known as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. This disease is caused by a protein known as transthyretin, which is abnormally deposited around nerves and causes nerve damage. The project is highly likely to provide clues which help us understand some related dementia causing diseases like Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases such as scrapie and mad cow disease.
AUSSPRINT:Australian Study Of The Effects Of Strict Potassium Restriction On Neuropathy In Chronic Kidney Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$252,653.00
Summary
Patients with chronic kidney disease, when compared to healthy controls, are weaker, less active and have reduced exercise capacity. These physical limitations have in turn been linked to low quality of life and higher mortality rates. Studies have shown that high blood levels of potassium may cause nerve damage in chronic kidney disease patients.This study explores the benefits of strict potassium restriction as a means of reducing neuropathy rates in patients with chronic kidney disease.