Brain Metal Neurochemistry: Mechanism-driven Drug Discovery For Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex disease where certain proteins congeal in the brain and metals accumulate. This project investigates the function of the proteins in microscopically transporting the metals. It will also look for tests that predict the onset of AD by measuring iron and iron related proteins by using special brain imaging (MRI), and measurements in spinal fluid. Finally, it will test drug candidates that target the metals, in animal models of AD, and in early clinical trials.
Ghrelin Receptor Signaling In The Brain Links Hunger To Mood And Motivation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$721,909.00
Summary
Cells in the brain that respond to hunger may also promote obsessive compulsive behaviours often associated with mental illness, such as anorexia nervosa. This grant examines how the signals from the body inform the brain of hunger. Specially we examine if overactivity of hunger cells, in the absence of appropriate food intake can increase behaviours associated with mental illness.
Investigation Of Neuregulin Precessing By Beta-site APP Cleaving Enzyme And Gamma Secretase In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,715.00
Summary
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder that appears in male and female around adulthood. To date there is no clear pathological symptoms to identify SCZ individuals and place them in a specific group. Some proteins are genetically associated with this disease. I will investigate how some of these proteins disturb the function of the brain in human. My recent published data shows decrease of one of the proteins in the brain of SCZ group. My project may help develop novel and more s ....Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder that appears in male and female around adulthood. To date there is no clear pathological symptoms to identify SCZ individuals and place them in a specific group. Some proteins are genetically associated with this disease. I will investigate how some of these proteins disturb the function of the brain in human. My recent published data shows decrease of one of the proteins in the brain of SCZ group. My project may help develop novel and more selective therapies with less side-effects.Read moreRead less
Post-stroke Hyperglycaemia – Treatment With Exenatide In Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,266,149.00
Summary
Raised blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) after a stroke is common. It reduces the efficacy of stroke treatments and results in worse outcomes. Insulin is not useful as a treatment for this as it causes frequent hypoglycaemia and does not improve clinical outcomes. Exenatide is a common diabetes drug that is simple to use and lowers blood glucose without hypoglycaemia. It will be tested in the Treatment with Exenatide in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) trial.
DIET-INDUCED OBESITY ALTERS THE CENTRAL ACTIONS OF GHRELIN
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$38,599.00
Summary
Ghrelin is a hormone that primarily targets the brain to increase food intake and body weight. It has evolved to prevent starvation during periods of negative energy balance by promoting energy intake and storage. We have identified central ghrelin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) as a novel disturbed neuroendocrine system that restricts excessive food intake. Therefore, a novel approach to treat DIO is to exploit or enhance these intrinsic mechanisms that restrict the development of obe ....Ghrelin is a hormone that primarily targets the brain to increase food intake and body weight. It has evolved to prevent starvation during periods of negative energy balance by promoting energy intake and storage. We have identified central ghrelin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) as a novel disturbed neuroendocrine system that restricts excessive food intake. Therefore, a novel approach to treat DIO is to exploit or enhance these intrinsic mechanisms that restrict the development of obesity.Read moreRead less
The Role Of A Presenilin 2 Truncation (PS2V) In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,741.00
Summary
The Presenilin and APP proteins are centrally important in inherited, early onset Alzheimer's disease. We have discovered that a shortened form of Presenilin protein, "PS2V", appears to increase specifically the rate at which the APP protein is cleaved to produce the "Amyloid beta" protein fragment that is found in Alzheimer's disease brains. This occurs when brain cells are under oxidative stress. Understanding this process will facilitate development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for t ....The Presenilin and APP proteins are centrally important in inherited, early onset Alzheimer's disease. We have discovered that a shortened form of Presenilin protein, "PS2V", appears to increase specifically the rate at which the APP protein is cleaved to produce the "Amyloid beta" protein fragment that is found in Alzheimer's disease brains. This occurs when brain cells are under oxidative stress. Understanding this process will facilitate development of appropriate therapeutic strategies for the disease.Read moreRead less
Delineating The Mechanism Of Amyloid Beta Toxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,242.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease and beta amyloid toxicity: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and cognitive deficits. In 2011, an estimated 269,000 Australians are currently living with dementia and without a significant medical breakthrough soon, it is anticipated that this will rise to about 981,000 by 2050
Characterisation Of Eating Behaviour And Metabolic Phenotypes Across Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights For Survival And Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
It has been suggested that metabolic changes and eating behavior could modify the progression of neurodegeneration. This research aims using brain imaging, pathological examination and novel techniques from obesity research to examine if there are characteristic metabolic changes in patients with frontotemporal dementia, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease; how these changes relate to eating behavior, and how they may affect disease progression and survival.