Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurological condition affecting 100,000 Australians. The primary clinical features of PD result from the selective loss of a specific type of neuron. It is currently unclear why these neurons are preferentially lost. We have identified a novel gene that causes early onset PD. This study will characterise the gene and determine the underlying disease mechanism. These studies will enable the development of novel therapies for treating PD.
Targeting Autism With Macrocephaly Using Mechanism Based Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,652.00
Summary
Autism affects a large number of children in our community and currently there is a lack of any medication to treat its core pathology. In this grant we will study the underlying biochemical changes in the brain that result in autism through the development of a new mouse model of the disorder. This mouse model will then be used test drugs to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of autism.
The Effects Of Human Epilepsy Mutations On Synaptic GABA-A Receptors Studied By Localization-based Superresolution Microscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,215.00
Summary
The genetic epilepsies are debilitating neurological disorders that are frequently associated with mutations in genes encoding neurotransmitter-gated receptors in the brain. The goal of this project is to understand mechanisms that cause changes in neuronal communication and lead to epilepsy on a single receptor level. This will lead to an improved understanding of the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and new insights into ways of treating different epilepsies.
Unravelling The Mechanism Coupling Synaptic Activity With Neurotrophin Signaling In The Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,815.00
Summary
Although active brain cells are known to survive for much longer than inactive ones, the mechanism underpinning this essential process has remained elusive. We have uncovered a direct coupling between neuronal activity and survival signals. The purpose of this grant application is to establish the molecular mechanism underpinning this coupling and understand how neuropathic pathogens manage to harness it with devastating effects to the brain.
IRAP inhibitors are currently being developed as a new class of drugs for treating dementia and other forms of memory deficits. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about how these drugs act to improve memory. The experiments outlined in this proposal will provide important insights into the drug action in different mouse models of memory deficit.
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
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
Exploring Scanning Ultrasound (SUS), A Novel Method To Treat And Prevent Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,708.00
Summary
We developed a novel scanning ultrasound (SUS) protocol that clears toxic protein aggregates and restores memory function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), without the need for therapeutic agents. Here we aim to determine whether SUS has preventative potential, whether there are synergistic effects, and whether a therapeutic antibody combined with SUS leads to an enhanced therapeutic outcome. Together this will guide the development of an ultrasound therapy in AD patients.