Investigation Of The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Alpha Synuclein Function At The Presynapse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common brain disease affecting 7 million people worldwide. It is caused by the death of brain cells. ?-synuclein is a protein in that brain that is likely to contribute to the cell death in PD, but the normal role of the protein remains unknown. This study will investigate the function of ?-synuclein in maintaining normal healthy brain activity. In addition, this work will help us understand how normal brain processes are affected in diseases such as PD.
Inhibitory Signalling Switches Define The Machinery Of Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
The nerve cells in our brains are in constant communication to sustain life. Communication involves one nerve cell responding to electrical stimulation by releasing chemical messengers, from vesicles, onto the next cell. Our research focuses on the mechanism of recycling of vesicles. Targeting this mechanism is a way to gain fundamental knowledge of how to intervene medically when communication fails, or when communication needs to be dampened, in neurological diseases.
RESTORING COGNITIVE FUNCTION USING BRAIN STIMULATION: Investigating The Neurobiological And Neurocognitive Effects Of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation In Schizophrenia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$426,556.00
Summary
Cognitive impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia and can have devastating impacts on daily functioning. Despite this, treatment options are few and of limited effectiveness. Recent research, including my own work, has indicated that brain stimulation has considerable potential in this regard. In this fellowship I will develop a treatment approach which will utilise brain stimulation to target and modify the underlying neurobiology of the cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
The Search For Novel Therapeutic Targets For The Treatment Of Chronic Pain.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Chronic pain is very common, with one in five Australians suffering long-term pain that is serious enough to cause disability. It is extraordinarily difficult to treat. Medicines used to treat normal pain symptoms are usually ineffective on chronic pain patients because the cause of the pain is different. The aim of this project is to identify new drug targets in the spinal cord that are specific for chronic pain so we can develop new medicines to reverse the symptoms safely and effectively.
Modifiable Risks And Interventions For Cognitive Decline, Depression And Dementia In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,055.00
Summary
This research proposal will explore the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline (ie. changes in memory and thinking functions) in older people. It will examine the pertinence of critical contributors to glial-neuronal networks including depression, cardiovascular disease, sleep-wake systems, mental and physical exercise, inflammatory processes and diet, as well as test interventions that target these risk factors. It will use sophisticated brain scanning methods to examine which factors pr ....This research proposal will explore the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline (ie. changes in memory and thinking functions) in older people. It will examine the pertinence of critical contributors to glial-neuronal networks including depression, cardiovascular disease, sleep-wake systems, mental and physical exercise, inflammatory processes and diet, as well as test interventions that target these risk factors. It will use sophisticated brain scanning methods to examine which factors promote neuroplasticity.Read moreRead less
Neurorestorative Rehabilitation In Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability (1 in 500) with life-long impact. The economic burden is AUS$1.47 billion/yr. Children have limitations in function which impacts daily activities and participation. Deficits in visual perception and learning have an impact on vocational aspirations. This program will test novel interventions (Action Observation training, constraint induced movement therapy, multi-modal web training) measuring broad outcomes and mechanisms with Advanced ....Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability (1 in 500) with life-long impact. The economic burden is AUS$1.47 billion/yr. Children have limitations in function which impacts daily activities and participation. Deficits in visual perception and learning have an impact on vocational aspirations. This program will test novel interventions (Action Observation training, constraint induced movement therapy, multi-modal web training) measuring broad outcomes and mechanisms with Advanced Brain Imaging.Read moreRead less