A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Obesity: Examining The Potential Of Addiction Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,935.00
Summary
Difficulty in managing food intake, especially highly palatable food, can result in obesity and the health liabilities associated with being overweight. In its extreme, the difficulty reducing food intake resembles an addictive disorder. We have compelling preliminary data which show deficits in the brain associated with addiction are also found in diet-induced obesity. Therefore strategies used to treat addiction can potentially be used to treat obesity.
The Role Of Dendritic MRNA Decay In Synaptic Plasticity & Cognition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,193.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal contacts between brain cells, known as synapses. Maintenance of synapses requires the translation of gene products, termed mRNA, into protein. Schizophrenia has been associated with genes involved in the degradation of mRNA, which buffers translation and thus protein levels. My research therefore seeks to study the role of mRNA decay in synaptic structure, synaptic function and cognition.
IMPROVING STROKE OUTCOMES: NEW TARGETS AND THERAPIES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,212,064.00
Summary
Previously we established a unique collaboration of researchers from the basic and clinical sciences.. The main aim of this ' vertically integrated ' model was to develop new therapies to improve stroke outcomes. We developed a system to identify ' off-the-shelf ' compounds which protect the brain after stroke onset. This involves data assimilation (meta-analysis) in a unique way, an approach which has attracted attention internationally. We are also completing an important clinical trial using ....Previously we established a unique collaboration of researchers from the basic and clinical sciences.. The main aim of this ' vertically integrated ' model was to develop new therapies to improve stroke outcomes. We developed a system to identify ' off-the-shelf ' compounds which protect the brain after stroke onset. This involves data assimilation (meta-analysis) in a unique way, an approach which has attracted attention internationally. We are also completing an important clinical trial using the clot dissolving agent tPA to extend the time during which the drug may be effective beyond the three-hours currently used. In the next phase of our program we plan to expand the basic science component to identify parts of brain cells (axons and dendrites) which may yield important information about new drugs to protect the brain. We will use our novel summary data technique to test drugs in animal models more appropriate to the human stroke paradigm than have been used in the past In clinical studies we will follow our theme of identifying new targets for therapy using sophisticated PET and MRI imaging techniques, both in patients who are at great risk of stroke recurrence after a minor warning stroke and those with stroke caused by bleeding within the brain. These studies will provide information about predictors of recurrent and worsening stroke which may be modified by new therapies. The final stage in identifying new therapies is the Phase III clinical trial. We will complete one of these in which the most appropriate drug preventing further strokes in a major new stroke subtype will be identified. Toward the end of the program, we will commence phase 3 studies of drugs we have selected as being most likely to protect the brain based on our animal experiments. The main benefit of this unique collaborative research model is to efficiently identify new therapies to reduce the burden of stroke, currently the second most common cause of death globally.Read moreRead less