The cross-disciplinary team performing this research will examine how mobile DNA elements found in brain cells move in response to learning and memory exercises in mice, and whether these changes generate an address system for parts of the brain to be turned on by specific experiences. This work has major implications for our fundamental understanding of how the brain works in healthy individuals, as well as people affected by neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
New Projection Neurons Are Added To The Brain Throughout Life – Identifying Their Source And Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,991.00
Summary
Scientists aim to use our body’s own stem cells to make new nerve cells for brain repair. There are two major types of nerve cell: long range and short range; and until now we did not know how to make new long range nerves. I recently discovered that a special type of brain stem cell, the OPC, makes new long range nerves throughout life. We are building on this discovery by trying to understand the signals that control this process in order to direct OPCs towards nerve regeneration.
Myelin Remodelling: A Novel Form Of Neural Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,849.00
Summary
Myelin is the insulation of the central nervous system (CNS). We have demonstrated that CNS insulation is not fixed. It changes throughout life. This project aims to find out why this happens. In particular we will investigate the role of dynamic insulation in learning and memory, and examine the role of nervous system activity in promoting the addition of new insulation. This research will provide valuable insight into multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's dementia and mental health disorders.
Mechanisms Of Ataxia In Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Transgenic Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,158.00
Summary
Degeneration of the coordination part of the brain (cerebellum) causes ATAXIA. There are many types, but few can be cured. The majority, affecting ~ 3,000 Australians, are progressive, and can only be helped by physical therapies. We are searching for a drug to improve the SYMPTOMS of ataxia, by analysing the chemical transmitters in the cerebellum in genetically ataxic mice. If we find an imbalance, we will trial appropriate drugs to try to correct this and lessen ataxia.
Vitamin D Synthesis Within Osteoblasts Increases Bone Mineral By Regulating Remodelling: Is This The Link Between Vitamin D Status And Fractures?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,082.00
Summary
This project will contribute to understanding mechanism of vitamin D action within bone to modulate bone resorption and offers the exciting prospect of identifying the mechanism by which an adequate vitamin D status can reduce the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function with psarticular reference to modulating bone resorpti ....This project will contribute to understanding mechanism of vitamin D action within bone to modulate bone resorption and offers the exciting prospect of identifying the mechanism by which an adequate vitamin D status can reduce the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function with psarticular reference to modulating bone resorption.Read moreRead less
Lysosomal Dysfunction As An Inhibitor Of Vitamin B12 Utilisation In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$554,901.00
Summary
Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and normal neurological function. B12 deficiency contributes to age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. This research will provide important new information regarding the ageing process and the impact that brain changes associated with ageing and Alzheimer's disease have on B12 metabolism. It will provide important information related to the therapeutic potential of B12.
Defining The Function Of ROCK In Establishing A Tumour-promoting Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,950.00
Summary
Cancer’s spread from its primary to secondary sites causes most cancer-related deaths. As cancers grow and spread, their internal structure is modified. Immune cells within the cancer begin to behave differently to the same types of cells in normal tissues, promoting its spread. We have discovered that many of these changes are regulated by a protein called ROCK. We plan to study how ROCK controls such a wide range of tumour promoting processes.
Bridging The Gap In Kidney Transplantation Using Pigs As Donors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,452,341.00
Summary
Chronic kidney failure results in patients suffering significant morbidity and mortality ultimately requiring life-supporting dialysis. Kidney transplantation and lifelong immunosuppression are the only treatment, but (i) is limited by the shortage of human donors and (ii) carries risks associated with these anti-rejection drugs. This project aims to solve both problems by using humanized pigs as donors combined with a novel approach to inducing acceptance of the transplanted kidneys.
NDI1 Therapy For NADH-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Deficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,762.00
Summary
This study will test a new protein therapy that can act as a surrogate for a deficient or defective enzyme called Mitochondrial Complex 1. The deficiency occurs in newborns with defective genes for the proteins that form the enzyme. The defect causes metabolic malfunction in most organs, with patients needing specialist hospital and parental care, but there is no cure yet. We have successfully tested this in the lab but will now test this in our new animal model of the disease.
Identification Of Novel Targets For Treatment Of Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,873.00
Summary
Hearts respond to stimulation by activation of cell surface receptors. We have found that two very closely related receptors have opposing effects on the heart; one is beneficial and the other promotes disease. The planned studies will investigate exactly what explains this difference. This will identify critical factors that protect or damage the heart and is expected to provide suitable targets for drug development.