What Contributes To Regional Vulnerability In Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Study Of Familial Cases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,655.00
Summary
Unfortunately, as many people live longer, more and more are afflicted by degenerative changes that affect their brain. These neurodegenerative diseases are usually relentlessly progressive and with time render patients incapable of many normal functions. For some families with certain genetic defects, these diseases occur aggressively and early. We would like to study the brains of patients from these families because in most cases the proteins affected by the gene defect have been identified. ....Unfortunately, as many people live longer, more and more are afflicted by degenerative changes that affect their brain. These neurodegenerative diseases are usually relentlessly progressive and with time render patients incapable of many normal functions. For some families with certain genetic defects, these diseases occur aggressively and early. We would like to study the brains of patients from these families because in most cases the proteins affected by the gene defect have been identified. However, despite knowing this important information, the reasons for the death of brain cells are still not understood. This project will provide important new information on which brain cells died in these patients and on the relationship between such cell death and any cellular protein changes. By comparing patients with different genetic defects we will be able to identify the main cellular mechanisms underlying these degenerative changes. This information is essential for the rational design of further experiments aimed at reducing the suffering of all patients with neurodegenerative diseases or at eliminating these diseases altogether.Read moreRead less
Neurotransmitter transporters are very good drug targets because modulation of their activity can lead to up and down regulation of neurotransmitter concentrations and thereby influence signalling pathways in the brain. This can be very useful in treating various neurological disorders and also altering normal brain functions such as learning and memory. In this project we will develop a detailed understanding of how glutamate transporters work and in so doing will be in a better position to des ....Neurotransmitter transporters are very good drug targets because modulation of their activity can lead to up and down regulation of neurotransmitter concentrations and thereby influence signalling pathways in the brain. This can be very useful in treating various neurological disorders and also altering normal brain functions such as learning and memory. In this project we will develop a detailed understanding of how glutamate transporters work and in so doing will be in a better position to design subtype and transporter-specific compounds. These compounds will be very useful in defining the role of glutamate transporter subtypes in normal and pathological states and may be useful in treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, ishaemia following a stroke, and motor neurone disease.Read moreRead less
Neurocognitive Studies Of Reward Sensitivity In Opiate Addiction And Its Influence On Addiction-related Behaviour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,275.00
Summary
Drug abuse is the greatest single preventable risk factor for physical illness and death in Australians . Our understanding of the neural and cognitive mechanisms that contribute to the transition from drug use to addiction is not yet complete. The current proposal investigates cognitive control dysfunction, most notably the impulsivity for reward seen in drug addiction that is known to predict the transition from drug use to addiction and relapse during treatment.
Immunological Changes During Pregnancy And The Impact On Viral Hepatitis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,355.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause long term health problems particularly affecting the liver and can be passed from mother to baby. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine babies can still become infected. During pregnancy there are changes in a woman’s immune system which may impact on HBV infection and make transmission to the baby more likely. This research aims to explore the changes in a woman’s immune system and the impact this has on risks for hepatitis and transmission to the baby.
Impact Of Beta Adrenergic Antagonsim On Energy Metabolism And Body Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,557.00
Summary
Beta-blockers are drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, migraines and irregular heart rhythms. They work by blocking the action of chemical messengers called catecholamines which increase metabolic rate, fat utilisation and heart function. The aim is to determine whether ?-blockers impair metabolic function of the body which may lead to obesity and a loss of fitness. Judicious use of these medications and consideration of alternatives may lead to better health outcomes.