Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic interve ....Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic intervention.Read moreRead less
Is Kainate Receptor Dysfunction At The Core Of Multiple Sclerosis Neuropathology?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a devastating disease. The current treatments for MS are not able to prevent the death of cells in the brain and are not able to prevent disability in MS patients. I have identified a family of genes that I predict are responsible for cell death in MS. I will determine what these genes do in the brain. My aim is to identify a target for new treatments to prevent cell death in MS.
The Neuronal PIKfyve Complex Regulates Neurotransmission And Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,965.00
Summary
Neuronal communication is essential for the functioning of our bodies and mind. We have identified a novel pathway for the regulation of this process involving a little studied lipid, PI3,5P2. This lipid also appears to be important for neuronal survival. We will investigate the regulation and function of this lipid in neurons. The outcomes of this proposal will be an important step closer to understanding the processes underlying neuronal communication and neurodegeneration.
TNF Traffic And Secretion In Astrocytes And Microglial Cells: Unveilling New Targets For Ischemic Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,070.00
Summary
Neurodegenerative disorders share a similar pathway to disastrous neurotoxicity, which occurs through the release of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF) from glial cells. TNF controls inflammation but its excessive secretion in the brain is highly detrimental. The mechanism of TNF secretion is unknown but strategies aimed at reducing it have therapeutic potential. This grant proposes to study TNF discharge to find new ways to reduce secretion and confer protection in a stroke model.
Elucidating The Mechanisms By Which Bis(thiosemicarbazone)-copper Complexes Protect Neurons In Models Of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,377.00
Summary
Dr Liddell is a neuroscientist investigating potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases of affecting the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is examining a class of metal-based compounds that are showing strong potential for disease treatment, and is investigating how these compounds work. The findings will be used to further develop and improve these therapeutic agents, and may help understand the underlying causes of these diseases.