Neurons are highly compartmentalized cell-types. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, the protein Tau that serves a distinct function in one cellular compartment (the axon) accumulates in a massively phosphorylated form elsewhere (somatodendritic compartments and their spines) which is believed to impair neuronal functions. We will investigate how Tau is distributed in health and disease, and determine how this distribution is regulated.
Protein Phosphatase 2A Methylation: Regulation And Functional Significance For Tauopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,713.00
Summary
Clinical studies have revealed that low blood levels of the vitamin folate are a risk factor for cognitive impairment, depression and dementia, which are prevalent in the elderly. Deregulation of the protein tau is a key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This project will utilize cell culture and aged mouse models to determine how alterations in folate status and deregulation of protein phosphatase 2A affect the regulation of tau and other key brain processes that become altered in Alzh ....Clinical studies have revealed that low blood levels of the vitamin folate are a risk factor for cognitive impairment, depression and dementia, which are prevalent in the elderly. Deregulation of the protein tau is a key event in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This project will utilize cell culture and aged mouse models to determine how alterations in folate status and deregulation of protein phosphatase 2A affect the regulation of tau and other key brain processes that become altered in Alzheimer’s disease.Read moreRead less
How Alzheimers-associated Cytoskeletal Inclusions Form Road Blocks And Impair Trafficking In Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,181.00
Summary
This research is aimed at delineating basic mechanisms of nerve cell dysfunction relevant to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias with the goal of achieving a positive impact into understanding the causes of these diseases. The outcomes of the project will identify pathways involved in generating pathological changes in nerve cells and will therefore facilitate the development of targeted therapies, ultimately improving the outlook for Alzheimer's patients and the community.
Cholinergic Abnormalities In Alzheimer's Disease: Identification Of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$478,500.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of ageing commonly associated with memory loss. The disease is caused by the build up of amyloid protein in the brain. However, it is not known how amyloid protein causes degeneration of normal brain function. Our previous studies have shown that amyloid protein targets two components which are important for normal brain function. These components are 1) acetylcholinesterase ....The aim of this project is to develop new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of ageing commonly associated with memory loss. The disease is caused by the build up of amyloid protein in the brain. However, it is not known how amyloid protein causes degeneration of normal brain function. Our previous studies have shown that amyloid protein targets two components which are important for normal brain function. These components are 1) acetylcholinesterase and 2) nicotinic receptors, which are known to be important for memory. The aim of this application is to identify the mechanisms by which amyloid protein targets acetylcholinesterase and nicotinic receptors and to design inhibitors of this interaction which may ultimately provide a platform for future drug development.Read moreRead less