Mood and anxiety disorders represent a tremendous cause of disability and morbidity. This research will use cutting-edge brain imaging technologies to understand why these disorders typically emerge in young people and whether brain imaging can reliably predict the effectiveness of different treatments for individual patients.
Reducing Perinatal Lung, Heart And Brain Injury In Preterm Infants – From Bench To The Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Many infants are exposed to an adverse environment whilst developing in the womb, and are therefore at increased risk of lung, heart and brain injury, with life-long consequences. This research is focused on improving the entry into the world of vulnerable infants, thus reducing the risk and severity of brain injury.
The Role Of CD1-restricted T Cells In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The human immune system requires T cells for survival. Specialised populations of T cells exist that patrol the body and target unwanted lipid molecules expressed by bacteria or by cells that have become abnormal or cancerous. I will identify these T cells in human blood and skin and determine their role in protection against disease. I will explore the types of lipids molecules recognised by these T cells and use this information to help prevent human diseases.
Therapeutic Targeting Of Neuroinflammation To Slow The Progression Of Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
My research has identified key components of our immune system, that can worsen disease in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. I hope that exploring these components in animal models, and patients suffering from these diseases, my group can identify new therapeutic drug candidates that can be progressed in clinical trials. Ultimately, this may lead to new treatments to reduce disease burden in patients suffering from these neurodegenerative conditions.
Structural Connectomes In Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Secondary Disease Progression Be Stopped And Cognitive Deficits Be Reversed?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Many people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience cognitive problems, including poor memory and concentration. TBI is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’ because the overwhelming majority of patients with TBI show no abnormalities on standard MRI or CT scans. In my project, I will delineate the mechanisms of secondary injury in finer detail through enhanced neuroimaging techniques, resulting in new assessment and treatment modalities for individuals with TBI.
The Structure And Composition Of The T-Cell Receptor-CD3 Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
My research will use cutting edge imaging techniques to provide a fundamental advance in our understanding of how foreign viruses and pathogens trigger the immune system. Gaining a greater understanding of these central events will facilitate the design of novel therapies to treat immune associated disorders such as transplant rejection, autoimmune disease and some cancers.
Genetic Influence On Cognitive Function And Medication Response In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
ADHD is one of the most common child mental health conditions, with cognitive deficits that impact everyday functioning, educational and social outcomes. Not all children with ADHD achieve equal benefit from medication. The disorder appears to be genetic with many genes contributing a small risk for the disorder. This project asks how DNA variation influences ADHD brain function and how they respond to medication. This project is important to improve the clinical diagnosis and outcome for ADHD.