Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
Restoration Of Cognitive Deficits Induced By Diabetes Through The Modulation Of Cerebrovascular Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$261,251.00
Summary
Diabetes is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. However the details of this association have not been known. Recent evidence consistently shows that the integrity of blood vessels in the brain may be central to the onset of dementia, and consistently, damaged brain blood vessels are often reported in diabetic patients and animal models. This project is the first to target in restoring the integrity of those brain blood vessels in order to reverse diabetes-associated dementia.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Missing Voices: Communication Difficulties After Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$655,310.00
Summary
Acquired communication disorder (ACD) is a common result of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has a devastating impact on victims’ everyday lives. Stroke and TBI occur more than twice as frequently in Indigenous as in non-Indigenous populations, but current uptake of communication rehabilitation services is low and long term outcomes for the individuals are unknown. This Australian first study will examine the extent and impact of ACD in urban and rural Indigenous Australians.
REACH: Randomised Trial Of EArly Rehabilitation In Congenital Hemiplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,777.00
Summary
Infants with asymmetric brain lesions are at high risk of congenital hemiplegia. This study compares modified CIMT to an equal dose of bimanual training in 150 infants recruited at 3-6 months. Both therapies will be parent-delivered supported by experienced clinicians. Outcomes include use of the impaired hand in bimanual tasks, cognitive and motor development at 12 and 24 months c.a. with measures of neural structure and functional connectivity at 24 months. Early interventions that attenuate
DYRK1A As A Novel Target For Glioblastoma Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,294.00
Summary
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer that is currently incurable. We have discovered that switching-off an enzyme called DYRK1A (using ‘DYRK1A inhibitors’) kills glioblastoma cells. This therapeutic advantage is even greater when combined with drugs approved for other cancers. This project will develop new DYRK1A inhibitors and examine a novel combination treatment for glioblastoma patients. This could initiate a novel therapy that could significantly extend patients’ lives.
The health effects of electronic cigarette use are virtually unknown. They have only recently been introduced into widespread use, and as such their effects on human health will not be known for many years. We will use our expertise in exposure models and health outcome measurement to provide timely hard-data on their potential to impact health – data that are urgently required to guide policy makers in this area.
Exercise As Medicine For Heart Failure: A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,585.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common, debilitating and expensive disease; prognosis remains poorer than for the most cancers. 30,000 Australians are diagnosed every year and 300,000 live with the HF, at an annual cost of ~$1Billion. Exercise training is effective therapy in HF, because it reverses many of the problems that contribute to the reduced lifespan and impaired quality of life of patients with HF. We will test an exciting new type of exercise that promising greater benefit, at lower risk.
The Effect Of Selected Nutraceuticals On Brain Blood Vessels And Memory.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,206.00
Summary
The human brain receives 1000L of blood per day, distributed through minute vessels called capillaries. The integrity and function of brain capillaries is compromised with aging and this may contribute to memory disturbances. Our laboratory has identified several naturally occurring compounds that prevent age-associated defects of brain capillaries. The primary aim of this project is to explore if these agents are beneficial for restoring brain capillary function and memory.
Developmental Origins Of Adult Cardiovascular Disease: Vascular Health In The Raine Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,087,427.00
Summary
The Raine study is a unique long term experiment that has collected extensive pre-birth and childhood data in ~3000 young Australians, who are now 27 years old. We plan to measure the artery health of 1200 of these volunteers and to determine what factors, both before and after birth, influence the presence of early atherosclerosis in humans. This study will guide strategies aimed at early prevention of heart attacks and stroke in humans, by defining the major risk factors.