Enhancing Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury: Healing Right Way
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$906,445.00
Summary
This project involves implementation of the first culturally secure intervention package for Aboriginal survivors of brain impairment in Australia. Stroke and traumatic brain injury occur significantly more frequently in Aboriginal populations, yet Aboriginal people are under-represented in rehabilitation programs. The project will improve accessibility to rehabilitation, improve health outcomes, and establish an economic model contributing to sustainability and planning of future services.
APLP2: A Neuroprotective Receptor For Acute Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,739.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of deaths in Australians under 45 years of age. We have shown that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is protective in models of TBI. To understand how APP is neuroprotective we have isolated APP binding proteins and identified the amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) molecule as a strong candidate for the APP-neuroprotective receptor. This grant will investigate the interaction between APP and APLP2 as a novel neuroprotective pathway in TBI.
Targeting Tau Phosphorylation To Treat And Prevent Acquired Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration And Neuropsychiatric Disease Following A Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
This project will explore a new approach to the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and the associated mental health disorders following a brain injury. This involves inhibiting pathological forms of the Tau protein, which has been implicated in the development of epilepsy and neurodegeneration. The drug that will be tested in this study has already been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated in humans, meaning that a positive result from these studies could be expediently translated into c ....This project will explore a new approach to the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and the associated mental health disorders following a brain injury. This involves inhibiting pathological forms of the Tau protein, which has been implicated in the development of epilepsy and neurodegeneration. The drug that will be tested in this study has already been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated in humans, meaning that a positive result from these studies could be expediently translated into clinical studies.Read moreRead less
The Transition From Hospital To Home: A Longitudinal Study Of Indigenous Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$888,851.00
Summary
The six-month transition period following discharge from hospital after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical. During the transition period, key sentinel events may influence health and wellbeing. The research will investigate key sentinel events during the transition period following TBI in the first longitudinal study with Indigenous Australians. This study will provide the first systematic evidence regarding the support Indigenous Australians need to successfully transition back into the
Preclinical Evaluation Of The Novel Therapeutic Compound APP96-110 In An Ovine Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$874,734.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability, and yet there are currently no effective treatments to improve outcome following such an insult. Our laboratory has developed a novel therapeutic compound, by identifying an endogenous neuroprotective molecule, in the amyloid precursor protein and then identifying the active site and modifying it to improve its efficacy. We will be testing this compound in our sheep model of TBI.
Biomaterials For The Direct Reprograming Of Reactive Astrocytes Into Functional Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,500.00
Summary
We will employ peptide inspired hydrogel nanoscaffolds that can be injected into a brain lesion as a single injection to provide chemical and physical support for the surrounding cells. We will utilize various modifications to these materials to reprogram inflammatory cells into neurons, whilst also promoting the survival, maintenance and growth of existing neurons to encourage repair.
New And Improved Treatment Strategies For Neonatal Seizures
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,209.00
Summary
Around 10% of neonates in Australia are diagnosed with seizures each year. Seizures worsen neurodevelopmental outcome following hypoxic brain injury. Despite evidence of the limited effectiveness and potential neurotoxicity of current anti-seizure medication, treatment has not changed for many decades. The objective of this study is to optimise treatment of neonatal seizures with a compound that is effective and does not cause harm, or indeed provides neuroprotection for the compromised brain.
Investigating Treatments And Biomarkers Of Brain Concussion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Concussions are a serious and common international health concern, and repeated concussions can have severe long-term consequences on the brain. This project will aim to provide insight into this poorly understood disease projects and ultimately improve the management of concussions in human patients.
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.
Interactive Attention Training Technology To Enhance Cognitive Skills In Early Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$759,680.00
Summary
Over 30,000 Australian children enter school with attention difficulties each year. We have established a suite of tasks to train attention based on over 20 years of research into neurodevelopmental disorders and attention. These are delivered on tablets in the form of a game known as TALI Train. We now aim to show TALI can improve attention in children with acquired brain injuries and typically developing children for commercialisation to a broad market.