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Trace Element Regulation In Neurological Disease: From Molecular Pathogenesis To Translational Impact.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and motor neuron disease are a major health burden for Australia and new approaches to treatment are urgently required. Essential trace elements such as copper, zinc and iron show major changes in neurodegneration, however, we do not understand how this drives disease processes. This proposal will develop an innovative 3D ‘brain on a chip’ cell model to probe the role of trace elements in brain pathology and identify exciting new treatments options.
Harnessing Multiple Large Datasets To Answer Critical Questions On Diabetes Epidemiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
This proposal will examine novel causes and consequences of diabetes using three approaches. Firstly, it will examine diabetes trends. Secondly, it will use the Australian Diabetes Registry linked to several key government database to explore important research questions, related to diabetes treatment, dementia and endstage kidney disease, which previously were not able to be answered. Thirdly, it will examine the role of environmental pollutants in the development of chronic disease.
Research To Reduce Cognitive Decline And Optimise Ageing Well
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,300.00
Summary
My research program will deliver research outcomes that will improve the quality of life for older Australians, increase the life-span spent in productivity (as opposed to dependency) and reduce health-care costs. I will conduct interventions to improve the skill of older drivers so they can remain independent, and interventions to reduce cognitive decline and risk of dementia. My work will provide information and interventions for middle-aged and older adults, enabling them to age well.
Improving Diagnosis And Prognosis Of Early-onset Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia accounts for ~15% of all dementias. It is as common as Alzheimer’s disease in the < 65 year olds but understanding of this disease remains limited. Over the next 5 years, my research will work towards improving diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of pathology, using a multidisclinary approach that combines clinical, brain imaging, genetics and neuropathological investigations. This research will contribute to improving the care and quality of life of dementia patients.
Tackling The Complex Pathogenesis Of Non-Alzheimer Dementias And Motor Neurodegenerative Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,684.00
Summary
I research dementia and motor syndromes as there are no mechanistic treatments for these disorders, and for many there are no treatments at all. Without being able to identify the same diseases and differentiate them from other diseases, no treatments will be successful. To develop more reliably detection methods for these diseases, I perform longitudinally studies where the participants agree to donate serial biological samples and their brain tissue at death.
This research proposal outlines studies aimed at identifying specific biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Given the complexity and clinical overlap of these disorders the identification of diagnostic biomarkers for their early detection is crucial; especially in the identification of at-risk individuals before the development of symptoms. This will allow early intervention with disease-modifying medications which by arresting neuronal loss would prevent or delay onset of the disease.
Molecular Mediators, Epigenetic Modulators And Therapeutic Targets For Cognitive Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,845.00
Summary
Brain disorders constitute an enormous, and growing, burden. My research investigates how genes and environment combine to cause disorders of cognition, including dementia, schizophrenia and autism. The research will provide new insights into these disorders, at the level of molecules, cells and behaviour. I will explore how genetic and environmental factors interact, with a focus on mental activity, physical exercise and stress, which affect a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Advancing Our Understanding Of The Genetics Of Psychiatric And Neurological Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Over the next five years I will use statistical genetics approaches to: (i) identify genetic variants influencing brain structure and characterise their effects on structures implicated in neurological disease; (ii) improve our understanding of the genetics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its impact on Australian families, and (iii) investigate the relationship between Depression and Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy.
Studies On The Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Of Amyloidosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,584.00
Summary
Amyloidoses are a group of diseases in which protein is abnormally deposited in various organs of the body. The prototypic amyloidosis is Alzheimer's disease (AD), a dementia causing-illness in which a protein known as Abeta is deposited in the brain. The central aim of my research is to understand the molecular etiology of AD and other amyloidoses, with a view to identifying new targets for drug development.
Enzymes that generate or degrade peptides serve important roles - alterations in their activity can impact on a diverse range of physiological processes in healthy and diseased states. Angiotensin is a peptide that plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance - drugs that block the activity of its processing enzymes forms an important class of medication used to treat hypertension and heart disease. My research interest is in discovering novel roles for these enzymes.