Human Olfactory Neurosphere-derived Cells: A Novel Cellular Model For Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
ParkinsonÍs disease (PD) is an incurable, brain disease that affects 75,000 Australians with great societal cost. We are working on adult stem cells called (hONS) grown from peopleÍs olfactory mucosa (in the nose) as a research tool to study PD. Our project examines differences seen in hONS from people with PD and determines how certain cellular processes impact on the function of these cells. This work will enhance our understanding of the biology of PD and identify new targets for therapies.
BRAIN-MEND: Biological Resource Analysis To Identify New Mechanisms And Phenotypes In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$861,866.00
Summary
Current classification of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) based on clinical phenotypes does not take into account underlying disease heterogeneity, or overlapping disease mechanisms, thus hindering therapy development. Segregation and re-classification of ND phenotypes is urgently needed. BRAIN-MEND will reclassify existing phenotypic classifications using using pathway and network analyses within and across complex NDs.
Neuronal Toll-like 2 Receptors Contribute To The Spread Of Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$900,010.00
Summary
How the pathological protein in Parkinson’s disease (PD), ?-synuclein, spreads through the brain remains unknown. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) located on microglial cells have been identified as the receptor responsible for the internalization of ?-synuclein by this cell. We have found TLR2 in PD neurons accumulating Lewy pathologies, suggesting that neuronal TLR2 contributes to the neuronal spread of ?-synuclein in PD, a theory requiring further biological evidence prior to therapeutic targeting
Mapping Brain Network Interactions In Neurodegenerative Disorders Of The Subcortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Friedreich ataxia are debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disorders that result from cell death within different components of a common brain system. Using magnetic resonance imaging and advanced statistical techniques, I will investigate functional and structural changes within this system, providing a clearer picture of the brain network changes that underlie the expression of these disorders.
NOX Enzymes As Mediators Of Inflammation-triggered Neurodegeneration: Modulating NOX Enzymes As Novel Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,846.00
Summary
The NEURINOX project aims at identifying novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases; an increasing health issue for the ageing Australian population. NADPH oxidases (NOX) enzymes, generate reactive oxygen species, and are key regulators of neuroinflammation. Inflammatory dysregulation is characterized by a change in NOX activity. NEURINOX will expound the links between neuroinflammation, NOX enzyme activity & neurodegenerative diseases to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat ....The NEURINOX project aims at identifying novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases; an increasing health issue for the ageing Australian population. NADPH oxidases (NOX) enzymes, generate reactive oxygen species, and are key regulators of neuroinflammation. Inflammatory dysregulation is characterized by a change in NOX activity. NEURINOX will expound the links between neuroinflammation, NOX enzyme activity & neurodegenerative diseases to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat neuroinflammation.Read moreRead less
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries And Neurodegenerative Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$928,690.00
Summary
Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBIs) have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative conditions. However, whether RmTBIs cause neurodegenerative disease, and the factors involved, requires further research. Using an innovative rat model, this project will examine whether RmTBIs cause long-term neurological changes resembling neurodegenerative disease. This cutting-edge project is highly relevant to human patients and will improve our understanding of these common injuries.
The Pathway Linking Tau And APP In Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,085.00
Summary
Recently I co-discovered a novel relationship between the AlzheimerÍs amyloid precursor protein and tau, both of which play a role in regulating neuronal iron levels. I predict that multiple failures in iron-regulating systems could foster a toxic iron accumulation in brain, leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. I hope to gain a better understanding of their mechanism of action and propose that this pathway is a target for therapeutic intervention.
The Role Of Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein And Tau In The Regulation Of Neuronal Iron
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,226.00
Summary
We have recently discovered a novel relationship between amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau in regulating neuronal iron balance. This project will establish how tau aids APP transport to the cell surface where it assists cellular iron release. A commonality in some neurodegenerative diseases are disruptions in either proteinsÍ function and iron-related excitotoxicity. Understanding the iron role of APP and tau will lead to a therapeutic mechanism of action and better future drug design.
Discovery Of Novel Neurodegeneration Genes Via Next-generation Sequencing Technologies And High-throughput Cellular Assays
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,144.00
Summary
My research program aims to discover genes that are mutated in dementia, by identifying gene variants present in patients and absent in healthy people, and examining how these variants affect the function of cells. Identifying new dementia genes will reveal the biological processes that lead to brain cell death. Knowledge of these processes is crucial for the development of new treatments for the many people affected worldwide with dementia.