Novel Functional Imaging For Age-related Macular Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,848.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition which affects the central retina (the macula) resulting in a loss of central vision. The lack of appropriate clinical tests to monitor the progression of AMD at the early stages of disease hampers the discovery of novel interventions aimed at preventing the development of advanced vision-threatening AMD. In this project, we will investigate the use of a quick and non-invasive imaging technique for monitoring AMD progression.
The Use Of MicroRNA As Novel Therapeutic Targets For Reducing Retinal Inflammation And Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,076.00
Summary
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in Australia. We aim to investigate a new class of potential therapeutics, microRNA which are involved in the regulation of many biological processes, including inflammation. A greater understanding of these miRNA will enable discovery of novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases like AMD, and will have further reaching applications in other inflammatory disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Determining The Electrical Stimulation Parameters Required To Program The Bionic Eye To Effect Vision.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,449.00
Summary
Our eyes are invaluable organs that we use for nearly all daily tasks. Loss of vision is devastating but, unfortunately, little can be done at this time. One strategy to restore vision is through a prosthetic to stimulate the retina. For a prosthetic to work, however, we must first understand how the retina encodes the visual image. Our research seeks to decode the retinal signals and determine how a Bionic Eye could be programmed to mimic them.
The Role Of Microglia In Regulating Photoreceptor Integrity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,405.00
Summary
This project will examine a novel way that photoreceptors in the eye are regulated. In particular, the communication between resident immune cells and photoreceptors will be examined. The results will form an important foundation on which to develop novel treatments for diseases like Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Glaucoma is a progressive, poorly understood blinding disease with limited treatment options. It is characterised by the death of the nerve cells in the eye whose fibres form the optic nerve. Results obtained in the current proposal will lead to a better understanding of key features of the early stages of the disease and, additionally, will explore the potential of a novel therapeutic approach based on regeneration of damaged nerve fibres within the optic nerve.
Age-related macular degeneration, involves the progressive loss of light sensitive cells from the retina, and is a major cause of loss of vision, and quality of life, in people over 60. Activation of immune mechanisms have been implicated in the disease, but it is not understood, why the immune system attacks vision cells. This study looks at the mechanisms of the activation of immune cells and will test treatment strategies to minimize immune activation, and thereby prevent blindness.
Cyclic Nucleotide Induced Degeneration In The Vertebrate Retina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a leading cause of human blindness that is currently untreatable. Elevated cyclic nucleotide levels have been shown to have a causal link with the degenerative process. This proposal will develop animal models of retinal degeneration as well as use a genetic mutant showing elevated cyclic nucleotides to identify the mechanism for retinal degeneration. In addition, potential therapeutic options will be investigated using currently available drugs.
Identification And Study Of Novel Conserved Molecule With An Axonal Protective Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,005.00
Summary
Axonal degeneration is a common feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions, such as motor neuron, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. However, the genetic causes that regulate this biological event are poorly understood. We have identified a novel, conserved axonal protective molecule. We will study how it functions, and if it can be exploited to protect diseased neurons.