Allosteric Targeting Of The Dopamine D2 Receptor: A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease And Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,644.00
Summary
The dopamine D2 receptor is a brain protein that is the target for drugs that are used in the treatment of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease (PD). In both cases the current drugs have significant side effects because they simply act to switch the receptor off or on respectively. We will focus on a new class of drugs that, because they act to tune up or tune down the activity of the D2 receptor, may be a safer more effective approach to treat these disorders.
Novel Approaches To The Targeting Of GPCRs Towards Improved Treatment Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
The focus of these studies are two important types of brain proteins that have been implicated in various symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The aim is to exploit two emerging paradigms of drug action at these brain proteins that will allow us to target them in a more selective manner. In particular, these studies will provide a starting point for safer, more effective treatments for schizophrenia.
Structural And Functional Consequences Of A Human Nicotinic Receptor Mutation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$112,809.00
Summary
Identification of the defective gene underlying a particular form of inherited epilepsy in man, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), now provides the first opportunity to study the basic mechanisms of an inherited epilepsy in man. The responsible mutations affect a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In this research project, quantitative methods of imaging the brain will be used bridge the gap in understanding which lies between the molecular defect and the ....Identification of the defective gene underlying a particular form of inherited epilepsy in man, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), now provides the first opportunity to study the basic mechanisms of an inherited epilepsy in man. The responsible mutations affect a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In this research project, quantitative methods of imaging the brain will be used bridge the gap in understanding which lies between the molecular defect and the clinical manifestations of ADNFLE. Involvement of a system of nerve pathways, the mesocortical dopaminergic system, is postulated to explain the preferential susceptibility of the frontal lobe to seizures in ADNFLE. Positron emission tomography will be used to examine changes in neurotransmitter release in the frontal lobe. The molecular defect in ADNFLE also provides a unique opportunity to examine the role of the nicotinic receptor in the development of the human brain and in important aspects of human cognition. Statistical mapping of anatomical variability and high resolution magnetic resonance scans will be used to detect alterations in the anatomical structure of the mesial frontal lobe. Evidence of deficient nicotinic receptor-mediated cognitive effects in ADNFLE will be sought using a battery of psychological tests shown to be sensitive to the effects of nicotine.Read moreRead less