Slowing Progression Of Alzheimer’s Disease By Modulating The Kynurenine Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,460.00
Summary
Chronic inflammation in the brain in known to be a factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We are exploring if blocking a particular enzyme in a biochemical pathway involved in inflammation, can improve symptoms, or slow progression, of the disease in animal models of AD. If results are as expected, our proposal has the potential to generate a new a therapy for AD.
Development Of Pthaladyn-based Dynamin I-selective Inhibitors For Treatment Of Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,310.00
Summary
About 1% of the World�s population suffers from epilepsy; 30% fail to respond to anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Current AED development pathways have changed little in the past 20 years with the majority of current AEDs dampening the release of crucial chemical signals 24/7. Our new drugs, which inhibit a protein called dynamin, are only recruited at the onset of a seizure. Our approach will significantly enhance the day to day lives of those afflicted by epilepsy.
Preclinical Development Of Complement C5aR Antagonists For The Treatment Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,326.00
Summary
There is no cure for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) resulting in 2 Australian’s dying each day. Modification of the inflammation is one potential means of slowing MND. Our research team has identified a new series of potent anti-inflammatory compounds that may have potential to treat this disease. Our project will test these compounds in animal models of MND, and validate their usefulness in human MND samples. Ultimately, this work may contribute to the discovery of a new treatment for MND.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter Receptors As Therapeutic Targets For Chronic Pain And Anxiety Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
There are currently few effective long-term treatments for chronic pain and anxiety disorders. Here we propose to develop innovative therapies for both of these debilitating neurological disorders. In addition, we plan to improve our current understanding of how these disorders occur in the first place. This may identify novel potential therapeutic strategies for treating pain, anxiety and a host of other neurological disorders.
Studying The Interaction Of Reelin Deficiency And Environmental Factors In The Development Of Schizophrenia Using Animal Behavioural Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,695.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is caused by an interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors such as stress or drug abuse. Reelin is a protein involved in the normal development of the brain but its levels are markedly reduced in schizophrenia. We will use mice with low levels of reelin in their brain and assess the effect of environmental stress and drugs of abuse. These studies could elucidate gene-environment interaction in schizophrenia and lead to new treatment strategies.
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.
Integrated Analysis Of Genome, Epigenome, And Transcriptome Data In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,511.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a diverse range of symptoms. While the cause is unknown, it is thought to develop from a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental risk factors. This study will use genome wide approaches to investigate the relationship between genetic/epigenetic modification of DNA and gene expression in schizophrenia. This study could provide an integrated understanding of the neuropathology of schizophrenia and ultimately lead to better treatment.
Structure-based Drug Design For Neuroprotection From Traditional Chinese Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,968.00
Summary
In the proposed research, three novo approaches for drug discovery will be explored: 1) The important neurodegenerative disease relevant protein JNK3 crystals will be used as the probe to fish out the potential inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); 2) Instead of individual drug components, the mixture of TCM will be used directly; 3) The composition of a TCM library are not randomly chosen but have been used in China for hundreds to thousands of years in curing neurodegenerative di ....In the proposed research, three novo approaches for drug discovery will be explored: 1) The important neurodegenerative disease relevant protein JNK3 crystals will be used as the probe to fish out the potential inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); 2) Instead of individual drug components, the mixture of TCM will be used directly; 3) The composition of a TCM library are not randomly chosen but have been used in China for hundreds to thousands of years in curing neurodegenerative disease.Read moreRead less
Clinical Utility And Cost-effectiveness Of Genome Sequencing For Refractory Epilepsy In Children And Adults: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,609.00
Summary
A large number of genomic variants have been found to underpin common types of epilepsy and to predict adverse drug reactions. However, the adoption of genomic testing in the routine management of epilepsy is hampered by uncertainties around its clinical utility and cost-effectiveness. This randomised controlled trial aims to determine the diagnostic efficiency, clinical and psychosocial impact, and cost-effectiveness of whole genome sequencing for refractory epilepsy in children and adults.
Ecstasy, Methamphetamine And Their Combination: Assessment Of Adverse Effects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,250.00
Summary
MDMA (Ecstasy) and Methamphetamine (METH) are popular party drugs that are frequently used by young Australians. Health problems associated with MDMA and METH use are (1) many people suffer complications arising from the high body temperature (hyperthermia) that these drugs produce, and (2) MDMA and METH may both cause long-term loss of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This effect on the brain may well lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, increased impulsive behaviour a ....MDMA (Ecstasy) and Methamphetamine (METH) are popular party drugs that are frequently used by young Australians. Health problems associated with MDMA and METH use are (1) many people suffer complications arising from the high body temperature (hyperthermia) that these drugs produce, and (2) MDMA and METH may both cause long-term loss of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This effect on the brain may well lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, increased impulsive behaviour and memory impairment. However the link between MDMA and METH use and subsequent brain damage is still very controversial. Recently, we have found that when MDMA and METH are combined, a particularly toxic effect is seen with very high body temperatures and lasting adverse effects on mood and brain function. This is a major cause for concern because of evidence that many Australian drug users are combining METH and MDMA on a regular basis. This project will investigate the short and long-term effects of MDMA, METH and METH-MDMA combinations. Phase 1 is aimed at investigating whether different doses of the drugs lead to lasting changes in mood, behaviour and brain function and to compare the relative toxicity of the three treatments. Phase 2 will determine whether lack of fluid intake, high environmental temperatures and advanced age are risk factors in determining the toxicity of MDMA and METH. Phase 3 will assess whether the toxicity of these drug treatments depends upon whether an animal takes the drugs voluntarily or whether they are injected with the drug by the experimenter. The final part of the project will use a wide variety of advanced techniques to track the brain damage caused by these drug treatments given under a range of conditions. The significance of this project will be in increasing our understanding of how MDMA and METH affect the brain and behaviour and how the harms posed by these drugs may be predicted and therefore minimised.Read moreRead less