Epistatic Genetic Effects On Neuroanatomical Subtypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$410,141.00
Summary
Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with t ....Schizophrenia represents a number of clinically distinct syndromes, with a complex mode of inheritance. The delineation of biologically valid subtypes of schizophrenia is necessary to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of these syndromes. This project uses pattern classification techniques to determine subtypes of schizophrenia on the basis of structural brain abnormality across multiple regions, and will examine genetic interactions and differential gene expression associated with these biologically-derived subtypes.Read moreRead less
Novel cellular functions of the microtubule-associated protein tau: Physiological and pathological implications. The social and economic burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is enormous, and by 2040 more than 500,000 Australians will suffer from this disease. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are insoluble deposits of the protein tau. Research into novel functions of tau in signalling and transport (both of which are heavily compromised in diseased brains) wi ....Novel cellular functions of the microtubule-associated protein tau: Physiological and pathological implications. The social and economic burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is enormous, and by 2040 more than 500,000 Australians will suffer from this disease. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are insoluble deposits of the protein tau. Research into novel functions of tau in signalling and transport (both of which are heavily compromised in diseased brains) will be followed directly by assay development for tau-directed drug screening. The national benefit of this research is manifold by (a) patenting new data, (b) developing treatment strategies for an un-curable disease, and (c) establishing links to the growing Australian biotech industry (in addition to existing links to international pharmaceutical companies).Read moreRead less
The biological and pathological functions of TDP-43. The social and economic burden of neurodegenerative such as MND is enormous. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are deposits of the protein TDP-43. Our research aims at understanding its largely unknown functions, for example by generating transgenic animal models. These will form the base for the development for a TDP-43-directed drug treatment. The national benefit of this research is manifold: by deciph ....The biological and pathological functions of TDP-43. The social and economic burden of neurodegenerative such as MND is enormous. A key histopathological hallmark of this and many other related diseases are deposits of the protein TDP-43. Our research aims at understanding its largely unknown functions, for example by generating transgenic animal models. These will form the base for the development for a TDP-43-directed drug treatment. The national benefit of this research is manifold: by deciphering basic biological mechanisms, patenting new data, developing treatment strategies for un-curable and fatal disorders, and expanding links to Australian biotech and international pharmaceutical companies.Read moreRead less
Neuronal functions of the microtubule-associated protein tau in development and ageing. The project uses a combination of transgenic mouse strains characterised by neurodegeneration and senescence-accelerated (SAM) mice, to determine the first steps of the aggregation of the protein tau in degenerating neurons, how absence of tau protects from brain atrophy, and in which physiological processes tau is involved. This project provides the biological foundation for a tau-based therapy of senescence ....Neuronal functions of the microtubule-associated protein tau in development and ageing. The project uses a combination of transgenic mouse strains characterised by neurodegeneration and senescence-accelerated (SAM) mice, to determine the first steps of the aggregation of the protein tau in degenerating neurons, how absence of tau protects from brain atrophy, and in which physiological processes tau is involved. This project provides the biological foundation for a tau-based therapy of senescence-associated conditions. It provides the biological foundation for developing effective therapies for human neurodegenerative conditions, by preventing tau aggregation and phosphorylation. We will patent new data and expand our existing links to Australian biotech and international pharmaceutical companies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0668246
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
Advanced Cell Labelling and Imaging Facility. Understanding the genetic regulation of cellular processes such as migration, differentiation and growth is an important frontier technology with significant biomedical potential. The Australian community is facing an increasing need to provide solutions for a variety of human diseases and disorders, including birth defects, nervous system injury and stroke, and ageing-related conditions. The proposed facility will allow researchers to test in vivo g ....Advanced Cell Labelling and Imaging Facility. Understanding the genetic regulation of cellular processes such as migration, differentiation and growth is an important frontier technology with significant biomedical potential. The Australian community is facing an increasing need to provide solutions for a variety of human diseases and disorders, including birth defects, nervous system injury and stroke, and ageing-related conditions. The proposed facility will allow researchers to test in vivo gene/pharmaceutical therapies as well as to better understand the genetic regulation of normal cellular processes. Read moreRead less
Unraveling the role of N-acetyl-aspartate in normal brain function and disease. The purpose of this project is to define the role of the predominating brain chemical N-acetyl-aspartate for normal nerve cell function and as toxic agent causing neurological illness and severe mental health problems. Findings of this research will enhance the design of novel therapies involving pharmacological and genetic treatment.