Tracing Iron From Neurodevelopment To Neurodegeneration In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Excessive brain iron can cause neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). This project will examine a link between early-life iron exposure and brain iron accumulation, focusing on the biochemical pathways through which iron causes death of brain cells in PD. Using the latest analytical technology, this CDF will study how iron can contribute to cell death, examine how this knowledge can improve clinical tools used to measure PD risk, and develop new therapies to address this risk.
Novel Mechanisms And Diagnostic Applications For Iron In Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,644.00
Summary
My recent findings showed that measuring the iron content of the brain, by looking at the fluid surrounding the brain, was useful in predicting the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and predicting the severity of this disease. Here, I will investigate this in more depth, and in new patient groups. The project has the potential to characterise a new way of predicting Alzheimer’s disease, and also will help inform how Alzheimer’s disease develops.
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.
Investigating The Cause And Consequences Of Iron Deposition In Parkinson's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,347.00
Summary
It is known that iron elevation occurs in the brain in Parkinson’s disease. This might cause cell death by ‘rusting’. It is not known (1) how iron accumulates in the disease, (2) whether iron accumulation contributes to the worsening of the disease and (3) if lowering iron with a drug would improve symptoms. We plan to address these questions using a clinical cohort of patients, and laboratory animal models.
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.
IRON EXPORT PROTEIN FAILURE IN PARKINSONISM AND DEMENTIA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$843,352.00
Summary
We recently discovered a novel relationship between the Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau, and that both proteins play a role in regulating iron levels in the brain. We predict that a loss or multiple failures in these iron-regulating systems could foster a toxic iron accumulation in brain, leading to the development of diseases with dementia such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. We hope to gain a better understanding of their mechanism of action and propose that this p ....We recently discovered a novel relationship between the Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau, and that both proteins play a role in regulating iron levels in the brain. We predict that a loss or multiple failures in these iron-regulating systems could foster a toxic iron accumulation in brain, leading to the development of diseases with dementia such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. We hope to gain a better understanding of their mechanism of action and propose that this pathway is a target for therapeutic intervention.Read moreRead less