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Growth factors are essential molecules for normal brain development. Variations in the amount of the different growth factors have been implicated in such diseases as AlzheimerÍs and ParkinsonÍs disease. This project will study the precursor of a growth factor known as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and what specific roles the precursor might play in brain development.
Retinal Endothelial Cell Changes That Precede Retinal Vein Occlusion And The Retinal Extracellular Space Changes That Follow It
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$118,121.00
Summary
Dr. Min Hye Kang, at The University of Western Australia, is investigating microscopic blood vessel changes that precede the onset of devastating blindness. She is also studying functional changes that occur in the retina following deprivation of its blood supply. Her research has significantly improved our understanding of cellular mechanisms that lead to blindness. It has also aided in the development of new treatment strategies for the prevention of vision loss.
Nerve And Muscle Excitability In Inclusion Body Myositis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,294.00
Summary
Our study will use recently developed neurophysiological techniques to study nerve and muscle excitability in sporadic inclusion body myositis, a poorly understood progressive muscle disease for which no effective treatment is known. We will determine whether the electrical properties of nerve and muscle cell membranes are affected and obtain clues as to where this dysfunction may occur. This may aid development of effective therapies through a better understanding of disease mechanisms.
The Neuro-ophthalmological Manifestations Of Human Mitochondrial Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,675.00
Summary
Human mitochondrial diseases often result in neuro-ophthalmological abnormalities. We aim to examine a cohort of patients with mitochondrial disease and document the type and degree of neuro-ophthalmological abnormality. We will provide detail on the retina, optic nerve, oculomotor function, eyelids and visual acuity. We will examine the optic nerve in detail and perform optical coherence tomography and visual evoked potentials on each patient. We will compare results to age-matched controls.
Energy Supply In Glaucoma: One Cell's Trash Is Another Cell's Treasure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,712.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and affects 65 million people worldwide, yet its underlying cause is not well understood. The work described in this research aims to understand the role of oligodendrocytes in provision of energy to retinal ganglion cell axons, and whether impaired energy supply in retinal ganglion cell axons and the optic nerve will lead to glaucoma. It is expected to provide new insight into glaucoma and potentially lead to new treatments.
Sharpening The Epidemiological Sword Against Ocular Trauma To Help Improve Management And Predict The Visual Outcomes, Contributing To The Development Of Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$59,168.00
Summary
Eye injury is the leading cause of monocular blindness internationally. Vision loss has devastating consequences, both financial and social. My research aims to develop a comprehensive international register for eye injury. Working with key international partners we will conduct a large-scale retrospective review to validate our data collection tool. Our aim is to revise outdated methods of scoring eye injury to better predict outcomes and improve management and treatment of eye injury.
What Is The Function Of The Tibialis Posterior Muscle And Tendon During Walking And How Does It Affect Disorders Of The Foot
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,235.00
Summary
The tibialis posterior (TP) muscle is important for foot function and is often implicated in foot and ankle problems. We will investigate the function of TP during gait with specific reference to foot posture. In particular we will examine the mechanical function of the muscle and tendon in different foot postures and commonly used treatment modalities such as (footwear and foot orthoses).
Electrophysiological And Neuroanatomical Determination Of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With The C9ORF72 Mutation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$77,490.00
Summary
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive neurological illness. A new genetic mutation C9ORF72 has recently been identified as a cause of MND. Little is known about the neurophysiological properties in these patients. We wish to better characterise the nerve function in these patients, using a new technique; 'Threshold tracking transcranial magnetic stimulation' and other existing neurophysiological techniques.
The Biophysical Basis Of HCN Channels In Human Peripheral Nerve
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,315.00
Summary
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels play an important role as pacemakers in the cardiac and nervous systems. HCN channel dysfunction is implicated in a number of disorders including neuropathic pain and epilepsy. My aim is to determine the kinetics and voltage dependence of HCN channels in human peripheral nerve in vivo. Understanding these channels is a prerequisite to the development of safe targeted therapies against neuropathic pain.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation As A Novel Therapy In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common exerting a large personal and societal burden to the Australian population. Current medications used to treat IBD are expensive, have many side effects and at times require hospitalisation for their administration. We aim to develop the non invasive and inexpensive technique of vagal nerve stimulation as a novel treatment strategy for IBD.