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Effect Of Aging And Mitochondrial Dysfunction On The Optic Nerve Response To Pressure-induced Oxidative Stress
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,554.00
Summary
The risk of glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease of the optic nerve, increases exponentially with age, but the cellular mechanisms responsible are not known. We hypothesise that age-related changes in mitochondria, the energy producing part of the cell, render nerve cells prone to damage. This project will determine whether aging and mitochondrial impairment increase nerve damage and whether dietary moodifications that preserve mitochondria during aging, protect the optic nerve from damage
Pathogenic Mechanisms Common To All Subtypes Of Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegerative disease of unknown cause and without effective treatment. While there are a number of clinical and pathological subtypes of FTD all have abnormal protein deposition. In this project we will investigate using brain tissue from patients with FTD, transgenic mice and culture models the cellular mechanisms which underly the protein depsotion. In addition, we will look at the brain's response to injury and investigate modulation of this response.
The Neuronal PIKfyve Complex Regulates Neurotransmission And Neurodegeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,965.00
Summary
Neuronal communication is essential for the functioning of our bodies and mind. We have identified a novel pathway for the regulation of this process involving a little studied lipid, PI3,5P2. This lipid also appears to be important for neuronal survival. We will investigate the regulation and function of this lipid in neurons. The outcomes of this proposal will be an important step closer to understanding the processes underlying neuronal communication and neurodegeneration.
The Involvement Of Extracellular ATP In Photoreceptor Degeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$155,145.00
Summary
Retinal photoreceptor degenerations account for approximately 50% of all cases of blindness in those aged over 40 in Australia. This work will investigate whether extracelllular ATP, a signalling molecule, contributes to diseases affecting retinal photoreceptors such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Narcolepsy With Cataplexy: A Brain Orexin Replacement Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$810,784.00
Summary
Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a debilitating, life-long sleep-wake disorder, caused by the irreversible loss of the brain peptide 'orexin'. There is no satisfactory and safe treatment. We aim to develop an orexin analogue, delivered directly to the brain of sheep (relevant in size and translatable to patients) by a programmable pump to timely activate the orexin 'wake-up' switch. This innovative precision medicine project will significantly improve the quality of life of narcolepsy patients.
Investigating MicroRNAs As Key Regulators In A Novel Communication Pathway Driving Retinal Degeneration.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,189,692.00
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The absence of current therapies has resulted in a significant economic burden associated with this debilitating and irreversible disease. This project will investigate the therapeutic potential of the body's own natural delivery vehicles called extracellular vesicles (EV). Along with the molecular cargo contained in EVs we will harness this as a treatment to slow down the progression of AMD.