Targeting NPY Mechanisms In Rodent Models Of Generalised Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,637.00
Summary
This project will provide important information regarding the pharmacological mechanisms by which NPY acts to suppress seizures in animal models of epilepsy. It will provide strategies regarding potential new treatments of absence epilepsy.
The Associations Between Cognitive Decline And Genetic Polymorphisms, Hormones And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Women.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,079.00
Summary
Dementia, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ageing women, has been linked to hormonal changes and genes. If factors associated with impaired cognition and early Alzheimer's disease could be identified then early interventions could be offered to those at risk. In this study we determine the genetic, medical and lifestyle factors which may be associated with cognitive decline and early Alzheimer's disease in women from pre-menopause into their post-menopausal years.
Human Olfactory Neurosphere-derived Cells: A Novel Cellular Model For Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
ParkinsonÍs disease (PD) is an incurable, brain disease that affects 75,000 Australians with great societal cost. We are working on adult stem cells called (hONS) grown from peopleÍs olfactory mucosa (in the nose) as a research tool to study PD. Our project examines differences seen in hONS from people with PD and determines how certain cellular processes impact on the function of these cells. This work will enhance our understanding of the biology of PD and identify new targets for therapies.
Functional Brain Age Measurement In Children And Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,433.00
Summary
An important aspect of medicine is measuring the function of the human body. It is often advantageous to convert complex functional measures into simpler, intuitive measures such as 'age'. We can compare functional age to chronological age to diagnose disease. In this project, we will build an estimate of 'brain age' in children and adolescents using recordings of the electrical activity of the brain. We will test this 'brain age' as a diagnostic tool in several neurological disorders.
An Integrated Genomic And Epigenomic Approach To Dissect The Aetiology Of Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurological disease that destroys motor neurons, which control muscle activity, such as walking. It affects people >40 years old and most patients die within 3 years. There is no specific test for its diagnosis and there are no cures. I aim to build an independent research group to discover novel genes and epigenetic marks, and to dissect their biological function in MND. This knowledge is crucial for finding effective diagnosis, treatment and cure for MND.