Novel Pathomechanisms And Therapeutic Targets In Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
This fellowship will provide new insight into the molecular processes underlying onset and progression of common brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease. Furthermore, new therapeutic targets for these diseases will be developed and tested in model systems, to facilitate future translation into clinical application, and to overcome the lack of treatments.
Validating A Potential Therapeutic For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,254.00
Summary
ALS is a form of motor neuron disease that quickly renders people paralysed by killing off the nerves needed for muscle control. It affects people when they are 40-60 years old, and very few survive more than 5 years after diagnosis. Our team is testing a new therapeutic compound that we have already shown to delay paralysis in mice with ALS. The work we are currently undertaking will provide all the necessary information required before we are able to test our compound in people with ALS.
Elucidating The Mechanisms By Which Bis(thiosemicarbazone)-copper Complexes Protect Neurons In Models Of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,377.00
Summary
Dr Liddell is a neuroscientist investigating potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases of affecting the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is examining a class of metal-based compounds that are showing strong potential for disease treatment, and is investigating how these compounds work. The findings will be used to further develop and improve these therapeutic agents, and may help understand the underlying causes of these diseases.
Characterisation Of The Molecular Mechanisms Of Abeta-induced Proteolysis Of The Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 2 (NCAM2)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,666.00
Summary
Neurons in the brain are connected by synaptic contacts. Amyloid beta peptide accumulating in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease destroys synaptic contacts by degrading synaptic cell adhesion molecules which maintain the structure of the contacts. The aim of the project is to characterise the molecular mechanisms of amyloid beta-dependent degradation of synaptic cell adhesion molecules. The project will identify strategies that can be used to inhibit synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
The proposal is to set-up a high-standard cell culture facility that will enable the establishment of a national repository of quality-controlled vertebrate cell lines derived from various tissues and species. This will facilitate high quality studies in a wide range of areas of basic health and medical research and in biotechnology.