Development Of A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Platform To Evaluate Neuroprotective And Regenerative Therapies In MS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,667.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves inflammation and damage to nerve cells. New therapies are needed to minimize and reverse nerve cell damage. Currently, ways to judge the benefit of these therapies are primitive. We propose that assessing the benefits of these treatments in optic neuritis (inflammation of the eye nerve) is the way forward but first, we need to develop reliable tests to measure these treatments. This application proposes to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this purpose.
The Role Of Tau In Experimental Retinal And Optic Nerve Pathology: Relevance To Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,225.00
Summary
Aberrant processing of the axonal protein, tau, is believed to underlie key pathological events in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Recent data have suggested a link between AD pathology and retinal neuron death in glaucoma. We have further evidence that changes in tau also occur in models of retinal damage. We thus aim to characterise the role of tau in retinal injury models and to relate these findings to glaucoma with a view to having a greater understanding of this disease process.
Understanding And Preventing Secondary Degeneration Following CNS Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,147.00
Summary
After neurotrauma, tissue escaping initial injury undergoes secondary degeneration; tissue loss spreads, function worsens. In the complex brain and spinal cord it is difficult to distinguish vulnerable tissue. Using the visual system as a model I will precisely identify cells and processes of secondary degeneration, determine if vulnerable tissue can be rescued by drugs stopping toxic calcium influx and if rescued circuits work properly. The work has implications for neurotrauma and glaucoma.