Treatment for Motor Neuron Disease

Co-supervisor: Dr. Brad Turner

We recently reported that a protein called Protein Disulphide Isomerase (PDI) is elevated in the nerves and CSF of people with MND. We have evidence that PDI is increased as protective mechanism and that in MND PDI is damaged. We have found that a small molecule that mimics PDI is protective in cell cultures and have some early evidence that it may do the same in animal models of PDI. This project is to fully establish whether this small molecule is real prospective as therapy for MND

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Understanding and Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease using Blood Biomarkers

The Neurodegeneration Laboratory comprises a group of senior researchers and research students, whose work addresses several diseases, including Parkinson's Disease and Motor Neuron Disease. Our projects focus on mechanisms underlying disease progression, as well as diagnosis and possible therapeutic techniques. A wide range of biomedical research techniques are employed, from molecular analysis in subcellular systems to studies involving clinical patient samples.

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Understanding basal ganglia development in preterm infants using magnetic resonance imaging.

Co-supervisors: Prof Gary F Egan, Dr Rod Hunt and Dr Peter J Anderson

Up to 50% of preterm infants born <30 weeks gestational age or <1250g birth weight display cognitive and motor deficits. Considering the involvement of the basal ganglia in learning and motor control, this structure is of particular interest in preterm infants. Structural magnetic resonance imaging enables examination of the basal ganglia in-vivo.

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Understanding brain development of extremely preterm adolescents using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging

Co-supervisors: Prof Lex Doyle, Dr Jeanie Cheong, and Dr Peter J Anderson.

The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) has been following the neurodevelopment of extremely preterm infants born in 1991-1992. This adolescent cohort is currently receiving MRI scans. Opportunity exists for a student to investigate various neural networks that are commonly affected by prematurity, using diffusion-weighted neuroimaging techniques such as 3-D white matter tractography. Quantitative diffusion MRI techniques enable insight into the connectivity of white matter fibres, and microstructural integrity of axons and myelin.

Entered August 2010

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Understanding how sympathetic activity is increased in cardiovascular disease.

We have shown that sympathetic activity to the cardiovascular system is dramatically increased in hypertensive animals prior to the development of increased blood pressure (1). It has been suggested that this occurs in some people who go on to develop high blood pressure but has not been systematically studied. We thus have a unique model in which to examine regulation of cardiovascular function prior to the changes in organ structure induced by the hypertension. This project will involve recording of cardiovascular parameters and modulation of brainstem function in young pre-hypertensive (4 weeks of age) rats.

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