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Neurological Foundation announces research grants
The following research grants were approved in July 2008
>> Research Project Grants
| SkyCity Auckland Community Trust Repatriation Fellowship - Epigenetic Regulation of Long-term Memory |
$ 75000 |
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Dr Helen Fitzsimons
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Palmerston North
This study aims to identify the genes involved in the formation, storage, and retrieval of long-term memory for a better understanding of the process and to identify potential new drug targets and genetic therapies for brain disorders such as dementia.
This project will study the structural changes that occur in DNA during learning and memory. DNA is packaged into chromosomes in the cell nuclei by proteins called histones. Modification to these histones has a dramatic effect on chromosome structure and gene activity. These modifications determine how patterns of gene activity are maintained after establishment in early development – so-called developmental memory. This long lasting alteration to gene function without a change to the DNA sequence is termed epigenetics.
It has been known for some time that long-term memory involves changes in gene activity in the learning and memory centres of the brain. A new and intriguing hypothesis is that neuronal memory is regulated in a similar manner to developmental memory.
Investigating the role of epigenetic modification in the establishment and maintenance of long-term memories in Drosophilia (fruit flies) could lead to a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in learning and memory.
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| Mechanisms of Neural Plasticity and Protection |
$ 181,937 |
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Prof Wickliffe Abraham, Ms Sarah Hulme
Department of Psychology, University of Otago
Many neurological diseases impair the ability of nerve cells to exhibit changes necessary for learning and memory. This leads to cognitive deficits such as memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. This project will use electrophysiological techniques to investigate the mechanisms by which nerve cells control their own memory-related functions. Such control may help nerve cells to adapt to disease states or brain injury. In addition, the study will test whether these same mechanisms play a role in actively protecting nerve cells against toxicity and cell death. Understanding and harnessing these processes will help guide development of future neurological therapeutic strategies.
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| Cerebral Abnormalities on Neonatal MRI and Later Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children Born Very preterm |
$ 131,656 |
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Assoc. Prof. Lianne Woodward, Dr Verena Pritchard, Dr Stephanie Moor, Dr Nicola Austin
Canterbury Child Development Research Group, University of Canterbury
nnually in New Zealand, more than 500 premature infants survive weighing less than 1.5kg. Research shows that these infants are at high risk for a range of neurodevelopmental problems, including cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct problems and poor school achievement. This Canterbury-based study has been following the development of a large group of premature children from birth to age nine to understand better the nature and neurological causes of the problems that premature children face as they grow up.
Earlier MRI studies have demonstrated that the presence and severity of these cerebral abnormalities, especially within the white matter, are strongly predictive of severe neurodevelopmental disability including cerebral palsy, neurosensory (visual, hearing) impairment and severe cognitive delay. However, the contribution of these early cerebral abnormalities to risks of less severe, but clinically important, longer term neuro-cognitive difficulties, attentional problems and learning disabilities has yet to be determined.
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| A novel approach in Alzheimer's therapy: investigating the ameliorative role of nonclassical estrogen signaling on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in vivo. |
$ 179737 |
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Dr Istvan Abraham, Emeline Tolod-Kemp
Department of Physiology, University of Otago
Alzheimer’s disease is a serious health problem in New Zealand and around the world. In Alzheimer’s disease, the cholinergic neurons in the brain are affected causing loss of cognitive function. The female hormone estrogen provides a protective action on these cells but it has several serious side effects. We may resolve this with drugs that selectively activate the protective mechanisms. We will investigate estren, a synthetic estrogen that has selective actions, to determine whether it protects cholinergic brain cells. The results will provide important information for assessing the potential of this strategy as a future treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
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| Probing roles for the novel histamine H4 receptor (H4R) in the brain |
$ 102,720 |
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Professor George Lees, Mr Bill Connelly, Dr Paul Chazot, Dr Henry Waldvogel
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago
Antihistamine drugs help treat allergy and inflammation but have undesirable side-effects on the brain. Professor Lees has helped develop new drugs (and to profile how they exert their effects on nerve cells) to remove the symptoms of epilepsy and pain.Dr Lees has discovered a brand new histamine binding protein called the “H4 receptor” in the nervous system. This project will explore how drugs which activate or block the new protein regulate nerve cell activity in parts of the brain involved in sleep disturbances, Alzheimer’s disease and psychiatric illness.
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| Setting up an Internet-based, platform to run epilepsy drug trials; an international pilot study |
$ 60,850 |
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Dr Peter Bergin, Dr Lynette Sadleir, Dr Elizabeth Walker
Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital
This will be a collaborative study involving neurologists from several countries. Neurologists and Paediatric Neurologists are being invited to register patients with epilepsy who would be suitable for drug trials. These would be patients for whom the doctor is uncertain of the best treatment. Patient data will be entered from routine outpatient clinics into an online database via the Internet. This will help with the design of drug trials planned for future phases of the project
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| Secreted amyloid precursor protein: signalling mechanisms and therapeutic potential |
$ 89,298 |
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Dr Margaret Ryan, Dr Joanna Williams, Prof Warren Tate
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago
Alzheimer’s Disease is an incurable, degenerative disorder currently affecting over 35,000 New Zealanders. Most attention has focused on a peptide, amyloid-b as the causative agent due to its toxicity in neurons. Evidence shows that the balance between this peptide and another, secreted amyloid precursor protein, both originating from the same parent molecule, may be critical to the disease process. In contrast to amyloid-b, this peptide protects against damage to nerve cells and supports memory mechanisms. This study establish the underlying mechanisms of this peptide’s effects in the brain and investigate its therapeutic potential in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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>> VJ Chapman Research Fellowship
| Unilateral pedunculopontine deep brain stimulation in progressive supranuclear palsy |
$ 74,000 |
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Dr Mark Simpson
Department of Neurology, St Vincents Hospital and Austin Health
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves delivering electricity to specific brain regions through surgically implanted electrodes. DBS is an effective treatment for carefully selected patients with Parkinson’s disease. There is evidence suggesting that DBS of a new target, the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) can improve walking and postural problems in patients with Parkinson’ disease. Walking and balance are major problems in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This study will investigate the safety and efficacy of PPN DBS in patients with PSP. Symptoms including walking and balance will be evaluated before and after surgery. Any beneficial effects are likely to improve quality of life in patients with PSP.
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