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Neurological Foundation research approved December 2011

Research grants totalling $1,230,184 were approved by the Neurological Foundation Council on 2 December 2011.

  • Optimising a novel induced precursor-like cell line

    $136,862

    Associate Professor Bronwen Connor Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Brain Research - University of Auckland 2011 - December

    The generation of ‘embryonic-like’ stem cells from adult human skin was first demonstrated in 2007. This project will advance this capability by directly generating immature brain cells (neural precursor cells) from adult human skin. Of major significance is that this will avoid the need to generate an intermediate embryonic-like stem cell phase, providing neural precursor cells for therapeutic applications without risk of tumour formation from stem cells. This project provides a unique opportunity to establish a novel technology which is likely to have wide-reaching applications for future research in the areas of neurological disease modeling, drug development, and potentially cell replacement therapy.

  • Optimising brain stimulation to promote motor learning.

    $175,405

    Dr Jonathan Shemmell School of Physical Education and Department of Anatomy - University of Otago 2011 - December

    Although magnetic brain stimulation is a promising tool for enhancing rehabilitation of stroke survivors, we do not know enough about how this type of stimulation interacts with normal brain processes. This project will determine the effect of magnetic brain stimulation on individual synapses in the brain cortex and subsequently identify the nature of interactions between magnetic brain stimuli and motor learning in humans. This work will help us to understand how brain stimulation might be best applied to assist the learning of new skills and the recovery of movement following damage to the brain caused by stroke.

  • A genetic mechanism underlying late-onset Alzheimer’s disease

    $86,875

    Professor Russell Snell School of Biological Sciences - University of Auckland 2011 - December

    Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disorder affecting up to 50 per cent of those aged over 80 years old. Despite decades of research and innumerable clinical trials, there are no treatments that prevent or reverse the progression of the disease. There is currently some evidence that patients have a small proportion of brain cells with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the normal two, leading to an increased production of the toxic protein amyloid-beta peptide. This study aims to confirm this observation, determine the pathological consequences of these cells and look for markers that make these cells different, which may lead to new therapies.

  • Optimising the use of anti-psychotic agents for multiple sclerosis

    $158,007

    Professor Anne La Flamme School of Biological Sciences - Victoria, University of Wellington 2011 - December

    Multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects one in every 1400 New Zealanders, is a disease characterised by immune-mediated nerve degeneration. Symptoms may include difficulty moving; difficulties with coordination and balance; problems in speech (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia), and visual problems. Immune cells are responsible for the damage to the nerves and subsequent clinical features of MS. There is no cure, and while disease-modifying drugs are available, they are often effective in only a subpopulation of MS patients. Recently Professor La Flamme’s laboratory has found that a commonly used anti-psychotic drug is effective at modifying MS in a mouse model of the disease. This project investigates the potential of this drug to treat MS. 

  • Immunomodulation of stroke with risperidone.

    $11,999

    Associate Professor Bronwen Connor Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland 2011 - December

    Stroke is a leading cause of disability in New Zealand and the burden associated with this neurological disorder is increasing. Treatment of stroke represents a large, unmet medical need. Neuroinflammation is an important pathophysiological mechanism involved in stroke and impacts profoundly on the extent of cell loss, as well as injury progression. Neuroinflammation therefore offers an exciting therapeutic target for the treatment of stroke. It has been recently demonstrated that the anti-psychotic drug, risperidone, is effective at reducing neuroinflammation and disease progression in a model of multiple sclerosis. This project will now explore whether the anti-inflammatory properties of risperidone can reduce the progression and severity of stroke.

    This project is funded by Neurological Foundation members Mr EW and Mrs BD Wright, Christchurch  
     

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