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Upcoming Events: Click here to stay up to date with upcoming events. Alzheimer's paper sheds light on amyloidosis Together with collaborators from Tsinghua University in Beijing and the University of Melbourne, Professor Ashley Bush recently published a paper in the Journal of Biological Chemistry that may offer new treatment possibilities for amyloidosis. This fatal and incurable range of illnesses is characterised by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein fibres (amyloid) in organs and tissues impairing their normal function. The deposits infiltrate the organs, causing them to lose resilience and become stiff, resulting in barriers to absorption and diffusion of metabolites. Secondary amyloidosis can occur from an infection or existing i nflammatory disease. Amyloidosis can occur in the intestines, skeletal and smooth muscles, nerves, skin, ligaments, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The recent paper demonstrated how researchers were able to create an agent that would seek out beta amyloid in the brain and use the attached copper to cut up the toxic amyloid. The compound showed promising selectivity for the target, thus avoiding side effects that so often result from medications. While current drugs in trial will dissolve the amyloid plaques that occur in Alzheimer’s disease, this latest discovery may offer treatment possibilities for other forms of amyloidosis. Government Grants Propel New Research Projects Researchers at the Institute are participating in thirteen new research projects recently funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). $3.95M was awarded to MHRI researchers and collaborators, plus $4.6M to the extended Neurodegeneration Group . These competitive peer-reviewed grants are a testimony to the high level of research conducted at the Institute. Some of the projects funded through MHRI include:
Alzheimer's feature on Catalyst The Institute's Professor Ashley Bush was one of the experts featured on a feature on Alzheimer's disease screened on ABC's Catalyst on Thursday 18 September. Click here to watch it online. WANTED: People with Bipolar Disorder for new study We are looking for 150 people with bipolar disorder to take part in a treatment trial for NAC, which previous results suggest can help with depressive symptoms. The trial will be a maintenance-designed trial where all participants are given NAC for two months. Individuals will then be randomly selected to either continue NAC treatment or receive a placebo. Participants will continue on the trial for a further six months with regular interviews to assess changes in symptoms. The trial of NAC will be conducted in addition to the usual treatment participants are undergoing. For more information, contact Trial Coordinator Olivia Dean on Christmas Cards. The Institute's research benefits from Christmas Card sales each year. In 2008 we are offering 5 new card designs at $12 per pack of 10 cards. There are also mixed packs of surplus stock available for $8 per pack (priced include GST but exclude postage. To view the order form click here (PDF 284KB). MHRI Newsletter ‘Towards Understanding’ To receive this biannual newsletter in the mail,
email nalfreds@mhri.edu.au
with your full name and postal address or phone Seminars: Click here to stay up to date with upcoming seminars. Mental Health Cup 2009 The 2009 Mental Health Cup will be held on Sunday 1 March. It offers a great way to entertain clients or engage with staff while supporting a fabulous cause: Alzheimer's research. For more information, contact Nichole on 03 9389 2928.
Alzheimer's trials show disease may not be irreversible Completion of a recent clinical trial showed that the drug, PBT2, discovered by researchers at MHRI, may be able to address the cause of the disease. To view the Nine News piece about the discovery please click here. |
