Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) researchers will propel scientific discovery into DNA mutations, treating human movement disorders and improving stroke outcomes after securing funding from the Australian Government.
QBI's Professor Steven Zuryn and Tessa Onraet share their insight on the fascinating role of mitochondria and how it may help us understand more about the ageing brain and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Associate Professor Steven Zuryn leads QBI's epigenetics and mitochondrial biology lab, which explores the role and impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. He is also one of the chief investigators in the new NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration – Alzheimer’s Disease
University of Queensland researchers have received two $3 million grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to accelerate knowledge and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and to improve gynaecological cancer treatment.
Dr Anne Hahn and Associate Professor Steven Zuryn have discovered a mechanism in DNA that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited, providing a promising therapeutic avenue to stop the onset of heritable and age-related diseases.
Associate Professor Steven Zuryn and Dr Michael Dai at the Queensland Brain Institute have discovered that a protein called ATSF-1 controls a fine balance between the creation of new mitochondria and the repair of damaged mitochondria.
A ‘’perfect storm’’ of genetic mutations, toxic proteins and a defect in natural cell recycling could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
