Identifying Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease as a Step toward a Cure
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, incurable, multifactorial neurological condition affecting over 65,000 Australians with an economic burden of $10 billion per annum. With an aging population the disease related costs will rise unless we find better ways to identify those at risk, provide early diagnosis and treat the disease from an understanding of its causation in each individual. The development of robust biomarkers is essential to meeting these challenges. No biomarkers are available which is the major impediment to progress towards a cure. We have developed a cell model of PF using patients’ own cells. Subjecting the cells to chemical stress reveals a different response between cells from PD patients and those from healthy individuals. We have several projects examining how we can use these stress tests to identify the underlying disease trigger in each patient. This is the first step toward personalised medicine for PD.
Primary supervisor: Associate Professor Stephen Wood
Other supervisor: Professor George Mellick
To apply: Contact Associate Professor Stephen Wood with your CV at s.wood@griffith.edu.au
Exploring new biological targets for treating Parkinson’s disease – from patients back to patients
Genetic factors constitute a major component in the aetiology of PD. Significant progress towards understanding the pathologic mechanisms involved in PD and developing new therapeutics has come from studies of rare families with inherited PD. We hold an advantaged position in this research field via access to the unique cohort of thousands of PD patients participating in the Queensland Parkinson’s Project. Through sophisticated genetic studies, we have identified several novel genes from rare PD families, the encoded proteins of which have great potential in elucidating new pathologic mechanisms and providing novel treatment strategies. Using methods in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and stem cell biology, we aim to shed new light on this progressive and devastating disease.
Primary supervisor: Professor George Mellick
Other supervisor: Dr Linlin Ma
To apply: Contact Professor George Mellick with your CV at g.mellick@griffith.edu.au