Neuroscience and neurosurgery

MQ Health is world recognised for its research into motor neuron disease (MND, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and the genetically-related disease frontotemporal dementia. We have Australia’s largest research program dedicated to MND, conducted at the Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research.

Research within the centre begins with understanding the genetic and epigenetic origins of the disease, including the sporadic (ie non-hereditary) forms of the disease, and moves through exploring the defects that occur in protein production and processing, and cellular and sub-cellular dysfunction within the nervous system.

These insights are then moved into testing potential therapies in animal models of the disease, with a view to eventual clinical trials in patients.

This discovery pipeline is only made possible by the involvement of clinical researchers within MQ Health Neurology, home to Australia’s largest MND clinic and Australia’s largest longitudinal MND biobank, the Macquarie University Neurodegenerative Diseases Biobank. A number of clinical trials of possible MND therapies are actively underway within MQ Health Neurology at present, and more are expected to commence in coming years as fundamental discoveries from the centre translate to therapies.

There is a rapidly growing activity in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Our Dementia Research Centre is one of Australia's leading centres for discovery research into the cellular and molecular origins of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and other types of dementia.

Researchers within the centre are undertaking detailed studies of animal models and patients’ samples to unlock the causes of these terrible diseases. Fundamental discoveries made by the centre in recent years are being translated into potential drugs and therapies in partnership with industry.

In other areas of research, several large trials of potential preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are underway, while other research is exploring the potential related pathological mechanisms between Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma and vascular problems.

These sorts of multidisciplinary projects build on the unique research ecosystem within MQ Health, drawing on fundamental researchers within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, the MQ Health Clinical Trials Unit, and leading research clinicians in glaucoma within MQ Health Ophthalmology and cardiovascular expertise in the MQ Health Cardiology Clinic.

Other related research includes a focus on understanding, and reducing, the effects of neuro-inflammation in these and other neurological diseases and disorders, including multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and autism.

This research explores the fundamental neurophysiological processes that occur within the central nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic bodily functions such as breathing, swallowing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

While this research seeks to understand the intricacy and complexity of the nervous system, the insights from it are offering new directions for managing health conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and mental health disorders including depression, schizophrenia and drug addiction.

Meanwhile, research at the junction of neurophysiology and pharmacology is exploring how opioid and cannabinoid receptors in cells respond to different illicit and prescription drugs. These fundamental insights can guide new types of drug therapies for conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain.

This research seeks to improve the surgical treatments for:

• Syringomyelia — a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord that arises in a number of diseases and conditions.
• Cerebral aneurysms — bulges or pouches on arteries in the brain, which can rupture and cause stroke or death.
• Arteriovenous malformations — where arteries and veins in the brain connect directly without the usual capillary bed, again risking rupture and neurological problems.

Our researchers are trying to understand the physiological origins and behaviour of these conditions, in order to develop treatments that deliver best outcomes for patients.

For example, they are exploring non-invasive pathways to remove arteriovenous malformations, such as by use of ‘gamma knife’ therapy combined with pharmaceuticals. Likewise, they are developing simulation software that can predict the chance of aneurysm rupture and determine the most effective surgical intervention, when surgery is required.

MQ Health’s Australian Institute of Health Innovation is pursuing research on service provision and patient safety in areas that relate to neurosciences and the associated clinical areas.

Some of this research seeks to understand how to reduce dementia-related complications during hospitalisation of older patients.

Other projects are exploring how to ensure the safe and appropriate use of pharmaceuticals for dementia patients within residential aged care facilities.