Griffith University Gets $2.2 Million In NHMRC Investigator Grants

This project will lay a fundamental framework to target the biomolecule to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Study in Australia: Griffith University has been awarded $2.2 million across the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grants.

Out of which, Associate Professor Bronwyn Griffin from the School of Nursing and Midwifery will receive a $1.6 million Investigator Grant which will be used for her project into a new implementable early burn care intervention strategy for children across Australia.

Dr Yun Shi from the Institute for Glycomics will receive a $674,000 Investigator Grant for his project which looks at molecular characterisation of NMNAT2 activity and regulation for neuroprotection.

Griffith University congratulated Associate Professor Bronwyn Griffin and Dr Yun Shi.  Children with burns require special often complex treatments sooner, sometimes within 24 hours of the injury to get effectively treated and minimise the chronic and emotional physical scars. Associate Professor Griffin’s research aims to test simple new technologies to make sure every child, no matter where they live, gets the best care. Whereas, Dr Shi’s project aims to study a brain biomolecule that protects nerve cells in the context of neurodegenerative disorders.

Griffith University research breakthrough offers hope for long covid patients

The researchers at the National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery that could bring relief to those struggling with Long COVID. 

In a first-of-its-kind finding, the researchers have identified a way to restore the faulty function of ion channels on immune cells using a well-known drug typically used for other medical purposes.

The team had previously shown success in restoring ion channel function in  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) patients using a drug called Naltrexone, and now they’ve achieved similar results with Long-term COVID patients.

First author PhD candidate Etianne Sasso said the research team had previously reported restoring the function of these ion channels of immune cells in laboratory trials.

“Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passage of ions (charged particles) across the cell membrane,” Ms Sasso said.

This finding offers immense hope for ME/CFS symptoms, including muscle fatigue, brain fog and issues with the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) is preparing to introduce two clinical trials - one for ME/CFS, one for long Covid testing the effectiveness of low-dose Naltrexone. 

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