Principal investigator
Queensland Brain Institute
Established in 2003, the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is a leading research institute focused on two of the greatest challenges of modern science: understanding brain function, and preventing and treating disorders of brain function.
Neurodegeneration Pathobiology Laboratory
he lab (led by Dr Adam Walker) focuses on molecular, cellular and mouse model studies of the causes and potential treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia. The Walker lab uses biochemistry and imaging techniques to study neuronal cell culture and genetically modified mouse models of MND and FTD, alongside analysis of human brain and spinal cord samples, to investigate the involvement of TDP-43 in disease.
On-going studies in the lab aim to identify the key protein components of TDP-43 pathology and the causes of TDP-43 malfunction, and to determine the role of cellular stress responses and glial alterations in disease pathogenesis. The Walker lab is also using advanced quantitative proteomics studies to develop global maps of the biochemical changes caused by alterations in TDP-43, and to reveal previously unrecognised mechanisms of disease. They are now also conducting pre-clinical studies in collaboration with other laboratories in Australia and the USA, to test potential drug candidates for MND and FTD.