Brain Matters Autumn 2021

BRAIN MATTERS

FLOREY RESEARCHERS AMONG FIRST IN WORLD TO WARN OF COVID-19’S ‘SILENT WAVE’

Director’s Report

Welcome to the first issue of Brain Matters for 2021. I hope that this issue finds you and your loved ones healthy and happy. In the last edition, I talked about how the Florey’s researchers have felt an obligation to turn their attention to the challenges caused by COVID-19. As you’ll see in our cover story, our researchers Professor Kevin Barnham and Dr Leah Beauchamp were among the first in the world to sound the alarm on the possible neurological impacts of COVID-19. Drawing on their combined expertise in Parkinson’s disease and the olfactory system, as well as their knowledge of the historical example in the Spanish Flu outbreak that began in 1918, Kevin and Leah made national news with their work in this area. Not content to stop there, their laboratory remains hard at work as they seek to provide early methods of diagnosis to get ahead of the Parkinson’s disease public health crisis.

You’ll also read about some elegant and forward-thinking research conducted by Professor Clive May and Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva. You may recall from previous editions of Brain Matters that the duo have been investigating ways to treat sepsis which is the leading cause of deaths in intensive care units worldwide. Clive and Yugeesh described to me reading about multi-organ failure in people affected by COVID-19, and how they immediately set up a call to discuss whether their work in sepsis could help in developing a treatment.

For long-term friends of the Florey, you’ll know that our researchers often talk about the importance of pursuing science for ‘the long game’. To find new ways to understand, diagnose, treat and cure the illnesses we study can take time. I hope you join me in taking pride as you read how a man in his 40s in a critically ill condition due to COVID-19 was able to walk out of hospital after receiving the treatment regime developed by Clive and Yugeesh, in collaboration with their colleagues at Austin Health.

This example provides me with enormous hope for all of the illnesses that we study. With the generous support of people like you, Florey researchers are working every day to a future where prevention or treatments are available for every neurological and mental health condition that we research. Thank you for being on this journey with us.

Celebrating the Faces of the Florey

Alicia Sedo, Research Assistant, Ion Channels and Human Diseases Laboratory

“The most interesting part of our research at the Florey is seeing the combination of clinical, computational and scientific projects all working towards improving treatments for people with epilepsy.”

Professor Steven Petrou PhD FAHMS Director, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

“If you gave me $1 million dollars, I would use it for research. I can think of a lot of good experiments I’d do. The most exciting work is high risk, high return science that could lead to big discoveries.”

Professor Tony Hannan, Head, Epigenetics and Neural Plasticity Laboratory

The Florey’s staff and students are the bedrock of our research and success. Together we are connected by our mission to improve lives through brain and mental health research.

Over the past few months, we’ve been bringing some of our Faces of the Florey and their unique stories to our social media audience. This inspiring campaign was developed by Rebecca Singleton, a Research Assistant in our stroke theme who undertook a 10 day internship with the Florey’s Public Affairs team. The campaign also had input from the Florey's Equality in Science group.

facebook-square instagram-square linkedin twitter-square Like the campaign? Visit our social media channels to read all of the stories and celebrate with us the people who make up the special place that is the Florey.

“I love being able to work with such a diverse range of individuals and meet every participant who comes to MRI. Their experience is an absolutely important part of my job.”

“The Florey has a great culture in encouraging our development into well-rounded researchers by creating opportunities to learn. All my greatest achievements have involved leaving my comfort zone and trying new things.”

Stanley

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be innovative and help people. I was always drawn to medical research because the scientific community thrives on pushing the boundaries and challenging existing practices to help people in the most meaningful and supportive ways.”

“I love that I get to work in a place with so many brilliant minds, and that my job is to take research and package it in a way that is accessible for all. The Florey operates like a brain – everything is interconnected, fast-paced and constantly innovating.”

Renee Mineo, MRI Radiographer

Hung, PhD student, Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory

Alex Oman, Research Assistant, Vascular Neurodegeneration Laboratory

Dr Shaz Sivanesan, Public Affairs Officer, Public Affairs team

Florey researchers warn of COVID-19’s ‘silent wave’

Is the world prepared for a wave of neurological consequences that may be on its way as a result of COVID-19?

This question is at the forefront of research underway at the Florey where a team of neuroscientists are examining the potential link between COVID-19 and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

It was a report of a seemingly minor symptom of the virus that first caught the eye of lead researcher Professor Kevin Barnham and then PhD Candidate Dr Leah Beauchamp. Hearing that three out of four people infected with COVID-19 experience reduced or complete loss of smell led the team into an investigation that resulted in them being among the first in the world to publish on the potential long-term neurological effects of COVID-19, dubbing it the ‘silent wave’.

“While this symptom can appear as little cause for concern, it actually tells us a lot about what’s happening inside which is acute inflammation in the olfactory system responsible for smell,” explained Dr Beauchamp.

globe-asia Read more about this research and how your donations are helping continue our important work in COVID-19 by visiting our website.

Inflammation is understood to play a major role in neurodegenerative diseases and has been particularly well studied in Parkinson’s. Professor Barnham and Dr Beauchamp’s expertise in this area led them not only to warn about the impact of COVID-19, but to pursue an early diagnosis method for Parkinson’s disease.

“We believe loss of smell, which presents in around 90% of people in early stages of Parkinson’s and a decade ahead of motor symptoms, provides a way forward in detecting someone’s risk of developing the disease early,” added Dr Beauchamp.

Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s currently relies on presentation of motor dysfunction, but research shows that 5070% of dopamine cell loss in the brain has already occurred by this time. Professor Barnham says that by waiting until this stage to diagnose and treat, the window for therapies to have their intended effect has already been missed.

The team, which also includes Professors David Finkelstein and Ashley Bush from the Florey, as well as clinical collaborator Dr Andrew Evans, are working to change this. They hope to establish a simple screening protocol to identify people at risk of developing Parkinson’s, or who are in early stages of the disease, at a time when therapies have the greatest potential to prevent onset of motor dysfunction. They have developed two neuroprotective therapies that are currently under investigation and recently identified a cohort of subjects who are ideally suited to study the treatments.

“We can take insight from the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918 where the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increased two to three-fold after the event,” said Professor Barnham. He continued,

“The world was caught off guard the first-time, but it doesn’t need to be again. We now know what needs to be done. Alongside a strategised public health approach, tools for early diagnosis and better treatments are going to be key.”

Professor Kevin Barnham and Dr Leah Beauchamp are among a team who believe smell presents a way forward in diagnosing Parkinson’s early. Pictured here with a sniff test that could make up one of a series of tools in their proposed screening protocol.

Breakthrough sepsis treatment moves into trials

A vitamin C regime specially formulated at the Florey is being trialled in an intensive care setting after showing promise in reversing multi-organ failure caused by sepsis. Developed by Professor Clive May and Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva, the antioxidant regime was used to treat a COVID-19 patient who was critically ill in hospital with multi-organ failure.

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to an underlying infection which can lead to multi-organ failure and death. Although sepsis is the main cause of death in ICU and responsible for 11 million deaths globally each year, no treatments are available to reverse its effects.

“After four years in development, we started trialling intravenous delivery of a mega-dose of sodium ascorbate, the sodium salt of vitamin C, in a large animal study in early 2020. The results were quite remarkable,” said Professor May. He explained, “We saw rapid improvements in body temperature and heart, kidney, lung and liver function with no adverse effects. Essentially, we were witnessing a reversal of sepsis-induced multi-organ failure.”

When Professor May, Dr Lankadeva and their collaborator, Professor Rinaldo Bellomo, Director of Intensive Care Research at Austin Health, became aware of growing reports of multi-organ failure in COVID-19 cases they pivoted their efforts to investigate how their newly developed regime may be able to help patients with COVID-19.

“Like most people in the medical research community, we felt an obligation to help in whatever way we can. We thought, if there was chance that our treatment regime could also be used to keep COVID-19 patients alive then we had to try,” shared Dr Lankadeva.

The team worked swiftly to accelerate a treatment protocol for use in humans and in April 2020 the regime was approved to treat a critically ill COVID-19 patient in intensive care at Austin Health.

“In a short period of time, we saw significant improvement in a range of vital signs. The patient was taken off machine ventilation 12 days after starting treatment and discharged from hospital without any complications 22 days later,” explained Professor Bellomo.

The research has informed a pilot randomised controlled trial now underway at Austin Health.

“This important work also continues at the Florey where we are establishing the optimal dose and treatment duration so the regime can be used in intensive care units as a potential life-saving option for patients with sepsis,” said Professor May.

(L-R) Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva, Prof Rinaldo Bellomo and Prof Clive May

Research by Professor Clive May and Dr Yugeesh Lankadeva has led to a clinical trial to treat sepsis.

youtube-square Watch national TV coverage of this research by visiting our YouTube channel

Exploring the brain’s ‘unknown zone’

“Learning and memory are fundamental to human and animal behaviour. Mapping how these cells in the zona incerta connect to the rest of the brain and how these connections are activated during learning and memory will advance our knowledge of how behaviour may be controlled in the nervous system,” said Dr Perry.

“We believe the zona incerta could be involved in numerous functions thanks to its widespread connections throughout the brain, but there’s still so much that remains unknown about how it operates.”

The team was awarded Discovery Project funding from the Australian Research Council receiving over $519,000 to undertake the project.

A mystery region of the brain associated with learning and memory is set to reveal its secrets in a new study exploration at the Florey. Described as one of the least studied regions of the brain, the zona incerta – translated as the “unknown zone” in Latin – will be at the centre of the project.

Dr Christina Perry and Professor Andrew Lawrence who are leading the project were the first to identify a specific population of cells in this region that when activated, inhibit expression of memory and acquisition of new learning.

“This incredibly exciting project will allow us to bring new knowledge of the brain’s circuitry to the scientific community, such as how the brain combines information to produce a behavioural output, like learning. We hope to investigate the connectivity of these cells before moving to test their function experimentally,” said Professor Lawrence.

An easy cause to get behind

The Florey is grateful for recent donations made in memory of Alan Naylor. Alan sadly passed away last year after a long struggle with dementia and cancer. He was 73 years old.

His daughter Alana nominated the Florey as a charity to honour her father’s passing in lieu of flowers at his funeral.

“Brain research is important to me. We watched dad’s decline over seven years, it was really confronting. I also lost a best friend to brain cancer,” explained Alana. Alana wanted her father’s passing to provide hope to others living with dementia through research.

“I’m hesitant to donate to just any cause. I really wanted it to go to a cause that was helping us to find the answers. I looked around and I really liked the perspective of the Florey. To find answers, research needs to happen. There’s still so much unknown about the brain” said Alana.

“I shared the link with friends in Oz, they were all impressed with the Florey’s work. It’s a pretty easy cause to get behind.”

Alana’s friends raised over $2,500 for research. Alana who is based in Hong Kong, was overwhelmed by the support that the local community there showed to her chosen cause.

“I told the funeral home in Australia we had selected the Florey. I mentioned in passing to a friend in Hong Kong, but I was so focused on the eulogy and supporting mum that I didn’t pay much attention. I was amazed by their generosity, it was beautiful”.

Alana and her mother Amanda learnt a great deal during their journey with dementia. They hope that through research better awareness can be achieved.

shared Alana.

“My wish is for there to be better understanding, more knowledge and less fear,”

Green stained cells in a brain slice show the cell population at the centre of the research investigation.

Alan Naylor with his daughter Alana

Shining spotlight on the Brains Trust: Bringing Science to Life

Since 2015 more than 65 Florey donors have generously donated to our giving group which is aptly known as the Brains Trust.

Chris Aarons and Andrew Keen are two Florey donors who have been members of the Brains Trust since its establishment. The couple was particularly fascinated by the work happening at the Florey in concussion and sport. Their interest grew after Chris completed a coaching session in neuroscience.

“I had just done some eye-opening training in neuroplasticity, when our friend Ross Oakley spoke to us about the Florey and its research. Our interests and the Brains Trust just married up,” she explained.

The Florey shares the latest breakthroughs and updates with Brains Trust donors via engaging events and gettogethers throughout the year.

“I love the opportunities and the ability to choose which events we attend. It’s always fascinating to get insights. The dinners are great, we love them. The virtual Dine in and Discover last year was amazing,” Chris continued.

“Being in the Brains Trust gives us the opportunity to learn about topics that people are frightened of but that we all need to know more about. You really don’t need to have a science background to understand. Florey scientists break down their research into bite size chunks of information in a practical way. They really bring the science to life”.

Her husband Andrew feels that by giving to the Brains Trust he can make a contribution that he would otherwise not be able to make.

Thank you for sharing with us

We are thrilled to have engaged with over 700 donors and supporters in our survey late last year.

Your input allowed us to gain a better understanding of your interest in the Florey’s work and we will use this information to improve communications, enhance events and strengthen relationships.

Thank you also for taking the time to share your stories with us, we were touched to hear about your experiences.

If you missed out on the survey and would like to have your say, please email the fundraising team at fundraising@florey.edu.au.

He explained, “I support the Florey because they do great work. I’m not a researcher so I can’t support in that scientific way but as a professional I can get behind them financially. The talks are what I take from it. They cover a wide range of topics that I wouldn't hear about otherwise and educate me along the way”.

We thank Chris and Andrew, and all the Brains Trust donors for their gifts, support and ongoing commitment to our research.

Interested in learning more about the Brains Trust?

If you too would like to meet Florey researchers, mingle with neuroscientists and get to know likeminded donors we invite you to contact us at fundraising@florey.edu.au.

Chris Aarons (left) and Andrew Keen (right) with Russel Howcroft at the launch of the Brains Trust in 2015.

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2021 Public Lecture Series

Thank you for making our 2020 virtual lecture series such an enormous success. We will be sending information about the 2021 lecture series via email so make sure you are signed up to receive our newsletter and watch your inbox and our social media channels for invitations and updates on our exciting new lecture series. For questions on the series call our Fundraising Team on 1800-063-693.

Thank you

The Florey thanks our recent donors who kindly donated $250 or more between 4 September 2020 and 18 January 2021:

Christine Aarons | David & Slavka Abraham | James and Judy Allen | Tony Atkinson | Australian NPC Disease Foundation | Kay Barber | Philip Barlow | Walter Beale OAM

JP | Graeme A Billings | Patricia Boekel | Edward &Hazel Brentnall | June Cameron

| Lyndsey Cattermole AM | Grace Cavanagh | George Chabvonga | Patricia Clennett

| John & Christine Collingwood | Kevin J Cosgrave | Geoffrey Davey | Arthur & Anne

Davey | Eril Deighton | Rose Downer | Jan Dunbar | Robin Elliott | Andrew Erikson

|

Estate of Pierina (Lucy) Lucia Piccoli | Estate of John David Richards | Estate of Margaret Ilona Robson | Estate of Marjorie Constance Talan | Estate of Doreen

Merle Taylor (Heather Williams) | Tamie Fraser AO | Fred Frohlich | Gemma Furtado

|

Tom & Jennifer Garlick | David Geer | Wayne & Suzanne Gill | Peter & Sandra

Gillooly | Shirley Gionfriddo | Clare Gleeson-McGuire | Ronda Hall | Shirley Hallows

| Christopher Hammond | Harbig Family Foundation | The Jane Frances Hayes and Frederick William Hayes Charitable Trust | Loris Hewett | I Y Hoolihan | John Izon

| Kate Joel | Andrew Keen | Stephen Kenmar | Peggy I Knight | Will & Angie Leaf | William P Lewis | R Maeder & M Maeder | Marin Accountants | Peter McArdle | Bruce

McKenzie | John A McKenzie | Muriel P McLaren | Harold Mitchell AC | Mooroolbark

Umbrella Group | Jenifer Mullen | S Baillieu Myer AC | Amanda Naylor | Helen Ng

| Pamela Noble | Doris Enid O'Brien | Judith A Overbeek | Pakenham Opportunity

Shop | Ann C Parris | Frances J Parris | Mary Phiddian | Ron Pitcher AM | Anthony & Helen Pyman | Ralph and Betty Sims Fund (Australian Communities Foundation)

| Rembach Family | Ralph & Ruth Renard | Caroline Richardson | Ruth Richardson

| Caroline Robertson | John & Pamela Sharwood | Frances & Keith Shaw | Betty M

Smith | Betty Stinson | Melanie Strathearn | Takako M Subocz | Elizabeth Swain | Christine R Sweeney | Gregory & Wendy Taggart | Jenny Tatchell | Kathryn Thaniel

| Debbie & Peter Thomas | Andrew Tinney | Gary & Glenise Travaglia | Elizabeth M

Trevena | Devin Trussell | Kay Tudor | Patricia Turner | John & Robyn Vroland | Kaaren

Whyte | John Wilde | Garth Willey | Harry Williams | Margaret Wilson | Sineke Winter |

Katharine Wood | Susanna Woodall |

Donations in memory of:

Glenda Bishop | Warwick Dunn | Sophie Dupuis | Clarrie Hansford |

Andrew Harradence | Jillian Liddell | Cathryn Lundie | Christine Anne Makin |

Alan Naylor | Concetta Sanciolo | Janice Swabey | Malcolm Symonds |

Donations in celebration of birthday:

Alasdair Cameron Gordon

Keep up to date with all our research news by visiting the Florey website and following us on social media.

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About the Florey

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is the largest brain research centre in the Southern hemisphere specialising in diseases of the brain and mind. Over 4.7 million Australians each year are directly affected by the illnesses we study. We are a world leader in discovery science, imaging technologies, clinical trials, population studies, data analytics and more. Our scientists share a common goal – to improve the lives of people through our brain and mind research.

We study:

• Addiction

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Anxiety

• Autism

• Bipolar disorder

• Cardiovascular disease

• Concussion

• Depression

• Epilepsy

• Huntington’s disease

• Motor neurone disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Schizophrenia

• Stroke

• Traumatic brain & spinal cord injury

Contact and acknowledgement The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health acknowledges the traditional owners of this land, the people of the Wurundjeri people and the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. Articles and photographs in this publication remain the property of the Florey and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information please contact communications@florey.edu.au