Neurovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Research Focus

The research team led by Professor John Mamo, with the expertise of Associate Professor Ryusuke Takechi and Dr Virginie Lam, is at the forefront of investigating the connections between neurovascular dysfunction, metabolic disturbances and neurological diseases. Their work involves a unique combination of discovery science, where they delve into the molecular and physiological processes underlying diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and chronic pain conditions like migraine and endometriosis and a strong translational focus aimed at turning this knowledge into practical treatments for patients.

Professor Mamo’s extensive background in physiology, vascular biology, nutrition and neuroscience has laid the foundation for ground-breaking research on how metabolic processes, affect brain function and health. His team is actively exploring how disturbances in the blood-brain barrier and vascular health contribute to the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Through this research, they are uncovering how age-related changes in the brain’s blood vessels lead to neuroinflammation, cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Their work is shifting paradigms, as demonstrated by the team’s pioneering discovery that Alzheimer’s disease may be driven by vascular changes rather than only amyloid build up, which has led to innovative drug development and clinical trials.

In 2025, the team will advance their translational research into the clinic, with multi-site drug trials for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. These clinical trials will assess the potential of novel therapies to address the underlying vascular and metabolic dysfunctions contributing to these neurodegenerative disorders. The PIA Study (www.PIAStudy.com.au) is one of the key projects underway, focusing on the role of lipoprotein metabolism in Alzheimer’s, with the aim of providing patients with new treatment options. In addition, the team is working on nutraceutical trials targeting the repair and regeneration of myelin in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which could offer hope to those living with this debilitating disease by promoting myelin restoration and improving nerve function.

The team is also addressing other quality-of-life issues, such as cognitive “foggy-brain” symptoms, often seen in neurological disorders and chronic pain conditions. With a focus on microvascular health, they are testing nutraceutical interventions aimed at improving capillary tone and reducing inflammation, which has shown promising results in reducing migraine frequency and severity. Their research is expanding to include trials for women suffering from endometriosis, a condition often associated with severe pain due to chronic inflammation and for patients with other chronic pain syndromes.

Through these efforts, Professor Mamo’s team is leading the way in bridging laboratory discoveries with real-world clinical applications. Their research has the potential to transform how we understand and treat common neurological diseases and chronic pain, providing new avenues for prevention and recovery, and ultimately improving the lives of those affected by these conditions.