THE MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

IMPROVING THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR MENTAL DISORDERS

The vision of the Mental Health Research Institute (MHRI) is to lead cutting edge research focused upon improving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of major mental disorders. Based in Melbourne, Australia, MHRI concentrates its efforts towards understanding • Schizophrenia • Bipolar and major Mood Disorder • Alzheimer’s Disease.

Schizophrenia and Bipolar Mood Disorder

Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide (WHO).

Scientists at MHRI are leading the way in multidisciplinary clinical and fundamental research on the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder, with a focus on receptor and synapse biology.

Utilizing a unique collection of postmortem brain tissue, in-vivo models and cell cultures, MHRI investigates disease causation. Our techniques are centered on:

• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Phenotyping
• Neurochemistry/neurohistochemistry
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Psychopharmacology
• Cognitive neuropsychiatry including fMRI and PET brain imaging
• Pharmacogenomics

MHRI is experienced in identifying:

• • Changes in brain structure in schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder
• • Major therapeutic targets
• • Mechanisms of action of psychopharmacological medications and of drugs of addiction.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Economic modeling indicates that the direct costs of dementia will more than double over the next decade.

Scientists at MHRI have led the detailed elucidation of the role of the protein Amyloid-beta in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Our Alzheimer’s Disease Research Group is now investigating the cause of Amyloid-beta deposits in brain, environmental risk factors, the mechanism of neurotoxicity of Amyloid-beta and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

In collaboration with Prana Biotechnology, MHRI has undertaken the fundamental research and clinical trials of the metal protein-attenuating drug, clioquinol, which moderates Amyloid-beta deposition and toxicity.

TO FIND OUT MORE

MHRI is looking to build partnerships with commercial, academic and philanthropic organizations.

Visit our website:
www.mhri.edu.au

OR CONTACT:
Professor George Fink
Director
The Mental Health Research Institute
155 Oak Street
Parkville, Victoria
3052 Australia
Ph: +61 (3) 9388-1633
Fax: +61(3) 9387-5061
E-mail: gfink@mhri.edu.au