James Hilton


Dr Hilton received his Ph.D. from the Department of Pathology at the University of Melbourne in 2017 for investigating the role of cuproenzyme dysfunction in the pathogenesis of motor neurone disease (MND) and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).  Both MND and progressive MS are chronic and intractable diseases that suffer from a dearth of effective treatment options.  Working in the Crouch Lab through the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dr Hilton is currently working on understanding the mechanisms of action for the compound Cu(atsm) in models of MND and MS.  This is of particular importance given the progress of Cu(atsm) in clinical trials for treating MND and Parkinson’s disease patients.  Given the relationship of copper to crucial biological processes, the investigation of cuproenzymes covers myriad pathways relating to inflammation, free radical scavenging, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, tissue morphology and myelination.  The potential for therapeutics such as Cu(atsm) to restore the functionality of these pathways perturbed in neurodegeneration forms a large basis of Dr Hilton’s research interests.

  • Contact Details
  • Current Research Focus

    Mechanisms of neurodegeneration

    Field of ResearchDescription
    110904Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases
    110903Central Nervous System
  • Key Skills
    • Protein biochemistry
    • Mouse/rat models
    • Mass Spectrometry
    • Neuroscience
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