Achievements

Much of MIMR’s research is on understanding the fundamentals of biology and unlocking the mysteries of the human body. As such this work provides the foundations for new approaches in medical science. It requires foresight and vision as it can often be many years before MIMR’s discoveries are transformed into approved therapies or diagnostics.

With the passing of time the value of this work becomes more apparent as more and more people worldwide benefit from the discoveries of the scientists and clinicians who have worked as part of MIMR over the years. What were initially considered groundbreaking developments are now accepted as common knowledge or standard practice in medical science.

Recent Research Highlights

2007

A Step towards Containing Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer generally spreads through the body very quickly. By identifying factors involved in this rapid growth and transition into secondary cancers, scientists at MIMR’s Centre for Cancer Research are making important inroads in the quest to improve the long term survival of people with this type of cancer.

Controlling estrogen action to treat the aging prostate with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)

Scientists at MIMR’s Centre for Urological Research are recognised by the international scientific community for their insights into the role of the hormones in prostate disease. The team has demonstrated how an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in the prostate can lead to abnormal prostate growth and targeting estrogens is a rationale approach to new hormone based therapies for BPH.

Key genes in the regulation of intestinal development and cancer

Scientists at MIMR have built on their previous discovery that ELF3, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors (protein factors that regulate the transcription of other genes), was critical to the normal development of the intestine. Research published in the prestigious journal, Gastroenterology, demonstrate that a single gene of the hundreds regulated by ELF3 is responsible for the abnormality in development. This gene encodes a receptor for TGF, a growth factor that plays a key role in the regulation of growth and cancer. Understanding these molecular pathways will facilitate the development of diagnostics and treatments for diseases of intestinal development and cancer.

Interferons and Cancer

A collaborative research project between scientists at the MIMR’s Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease and the Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Institute indicates that of all of the molecules that are known to boost the body’s immune response to cancer, interferon, a molecule discovered 50 years ago by virtue of its antiviral actions, is the most potent. The study, published in the Journal of Immunology, demonstrates that these anticancer properties of interferons are directed at the body’s natural killer cells that are crucial in the fight against cancer.

2006

Growing Human Prostate Tissue in the Lab

A revolutionary tool for research into prostate disease has been developed by the Centre for Urological Research team. By growing human prostate tissue from stem cells these scientists have produced a vital model for understanding how and why both prostate cancer and benign prostate disease develop. This tissue will allow us to study the regulation of prostatic stem cells in normal and diseased tissues. It also has the potential for laboratory testing of new treatments for these conditions.

A Key to Blocking Viruses

Potential new drug therapies that could effectively treat viruses, by stopping their spreading through the body, are currently under development by biotechnology companies based on the Centre for Cancer Research’s creation of short interfering RNA in the laboratory. RNA interference is a naturally occurring process in the body that is responsible for stopping virus multiplication. It is hoped that these treatments may also have applications in the treatment of cancer.

Learning How to Prevent Septic Shock

MIMR’s Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease has identified a possible way to control the body’s immune response and stop the development of septic shock following bacterial infection. By manipulating a protein known as SOCS1 they have been able to destroy the messenger that prompts the immune system to keep fighting even after an infection has passed. It is the continued fight or excessive immune response that leads to sepsis and septic shock. Thousands of lives could be saved if septic shock could be prevented.

Understanding Blood Disorder Development

Increased knowledge of how and why blood disorders develop is a vital step towards finding new ways to diagnose and treat these diseases. Scientists at the Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease have identified a possible trigger for the increased levels of a factor known as STAT3 in blood disorders like acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Further investigations will confirm if this has provided a target for future therapies.

Linking Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

Utilising their expertise in infant sleep patterns and problems, Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research scientists have identified a vital clue to how sleep apnea (temporary cessation of breathing usually associated with snoring) increases the risk of heart attack. An animal model of sleep apnea developed by the team has shown that during apnea episodes blood pressure rises, increasing the workload on the heart, and its blood flow needs. At the end of apnea, workload and blood flow are mismatched, increasing the risk for heart problems.

Managing Blood Pressure in Premature Babies

Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research clinicians and scientists have developed a new mathematical score for brain oxygen supply monitored using a device known as a Near Infra-Red Spectroscope (NIRS). The score identifies premature babies that are at increased risk of brain injury from low blood pressure. Intensive monitoring and early treatment of low blood pressure can ensure that oxygen levels in the brain do not drop to a point where vulnerable brain neurons are damaged.

2005

Adult Stem Cells in the Endometrium

Centre for Women’s Health Research scientists were the first to discover and extract two types of adult stem cells from the uterus. The location of mesenchymal stem cells is particularly significant as it is from this type of stem cell that bone, muscle, fat and cartilage are formed. Not only will this help further understanding of how several diseases of the uterus develop, but could lead to the bioengineering of tissue and ligament for a range of conditions.

Possible Fibroid Genes

Scientists at MIMR’s Centre for Women’s Health Research have identified a small group of genes that appear to be involved in the growth of uterine fibroids. If ongoing research confirms this initial discovery, these genes could become a target for innovative treatment strategies and diagnostics.

Breast Growth Gene

Centre for Functional Genomics and Human Disease scientists made a breakthrough in breast cancer research with the discovery of the Elf5 gene. This team found that this gene controls the growth of the mammary gland. This has significant implications for breast cancer development and may impact future management of the disease.

Cattle Cloning

MIMR scientists have been pioneers in animal cloning for agricultural purposes as the first group in Australia to produce a cloned calf. Although this work is no longer being pursued at this Institute, in 2005 the Centre for Reproduction and Development team made another significant contribution to international understanding of cloning procedures with the introduction of a new technique known as serial nuclear transfer. The birth Brandy, a calf produced using this technology, provided valuable insight into the gene networks involved in early embryo development in cloned animals.

Shark Artificial Insemination

Members of the Centre for Reproduction and Development performed the world’s first artificial insemination of a shark in a bid to boost the dwindling numbers of the Grey Nurse Sharks – one of the most endangered species in Australian waters. Although no offspring have been produced as yet the research is progressing.

Potential Chronic Liver Disease Treatment

No effective treatment currently exists for people living with chronic liver diseases, a degenerative condition which eventually requires a liver transplant. The discovery by MIMR’s Centre for Reproduction and Development that the reproductive hormone follistatin stops the progression of this disease in an animal model could lead to new treatments that prolong the health of patients waiting for a transplant.

Sound checking device for newborn babies

Scientists, clinicians and engineers have worked together at the Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research to develop an acoustic device to assess baby lung inflation. A non-invasive method for assessing the levels of air and fluid in the premature babies has been an important tool, particularly in the management of lungs that have not fully developed when birth occurs.