Download The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR)

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Queensland Institute
of Medical Research
1
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Queensland Institute
of Medical Research
Director
Professor Michael Good
Deputy Director
Professor Adèle Green
Our Vision
To be a world renowned
medical research institution
Our Mission
Better health through medical
research
Our Philosophy
QIMR supports scientists who
perform world-class medical
research aimed at improving
the health and well-being of
all people
Our Logo
The QIMR logo is comprised
of superimposed benzene
rings which symbolise one of
the fundamental molecular
arrangements of the chemicals
which make up living things
2
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
The Queensland Institute of Medical
Research (QIMR)
OVERVIEW OF QIMR.................................................................... 2
AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR VACCINE DEVELOPMENT ................. 3
PROTEIN DISCOVERY CENTRE.................................................. 4
DRUG DISCOVERY GROUP......................................................... 4
ONCOLOGY - RESEARCH ........................................................... 5
ONCOLOGY - THERAPEUTICS ................................................... 8
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND POPULATION STUDIES .......................... 9
INFECTIOUS DISEASE PROGRAMS......................................... 11
CELL SIGNALLING PROGRAMS............................................... 16
OTHER RESEARCH PROGRAMS.............................................. 17
ONCOLOGY MARKERS ............................................................. 18
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS ....................... 19
QIMR TISSUE BANKS ................................................................ 20
Table of Contents
3
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Overview of QIMR
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) is a fully integrated biomedical research and development
centre and one of the largest medical research institutes in Australia. QIMR has the capability to translate fundamental
basic research from the discovery and development phase, through manufacture to Phase I and II clinical trials.
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manufacture process (cGMP) manufacturing facility and Q-Pharm Pty Ltd, a company specialising in Phase I and II
clinical trials and bioequivalence studies.
Competitive Advantages
QIMR has a long and prestigious history that spans nearly 60 years in medical research. Areas of research include the
immunology and molecular basis of infectious diseases, cancers and immune disorders. The Institute is at the forefront
in the discovery of genes, candidate vaccines and cancer therapeutics and the testing of vaccines and novel therapies
at the cellular, animal model and clinical level.
QIMR has specialised facilities for genomics research, microarray and mass array analysis, transgenic and gene
knockout mice, mouse models of tumour growth and infectious diseases, confocal and laser dissection microscopy,
FACS and cell sorting facilities, PC2 animal facilities and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) capabilities.
QIMR is the home of the Australian Centre for Vaccine Development and also houses a number of specialist laboratories
including the drug discovery group and the protein discovery centre.
Corporate Alliances / Partnerships
QIMR has several strategic alliances with other medical research institutes, hospitals, universities, charitable foundations
and commercial partners. Arrangements include collaborative and contract research, development and manufacture
of novel therapeutics, clinical trials, consulting, exclusive licensing of QIMR technology, start up companies and
business partnerships. QIMR currently has agreements with 45 different Australian and international biotechnology
and pharmaceutical companies.
QIMR is a joint partner with the University of Queensland in Q-Pharm Pty Ltd. QIMR also acts on behalf of the Queensland
Department of Health to commercialise its intellectual property via start up companies. Recent start up companies
include Adipogen, a company developing novel treatments for obesity and Replikun, a company commercialising a
novel, potent vector delivery system (KUNrep™).
QIMR is a core participant in the CRC for Aboriginal Health and a key partner in the Australian Centre for International
and Tropical Health (ACITH).
Partnering Opportunities
QIMR maintains an extensive intellectual property portfolio including technologies in the oncology and infectious
disease area. QIMR seeks commercial partners who have an interest in the research and development of seed and
early stage technologies with the potential to grow rapidly into successful businesses.
For more information contact:
4
Gerald Haaima, PhD MTM
Janet Fox, PhD
Head, Business Development,
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research,
PO Royal Brisbane Hospital,
Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
Business Development Associate,
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research,
PO Royal Brisbane Hospital,
Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Ph: +61 7 3845 3734
Fax: +61 7 3362 0111
Web: www.qimr.edu.au
Email: [email protected]
Ph: +61 7 3362 0119
Fax: +61 7 3362 0111
Web: www.qimr.edu.au
Overview and Contacts
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Australian Centre for Vaccine Development
Director: Assoc Prof Rajiv Khanna
Mission
The Australian Centre for Vaccine Development (ACVD) is dedicated, through collaborative links between research
and manufacturing laboratories at QIMR and international institutions, to provide advanced training, to develop novel
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primarily aimed towards infectious diseases and human malignancies.
Vision
ACVD aims to establish itself as an internationally renowned vaccine research centre which provides opportunities for
its members to develop collaborative links with national/international academic institutions and the biotech industry and
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vaccine research.
ACVD RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Education
and
Training
Vaccine Delivery
Platforms
Technologies
Vaccines for
Infectious
Diseases
Vaccines for
Human
Malignancies
Postgraduate
and Postdoctoral
Training Program
Novel adjuvants
and vaccine
delivery modalities
(viral/DNA/
protein)
Malaria
Schistosomiasis
Hookworm
Rheumatic Fever
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Scabies
Melanoma
Hodgkin’s
lymphoma
Nasopharyngeal
carcinoma
Leukaemia
Breast Cancer
Vaccine Manufacturing
Clinical Trials
Q-Gen Pty Ltd
Q-Pharm Pty Ltd
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Ex vivo analysis of human and murine immune response
Preclinical models for infectious diseases, cancer and transplantation
Bioinformatics and T cell epitope mapping
Production of preclinical/clinical grade immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancers
Expression and production of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies
Clinical immune monitoring for vaccine studies
Phase I/II/III clinical trial design
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Emory Vaccine Centre http://www.vaccines.emory.edu/
Sabin Vaccine Institute http://www.sabin.org/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/
Centre for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland http://medschool.umaryland.edu/CVD/
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/index.html
Akita University School of Medicine http://www.med.akita-u.ac.jp/
La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology http://www.liai.org/
Leiden University Medical Centre – LUMC http://www.lumc.nl/
Monash University http://www.monash.edu.au/
University of Melbourne http://www.unimelb.edu.au/
Peter McCallum Cancer Institute http://www.petrmac.org/
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research http://www.wehi.edu.au
Australian Centre for Vaccine Development
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The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Protein Discovery Centre
Lab Head: Prof Jeff Gorman
The QIMR Protein Discovery Centre (QPDC) was established in early 2006. The QPDC aims to discover the identity
of proteins involved in, and/or affected by, physiological and disease processes and the ways in which these proteins
function and interact. This research will involve a range of techniques such as sequencing proteins isolated from
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Projects of particular interest within the QPDC involve viruses that cause serious respiratory diseases of children and
signal-activated transcription factors involved in cancer progression. However, the generic nature of expertise available
at the QPDC will allow the developed techniques to be of use in studies of other biological systems.
The QPDC is equipped with an array of high-performance mass spectrometers which are complemented with a range
of other state-of-the-art ancillary equipment required for contemporary protein chemistry and proteomics. This platform
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and cellular levels and the dynamics of the protein repertoires of cells in response to disease states and other stimuli.
The combination of expertise and infrastructure within the QPDC is broadly applicable to:
x Probing protein folding and interactions
x 0DSSLQJSURWHLQQHWZRUNVDQGSDWKZD\VLQFHOOVE\DQDO\VLVRISRVWWUDQVODWLRQDOPRGL¿FDWLRQV
x Characterisation of the proteomes of organisms and organelles
The research undertaken at the QPDC has the potential to produce important leads for development of therapeutic
agents to treat viral infections and other important medical conditions.
Drug Discovery Group
Lab Head: Prof Peter Parsons
The drug discovery group conducts basic and translational research on novel therapies for human cancer. The group
has extensive experience in working with commercial companies. Completed contracted work has included projects
FRYHULQJSUHFOLQLFDOGHYHORSPHQWFRPSRXQGHI¿FDF\LQin vitro and in vivo tumour models, mechanism of action studies
and development of a process for GMP manufacture of a drug now in Phase II clinical trials.
Services provided include:
x 7KHJHQHUDWLRQDQGLQWHUSUHWDWLRQRISKDUPDFRJHQRPLFSUR¿OHVIRUDQWLFDQFHUDJHQWV
x Functional genomics
x %LRDFWLYLW\JXLGHGSXUL¿FDWLRQRIQDWXUDOSURGXFWV
x Library screening using a range of human tumor and normal cell types including
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x Mouse models for validation in vivo
6
Protein Discovery Centre
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Oncology – Research
Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Lab Head: Prof Martin Lavin
Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a condition which often results in susceptibility to infection and cancer development. A-T
is a useful disease model system as patients with this disorder are very sensitive to radiation, exhibit a progressive
loss of brain function and have elevated risk of developing cancers including leukaemia and lymphoma of blood cells.
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the cancer susceptibility in the human disease.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIIXQFWLRQDOGRPDLQVRQWKH$7PXWDWHG$70SURWHLQDQGLQWHUDFWLQJSURWHLQV
x Mutation analysis to study the function of ATM and its role in breast cancer
x Role of ATM in the stress response and effect on neuronal function
x Role of ATM in DNA damage recognition and radiation signal transduction
x Relationship between A-T and other genetic instability syndromes
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Lab Heads: Dr Georgia Chenevix-Trench, Dr Geoff Beadle and Dr Sunil Lakhani
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in 14 Australian women. Ovarian cancer is less
common, but because it is not usually detected until it has spread around the body, it has a very poor prognosis.
Research at QIMR is aimed at:
x Understanding the risk factors for these cancers
x Understanding how they develop from normal precursor cells
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIQHZEUHDVWFDQFHUSUHGLVSRVLWLRQJHQHV
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQ RI ORZ SHQHWUDQFH EUHDVW FDQFHU VXVFHSWLELOLW\ JHQHV DQG PRGL¿HU JHQHV IRU %5&$ DQG
BRCA2
x Evaluation of the importance of molecular markers on prognosis of breast cancer
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIORZSHQHWUDQFHVXVFHSWLELOLW\JHQHVLQPROHFXODUVXEW\SHVRIRYDULDQDGHQRFDUFLQRPD
x Analysis of the downstream effects of somatic mutations in ovarian cancer
x Using molecular pathology to sub-classify breast cancer into more biologically meaningful diagnostic
categories
x Furthering our understanding of the multi-step model of breast carcinogenesis
Unique resources:
Several labs at QIMR are heavily involved with kConFaB, a cohort study of multiple case breast cancer families. From
this study extensive genetic, clinical and epidemiological data and biological specimens are available. QIMR scientists
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predisposition and susceptibility genes.
Colon Cancer
Lab Head: Prof Barbara Leggett
Colon cancer is the second most common malignancy in the developed world, with similar incidence rates for both men
and women. This type of cancer results in approximately 4,000 deaths in Australia every year and 8,500 new cases are
diagnosed annually.
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The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Identifying and understanding the genetic changes underlying different subtypes of colorectal cancer
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RI VXEJURXSV RI WXPRXUV ZLWK VLPLODU PHWK\ODWLRQ GHIHFWV XVLQJ PLFURDUUD\EDVHG PHWK\ODWLRQ
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x Exploring the functional role of oncogenic mutations using a conditional mouse model
Unique resources:
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of particular subtypes of colorectal cancers, through their large tissue bank of cancer specimens
Endocrine Cancers
Lab Head: Dr Nick Hayward
Endocrine cancers occur in any part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of hormone secreting
endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreatic and adrenal glands. Cancers of these organs usually
results in excessive hormone secretion. Examples of endocrine system cancers include adrenocortical carcinoma,
thyroid cancer and Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal tumour.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIQRYHOHQGRFULQHFDQFHUJHQHV
x Investigating the way in which defects in key cancer genes are associated with endocrine cancer predisposition
or development
x Key approaches include genome-wide linkage analysis, candidate gene mutation screening, gene expression
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Leukaemia
Lab Head: Prof Andrew Boyd
Leukaemia is the general term for a number of cancers derived from blood forming cells. These include the acute
leukaemias, chronic leukaemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma. The Leukemia Foundation provides a large
amount of funding for this laboratory.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Exploring the biology of leukaemia and other cancers through studies of leukaemia-associated proteins
x Understanding the function of Eph and ephrin membrane proteins in cancer
x Looking at how antibodies which target Eph proteins and soluble forms of their ephrin ligands can be used to
target tumours and inhibit tumour growth
x Study of an adhesion protein called Fat to determine how it contributes to leukaemia and related cancers
x Devise therapies which attack the cancer cells through targeting of the Fat protein
Melanoma and Skin Cancer
Lab Heads: Dr Nick Hayward and Prof Peter Parsons
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia and the most expensive to treat, with one Australian being diagnosed
with skin cancer every 90 seconds and more than $200 million spent annually on treatments. In Queensland, Australia,
the lifetime risk for melanoma, a particularly malignant form of skin cancer, is up to 15% and for non-melanoma skin
tumours the lifetime risk is 70%.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Screening candidate tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes for mutations in a large panel of melanoma
cell lines and fresh tumours
x Development of animal models of melanoma
8
Endocrine Cancers
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
x
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Drug screening and development
The expression of candidate tumour markers
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Improvements in solar protection
Risk factors for melanoma development
Investigating the effect of UV light on skin cells and its association with primary cancer
Assessing whether different histological type of melanoma have different patterns of mutation and/or expression
of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes
The expression of candidate tumour markers
Unique resources:
QIMR researchers are able to access newly-diagnosed patients with melanoma from the Queensland Cancer Registry.
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sections of each patient’s tumour tissue are also available.
QIMR is part of the International Melanoma Genetics Consortium (GenoMel), which has the primary objective of
identifying novel melanoma susceptibility genes. Key approaches include genome-wide linkage analysis, single
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phenotyping and transgenics.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Hodgkin’s Disease
Lab Heads: Prof Denis Moss and Assoc Prof Rajiv Khanna
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes glandular fever and is associated with a number of cancers including lymphomas in
transplant patients, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Hodgkin’s disease (HD).
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Design of recombinant vaccines to EBV-associated cancers (e.g. NPC and HD)
x Developing novel therapeutic strategies for polyclonal lymphomas in transplant patients
x Developing strategies to adoptively enhance immune response to EBV proteins expressed in NPC and HD
Unique resources:
QIMR hold patents in the area of EBV and NPC vaccines
Prostate Cancer
Lab Head: Prof Martin Lavin
It is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States, where it is responsible for more male deaths than any
other cancer, except lung cancer. However, many men who develop prostate cancer never have symptoms, undergo
no therapy, and eventually die of other causes. Many factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the
development of prostate cancer.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIJHQHVWKDWPD\EHXVHIXODVPDUNHUV
x Development of new approaches for the early detection of prostate cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Hodgkin’s Disease
9
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Oncology - Therapeutics
Clinical Trials and Cancer Therapy
Lab Heads: Dr Alejandro Lòpez and Dr Chris Schmidt
Dendritic cells (DC) are the key initiators and organisers of the immune response. They are responsible for inducing
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eliminate tumours.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x The function of DC in patients with breast cancer
x Novel DC-based immunotherapy for breast cancer
x Loading DC with tumour antigens with mRNA
x Evaluation of the antigen presentation pathways used by DC
Three cellular based vaccine trials are currently being undertaken at QIMR or are planned to commence shortly. These
trials are aimed at testing cell-based therapeutics for Stage III melanoma, metastatic prostate cancer and glioblastoma.
Two of these trials are in Phase 1 and one of the trials, after successfully completing its phase I/II trials, is now in phase
III.
&\WRNLQHEDVHGORFDOO\GHOLYHUHGLPPXQRWKHUDS\ An alternative to the use of ex vivo cultured dendritic cells
is to alter the tumour environment in situ, to enhance immune responses.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x The use of immortalised, non-cancerous cells which have been engineered to produce large amounts of
biologically active molecules (cytokines)
Bone Marrow Transplantation
Lab Head: Dr Geoff Hill
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation remains the procedure of choice for the cure of a number of haematologic
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75% but is limited by its serious complications, particularly graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Stem cell transplantation research
x The immunological effects of new growth factors to mobilise stem cells
x Graft-versus-leukemia and graft-versus-host disease
x The pathophysiology of acute graft-versus-host disease
x The effect of B cells on transplantation tolerance
x The effect of donor antigen presenting cells on GVHD and transplant tolerance
10
Oncology - Therapeutics
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Epidemiology and Population Studies
Gene Discovery and Genetic Diseases
Lab Heads: Prof Nick Martin and Dr Grant Montgomery
A challenge in genetic epidemiology is to identify the particular genes involved in complex disease aetiology. The
key resource for such advances to occur is a large sample of pairs of relatives measured for the traits of interest.
Studies conducted at QIMR of more than 7,000 twin pairs over the past ten years provide just such a resource. QIMR
scientists also have access to a Sequenom MassARRAY genomics platform and an Illumina BeadStation. The Illumina
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Research at QIMR is focused on:
Alcoholism
DNA methylation
Personality
Allergy
Eczema
(including Borderline
Personality Disorder)
Asthma
Endometriosis
Smoking
Anxiety
Iron metabolism
Twinnning (fertility)
Cognition
Melanoma
Depression
Migraine
Molecular Cancer Epidemiology
Lab Head: Dr Amanda Spurdle
It is known that familial inheritance of genes can predispose family members to develop cancer. The molecular cancer
epidemiology laboratory works on identifying the genes which contribute to endometrial, breast, ovarian and colorectal
cancer.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x %5&$DQG%5&$YDULDQWVRIXQFODVVL¿HGSDWKRJHQLFSRWHQWLDO
x Breast and ovarian cancer predisposition genes
x *HQHWLFPRGL¿HUVRIULVNLQ%5&$DQG%5&$PXWDWLRQFDUULHUV
x Ovarian cancer survival genes
Colorectal Cancer
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Collaborative family registry for colorectal cancer studies (Colon CFR)
x The genetics of serrated neoplasia
x Breast and colon families
x *HQHVHTXHQFHYDULDQWVRI005JHQHVRIXQFODVVL¿HGSDWKRJHQLFSRWHQWLDO
Endometrial Neoplasia
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Molecular epidemiology of endometrial cancer
x Endometrial cancer in Lynch Syndrome in under 50s
x Molecular pathways in subsets of endometrial cancer
x Genes associated with breast and endometrial cancer predisposition in families
Epidemiology and Population Studies
11
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Cancer and Population Studies
Lab Head: Prof Adèle Green
The cancer and population studies group investigates the role of environmental factors in the causation and prognosis
of chronic conditions, particularly cancer and its precursors. The research involves investigating how genes modify the
effect of environmental factors to cause or prevent cancer. Research is also undertaken with laboratory colleagues to
use molecular markers to investigate mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Research centres on six areas:
Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Cancer
Current studies:
x Molecular epidemiology of oesophageal cancer
x Molecular epidemiology of Barrett's oesophagus
x Prognostic markers for oesophageal cancer
x Clinical measures of obesity and risk of Barrett's oesophagus
Endometrial Cancer
Current study:
x Molecular epidemiology of endometrial cancer
Melanoma, Skin Cancer and Photoageing
Current studies:
x Exploring the causal pathways to cutaneous melanoma
x 20 year study of skin cancer in a Queensland community
x Dietary factors and actinic skin damage
x The association between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the skin
Ovarian Cancer
Current studies:
x Alternative medicine, quality of life and ovarian cancer
x Molecular epidemiology of ovarian cancer
x Epithelial ovarian cancer: risk factors and prognosis
x Comparison of quality of life and standard end-points of chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer
x Quality of life and psychosocial predictors of outcome in a population based study of ovarian cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Current study:
x Case-control study of genetic and environmental risk factors for pancreatic carcinoma
Indigenous Health Research
Current studies:
x Asthma in children in the Torres Strait
x Evaluation of education intervention program for childhood asthma by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
health workers
x Bronchiectasis in Indigenous children, causation and intervention
x Cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland
12
Cancer and Population Studies
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Infectious Disease Programs
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Lab Head: Dr Peter Ryan
Control of vectors
The control of mosquitoes and arboviruses such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, Ross River virus and Barmah
Forest virus involves integration of entomology, virology, immunology, health systems research and the social sciences.
Sustainable public health solutions will only come after ecological understanding of transmission patterns coupled with
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Research at QIMR is focused on:
x The biology and control of mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest
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Northern and Central Vietnam using biological control and community participation
x The team has strong collaborative linkages with international research groups with respect to delivery of
innovative solutions against the global dengue vector – Aedes aegypti
x QIMR scientists have a strong track record in terms of evaluation of public health insecticides and biorationals
and their suitability for contemporary mosquito control and disease prevention programs
x QIMR currently has the largest mosquito insectary facility, with temperature, humidity and photoperiod
controlled rooms, in Australia
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Lab Head: Assoc Prof Andreas Suhrbier
The immunovirology laboratory is exploiting new knowledge about interactions between viruses and the immune system
to develop novel antiviral and anticancer strategies. The laboratory focuses on arboviral research, principally members
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Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Testing systemic and intra-tumoral chemotherapeutic and biological interventions in mouse cancer models
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x Analysis of CD8 T cell based vaccines in animal models; ELISPOT and protection assays
Unique resources:
The immunovirology laboratory has extensive experience in working with commercial companies. Completed contracted
work includes projects that led to novel patents.
Clinical Tropical Medicine
Lab Head: Assoc Prof James McCarthy
The clinical tropical medicine laboratory uses modern techniques in microbiology, molecular biology and immunology to
study clinical problems associated with infectious diseases in tropical environments. Areas of interest include malaria,
scabies and Staphylococcus aureus.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Study of drug resistance and detection of drug resistance in human intestinal helminth infections
x Development of novel diagnostics for intestinal helminth infections
x Study of rapid diagnostic kits for diagnosis of malaria
x Study of the epidemiology of drug resistance in tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea
x Study of drug resistance in human scabies
x Evaluation of novel anti-malarial agents
x Investigation of pathogenic and public health issues related to malaria during pregnancy
x Phase I vaccine trials for infectious diseases
x Study of the interaction of antiretroviral drugs and malaria
Infectious Disease Programs
13
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Cytomegalovirus
Lab Head: Assoc Prof Rajiv Khanna
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cause of birth defects in Western countries. It is an infectious agent affecting immunosuppressed individuals such as
those undergone an organ transplant. There is no available vaccine for preventing congenital HCMV disease. The
Institute of Medicine in the US has ranked the development of a HCMV vaccine as a highest priority because of the
lives it would save and the disabilities it would prevent.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIQRYHOF\WRWR[LF7FHOO&7/HSLWRSHVIURPRI+&09DQWLJHQV
x 'HYHORSLQJ QHZ GLDJQRVWLF WHFKQRORJLHV IRU PRQLWRULQJ +&09VSHFL¿F LPPXQH UHVSRQVHV LQ WUDQVSODQW
patients and HIV-infected individuals
x Development of in vitro models to assess immunogenicity of vaccine formualtion for HCMV
x Development of a T cell-based therapy for HCMV disease in immunosuppressed individuals
x Development and preclinical testing of a prophylactic vaccine for HCMV
Unique resources:
QIMR holds 2 patents in the area of CMV CTL epitopes and their use in HCMV diagnostics and vaccines
Epstein - Barr virus and Associated Diseases
Lab Heads: Assoc Prof Rajiv Khanna, Prof Denis Moss and Dr Tom Sculley
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucelosis and is associated with a number of cancers, including
polyclonal lymphomas in transplant patients, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and T cell
lymphomas. EBV infects more than 90% of the human population. Following primary infection with EBV all individuals
retain the virus for life. QIMR has an extensive network of laboratories which investigate the biology, immunology and
molecular biology of the virus and its disease state interactions.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Development of vaccines against infectious mononcelosis
x Monitoring of immune responses to EBV in order to better understand infection control mechanisms
x investigation of the ability of EBV to transform and immortalise human B cells and the resultant oncogenic
potential
x Determining if EBV plays a role in the initiation and progression of several autoimmune diseases
Unique resources:
QIMR holds 4 patents in the area of EBV and NPC vaccines
GiardiaDQG2WKHU$QDHURELF3URWR]RDRI0HGLFDO,PSRUWDQFH
Lab Head: Assoc Prof Peter Upcroft
Traditional treatment of pathogenic protozoa, Giardia, Trichomonas and Entamoeba is by Metronidazole. The
investigation of drug resistant parasites has elucidated the basic enzymatic mechanisms of drug resistance which
allow the development of targeted drug design.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Synthesising and assaying novel antiparasitic drugs which are active against parasites resistant to
metronidazole and alternatively used drugs
x &UHDWLQJ WKH ¿UVW PRGHO IRU KXPDQ JLDUGLDVLV E\ LQIHFWLQJ PLFH ZLWK D YLUXOHQW Giardia strain isolated from
sulphur-crested cockatoos
x Investigating Giardia targets for extensive immunological and host/parasite studies
14
Cytomegalovirus
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Human Cytotoxic T Cells
Lab Head: Assoc Prof Scott Burrows
Cytotoxic T cells are critical for controlling viral infection and, in some cases, tumour outgrowth. These T cells recognise
and kill virus infected/tumour cells by scanning the surface of cells for foreign peptides. QIMR research has been
focused towards understanding exactly how T cells recognise foreign peptides, with the ultimate aim of improving/
exploiting/manipulating this recognition process to better control viral infection and cancer in humans.
Much of this work has involved a comprehensive investigation into how cytotoxic T cells control Epstein-Barr virus
(EBV) which causes glandular fever and is associated with a number of cancers, including lymphomas in transplant
patients, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and T cell lymphomas. EBV infects more than
90% of the human population, and following primary infection with EBV all individuals retain the virus for life.
Research is focused on:
x Identifying the precise EBV peptides recognised by cytotoxic T cells for use in the development of vaccines
against EBV and NPC
x Characterising the T cell receptors involved in recognition of viral peptides
x Determining if T cells raised in response to EBV infection play a role in the initiation and progression of several
autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis
Previous commercial activity:
x Licensing protected intellectual property regarding the precise EBV peptides recognised by cytotoxic T cells,
for use in the development of vaccines/diagnostics against EBV and NPC
x &RQWUDFWUHVHDUFKWRH[SDQGF\WRWR[LF7FHOOFORQHVVSHFL¿FIRUSDUWLFXODUYLUDOSHSWLGHVGUDZLQJRQ4,05¶V
unique expertise in this area
x 6XSSO\DJUHHPHQWVWRSURYLGHELRWHFKFRPSDQLHVZLWKIUR]HQYLUXVVSHFL¿FF\WRWR[LF7FHOOSRSXODWLRQVIRU
their product development
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Lab Head: Dr David Harrich
The HIV Molecular Virology Laboratory uses highly sophisticated assays to monitor HIV-1 replication. The facilities
include both PC2 and PC3 laboratories allowing complete molecular analysis of HIV-1. Assays to monitor HIV-1 fusion,
reverse transcription, transcription, and translation are available. In conjunction with facilities at Queensland University
of Technology, transmission electron microscopy is available to monitor HIV-1 morphology. Research at QIMR is
focused on investigating key viral or cellular molecules that are required for HIV to replicate and to target their action
so that HIV growth can be effectively blocked.
Current research interests include:
x Cellular factors required for reverse transcription
x The role of protein methylation in HIV replication
x Interactions between Tat and reverse transcriptase
x Regulation of HIV by viral RNA sequences
Hydatidosis
Lab Head: Prof Don McManus
Hydatid disease, caused by dog tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, is a major cosmopolitan disease of widespread
importance and is a continuing problem in Australia. QIMR scientists have recently completed extensive molecular
epidemiological surveys of hydatid genotypes in Argentina, Nepal and China and have sequenced the Echinococcus
mitochondrial genome for a source of new genetic markers.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Developing new methods of diagnosis in patients infected with hydatid disease
x Testing a novel E. granulosusDQWLJHQWKDWVKRZVDSSURSULDWHVSHFL¿FLW\DQGVHQVLWLYLW\IRUDFRPPHUFLDOWHVW
x Developing a vaccine effective against the adult stage of EchinococcusLQWKHGRJGH¿QLWLYHKRVW
x 7HVWLQJ HI¿FLFDF\ RI D QRYHO FRPSRXQG GHULYHG IURP WUDGLWLRQDO PHGLFLQHV RI &KLQD DJDLQVW F\VWLF
echinococcosis
Human Cytotoxic T Cells
15
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Leishmania
Lab Head: Dr Chris Engwerda
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal human disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasites Leishmania
donovani and L. infantum (chagasi). These parasites infect mature tissue macrophages throughout the viscera. The
spleen and liver are the major disease sites.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWLI\LQJLPPXQHPHFKDQLVPVZKLFKDUHUHTXLUHGIRUWKHHI¿FLHQWFRQWURORI/HLVKPDQLDLQIHFWLRQDQGWKH
generation of long-term immunity
x Distinguishing protective host immune responses to leishmania infection from those that cause pathology and
persistent infection
x ,GHQWLI\LQJLPPXQRORJLFDOWDUJHWVIRUPRGXODWLRQWRLPSURYHYDFFLQHDQGGUXJHI¿FLHQF\DVZHOODVUHGXFH
tissue pathology associated with visceral leishmaniasis
Unique resource:
QIMR is the only Institute in Australia with an established pre-clinical model for visceral leishmaniasis.
Malaria
Lab Heads: Prof Michael Good, Dr Don Gardiner, Dr Christian Engwerda and Dr Qin Cheng
Four billion people in approximately 90 countries are at risk of developing malaria and up to 500 million cases occur
each year. This results in the deaths of 2-3 million people, mainly children under 5 years of age, but also including a
VLJQL¿FDQWQXPEHURISUHJQDQWZRPHQ
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Developing and clinical testing of malaria vaccines
x Investigating T-cell memory to blood stage malaria
x 'HOHWLRQRISDUDVLWHVSHFL¿FPHPRU\%FHOOVGXULQJLQIHFWLRQ
x Investigation into the changes in dendritic cell function during malaria infection
x Gametocytogensis in Plasmodium falciparum
x Investigating the role of antiretroviral protease inhibitors in the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria, particularly
in individuals co-infected with HIV-1
x Investigating potential targets for new antimalarial drugs
x Malaria antigenic variation and drug resistance
x Parasite resistance to artemisinin drugs
x Accuracy of rapid malaria diagnostic tests
x Mechanisms of resistance to standard and newly developed antimalarial drugs
x Plasmodium vivax genetics that determine relapses and drug resistance
x The pathogenesis of severe malaria
Parasitic infections, including hookworm and other helminths
Lab Head: Dr Alex Loukas
The main area of research is the molecular basis of host-parasite interactions, with a particular emphasis on the
SURWHLQVVHFUHWHGE\SDUDVLWLFKHOPLQWKVDQGWKHLUHI¿FDFLHVDVWKHUDSHXWLFV
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Hookworm developmental biology and immunology
x ,GHQWL¿QJSDUDVLWHSURWHLQVDQGHYDOXDWLQJWKHLUHI¿FDF\DVYDFFLQHFDQGLGDWHV
x Identifying parasite proteins that have immunomodulatory properties with a view to developing novel antiLQÀDPPDWRU\WKHUDSLHVIRUDXWRLPPXQHGLVRUGHUV
x ,GHQWL¿QJWDUJHWVIRUWKHSUHYHQWLRQDQGWUHDWPHQWRIKRRNZRUP
x ([SORULQJWKHPROHFXODUEDVLVRIFKRODQJLRFDUFLQRPDLQGXFWLRQE\KXPDQOLYHUÀXNHOpisthorchis viverrini
16
Leishmania
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Schistosomiasis
Lab Heads: Dr Don McManus, Dr Alex Loukas
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bladder or gut of the infected host. A serious parasitic disease that infects over 200 million people, schistosomiasis occurs
mainly in rural agricultural and peri-urban areas of the developing world. The development of effective vaccines against
schistosomiasis is a public health priority.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x 'HYHORSLQJDVFKLVWRVRPHYDFFLQH763KDVEHHQUHFHQWO\LGHQWL¿HGDVDQHIIHFWLYHYDFFLQHDQWLJHQDJDLQVW
Schistosoma mansoni. This work was published in 2006 (Nature Medicine, Vol 12, 835-840)
x Understanding the protein-protein interactions in the outer surface of the parasite, and how these might be
exploited to develop better vaccines
x 7KH¿HOGHFRORJ\RIVFKLVWRVRPLDVLV in Hunan Province (Dongting Lake region) and Jiangxi Province (Poyang
Lake) in China
x Surveying of S. japonicum genotypes in China
x Epidemiological and immunoepidemiological studies in China
x Genomics/proteomics and microarray studies of S. japonicum with a view to developing an effective vaccine
and new diagnostic tests for Asian schistosomiasis
Unique resource:
QIMR holds a patent on the use of TSP-2 as a schistosome vaccine
Streptococcus
Lab Heads: Prof Michael Good and Assoc Prof Kadaba Sriprakash
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a bacterial pathogen that infects
the throat and skin and is able to cause a wide range of diseases in humans. These range from relatively benign
pharyngitis (commonly known as ‘strep throat’) to more serious and potentially fatal diseases such as acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), rheumatic heart disease and invasive diseases. These diseases are a
major health concern in developing countries and indigenous populations, especially Australia’s Aboriginal population
of the Northern Territory who have the highest recorded incidence worldwide.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Developing vaccines for GAS
x Developing rapid diagnostic methods useful at point of care for group B streptococcus
x The molecular epidemiology of Streptococci
x The role of Streptococcal virulence factors in pathogenesis
x Understanding host-streptococcus interactions to aid in the detection, surveillance and prevention of
streptococcal infections and diseases in Australian Indigenous communities and in populations of developing
countries
x Education/training opportunities for the Aboriginal people with a view to aid in capacity building (in conjunction
with the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Australian Centre for International and
Tropical Health)
Unique resource:
QIMR holds a patent in the area of GAS vaccine
6FDELHV
Lab Head: Dr David Kemp
Scabies, a skin disease caused by a mite, is not only a very distressing disease, but it also leads to skin sores which
become infected with streptococci. This in turn may lead to serious kidney damage. Another serious complication of
streptococcal infection as a consequence of scabies infestation is rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Scabies
mites are often found in places where overcrowding occurs, as is sometimes the case in Aboriginal communities.
Research at QIMR focuses on:
x Molecular biology of scabies mites
x Developing a vaccine or other control measures for scabies
Schistosomiasis
17
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Cell Signalling Programs
Leukaemia
The Leukaemia Foundation laboratory is exploring the biology of leukaemia and other cancers through studies of
leukaemia-associated proteins.
Eph and ephrin membrane proteins in cancer
Lab Head: Prof Andrew Boyd
x Understanding the function of Eph and ephrin membrane proteins in cancer
x Looking at how antibodies which target Eph proteins and soluble forms of their ephrin ligands can be used to
target tumours and inhibit tumour growth
x Studying the structural basis of the Eph-ephrin interaction to shed light on the outcomes of Eph-ephrin
signalling
Apoptosis inhibitors
x
x
x
Lab Head: Dr Jason Lickliter
Studying the overexpression in tumours of proteins which inhibit programmed cell death
Studying a novel anti-bcl-2 drug that has been shown to induce cell death in tumours
Exploring ways of circumventing resistance to a therapetic molecule in chronic myeloid leukaemia
Signal Transduction
Lab Head: Dr Kum Kum Khanna
QIMR researchers seek to understand the mechanism by which mammalian cells maintain the stability of their genome.
The ultimate goal of these studies is to improve our knowledge of how cells respond to DNA damage and how the
defect in this pathway are linked to diseases in particular cancer.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Characterization of novel proteins that have a direct role in sensing and repair of DNA damage. These protein
are also involved in tumorigenesis and might affect the responses of tumors towards radiotherapy and DNAdamaging chemotherapie
x Development of mouse models for novel proteins implicated in progression of a variety of cancers
Unique resources:
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DNA damage and have generated unique tool and reagents to validate these proteins as possible therapeutic targets
in cancer.
Spinal Injury Regeneration
Lab Head: Prof Andrew Boyd
QIMR researchers are manipulating the expression of Eph receptors, or their functional equivalents, to increase or
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system such as those arising from disease or injury.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x EphA4 gene knockout mouse, developed by QIMR, displays spinal cord development defects. It has now
been shown that these mice, unlike normal animals, recover completely after spinal injury
x Inhibitors of EPHA4 have been used to show that these can promote healing in normal mice after spinal cord
injury
18
Cell Signalling Programs
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Other Research Programs
Molecular Psychiatry
Lab Head: Dr Corrine Lendon
The Molecular Psychiatry Group investigates factors that modifying susceptibility for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s
disease and related neurological and psychiatric disorders, including psychosis and depression.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Discovering factors that predispose to or protect individuals from dementia and Alzheimer's disease
x Hunting for novel genes and investigating the mechanisms that incur risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease
using association strategies and in vitro modelling of their effects and interactions
x Investigating the molecular mechanisms of interaction between genes and environment factors known or
suspected to be involved in predisposition to dementia, and well as developing screens for discovering novel
factors
x A psychology program investigating demographic/personality/attribution style and other “life” factors about the
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Unique resources:
The above involves a multi-disciplinary approach involving collaborators in the Royal Brisbane Womens Hospital
Psychiatry and Gynaecology departments enabling direct access to human participants, collaborators in Perth using
animal models of dementia and our molecular genetic and biology labs.
(SLJHQHWLFV/DERUDWRU\
Lab Head: Prof Emma Whitelaw
Characteristics like physical appearance and personality traits are commonly considered to be the result of interactions
between genetic and environmental factors alone. However genetically identical individuals raised in similar environments,
for example identical twins, show variation in phenotype. We are now becoming aware that some of these variations
are the result of epigenetic differences between these individuals. Epigenetics is the study of mechanisms which modify
'1$VWUXFWXUHDQGWKXVFKDQJHJHQHH[SUHVVLRQZLWKRXWLQÀXHQFLQJWKH'1$EDVHVHTXHQFH7KLVLVDQHPHUJLQJ
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can cause cancer. Molecules are available that can change epigenetic marks and these are currently being tested on
some individuals with colorectal cancer.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,GHQWL¿FDWLRQRIHSLJHQHWLFDOO\UHJXODWHGJHQHVLQPLFHDQGKXPDQV
x Finding the genes involved in establishing and maintaining the epigenetic marks
0HPEUDQH7UDQVSRUW/DERUDWRU\
Lab Head: Dr Nathan Subramaniam
It is increasingly evident that a large number of human diseases are associated with defects in the localisation and
WUDI¿FNLQJRISURWHLQVPDQ\RIZKLFKDUHPHPEUDQHUHFHSWRUV6WXG\LQJKRZPDPPDOLDQFHOOVUHJXODWHWKHWUDI¿FNLQJ
localisation and protein-protein interactions of membrane transporters implicated in a number of human diseases will
increase understanding of these disorders with the prospect of better potential therapeutic interventions.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x Molecular analysis of the haemochromatosis gene product, HFE
x Molecular, cellular and functional characteization of a transferrin receptor homologue, TfR2
x Role of SNAREs in exocytosis and endocytosis
+HSDWLF)LEURVLV Lab Head: Assoc Prof Grant Ramm
The Hepatic Fibrosis Group is principally involved in investigating the cell biology of hepatic stellate cells (HSC).
+6&DUHWUDQVIRUPHGLQWRP\R¿EUREODVWVZKHQH[SRVHGWROLYHUWR[LQVVXFKDVH[FHVVLURQDOFRKRORUELOHVDOWVGXH
WR FKROHVWDVLV YLUDO LQIHFWLRQ RU WXPRXU LQYDVLRQ +6& DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU H[FHVV FROODJHQ GHSRVLWLRQ ¿EURVLV DQG
cirrhosis in liver injury.
Other Research Programs
19
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Research at QIMR is focused on:
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disease haemochromatosis in adults and biliary obstruction diseases in children and infantsm such as cystic
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x 6ZLWFKHVIRULQLWLDWLQJWUDQVIRUPDWLRQRIKHSDWLFVWHOODWHFHOOVLQWRFROODJHQVFDUIRUPLQJOLYHU¿EUREODVWV
x 'LDJQRVWLFPDUNHUVRIHDUO\DQGHQGVWDJHOLYHU¿EURVLV
,URQ0HWDEROLVP
Lab Head: Assoc Prof Greg Anderson
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diseases. The major focus of the Iron Metabolism Laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms of cellular iron transport
and the way in which these processes are regulated.
Research at QIMR is focused on:
x ,QYHVWLJDWLRQRIWKHELRORJ\RILURQH[SRUWIURPLQWHVWLQDOHSLWKHOLDOFHOOVLQRUGHUWRGH¿QHWKHUROHSOD\HGE\
hephaestin and associated proteins such as the basolateral iron transporter ferroportin 1
x Analysis of the relationship between basolateral iron export and the expression of the brush border iron
transport molecules, the ferrous iron transporter DMT1 and the ferric reductase Dcytb
x Studying the systemic regulation of intestinal iron transport with an emphasis on the role played by the hepatic
peptide hepcidin
x Investigation of the mechanism of intestinal haem iron absorption
x Utilisation of our extensive haemochromatosis patient database to investigate the penetrance of the disease
and its relevance to population screening for mutations in the HFE gene
x A variety of other iron related studies including an examination of the mechanisms underlying iron overload in
end stage liver disease, the molecular basis of the elevated iron absorption associated with pregnancy, and
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Oncology Markers
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%,;3±EUHDVWFDQFHUPDUNHU
BIXP is a novel endogenous protein that binds to the breast cancer susceptibility protein, BRCA1 and blocks its function.
Over-expression of BIXP leads to marked suppression of tumour cell growth and apoptosis. This novel protein shows
potential for the diagnosis and treatment of breast and ovarian cancer
hVSM1 – tumour marker
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species. Novel drugs that modulate this target might be useful for the detection and treatment of a variety of tumours
Cep55 – cancer marker
Cep55 is a centrosome protein that is also required for the successful completion of cytokinesis in mammalian cells.
Abnormal expression of centrosome proteins has been linked to different stages of cancer progression, particularly
high cytological grade. Novel drugs that modulate this target might be of use in the detection and treatment of cancer
tumours
New targets are also available in the areas of melanoma, prostate and breast cancer diagnostics and prognostics
20
Iron Metabolism
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Research and Technology Platforms
Cancer Models
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Screening of compounds for anti-tumour activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines (cell growth and
reporter gene assays)
Mechanism of action of candidate anti-cancer drugs
Mechanisms of gene regulation by agents, including use of microarray technology
Monoclonal antibodies for research and diagnosis
Xenograft models
Models investigating human cancer susceptibility
EBV models
Cell and Tissue Biology
x
x
x
x
x
Confocal, electron, and laser dissection microscopy
Signal transduction assays
Histology and histopathology
Cell sorting
Fluorescence microscopy
Epidemiology
x
QIMR has access to extensive resources to facilitate nationwide studies on important diseases. QIMR
combines classical epidemiological methodology with genetic analysis of blood and tissue samples
Genomics
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mass array SNP typing facility
Genome scans
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cDNA library construction
Information database on 30,000 twins and relatives
DNA database on 5,000 twins
Infectious Disease Models
x
x
x
x
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Leishmania, Group A Streptococcus, Schistosomiasis, Hook worms
Viral protection assays
Effects of compounds on viruses including alphaviruses, poxvirus (vaccinia) and herpes virus
(cytomegalovirus)
Evaluation of drug resistance
Immunological models
x
x
x
x
x
x
"Graft-vs-Host Disease" transplantation models
Models evaluating anti-viral activity
Effect of novel compounds, drugs, vaccines, immunosuppressants and immunostimulators on cytotoxic T
lymphocytes
In vitro and in vivo assays of activation of macrophages, NK cells, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells
FACS analysis
Multi-analyte system – multiplex for antibody and cytokine assays
Transgenic/Knockout Mice
x
x
x
x
Generation of knockout and transgenic mice
Mouse embryo freezing
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Live animal imaging – detection of reporter gene expression
Research and Technology Platforms
21
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
QIMR Tissue Banks
QIMR has access to a number of cancer tissue samples through established tissue banks such as the Australian
Ovarian Cancer Study and the Kathleen Cunningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast cancer.
QIMR has also instigated the collection of other cancer tissue samples which are kept onsite.
Tissue
type
Ovarian
Cancer (1)
Blood, tissue and urine samples and matching
clinical data have been collected from more than
1500 women with ovarian cancer. Blood samples
were also collected from 1000 cancer-free control
women across Australia. Epidemiological data are
also available. This tissue bank is held at the Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne and is
anministered under an NHMRC Enabling Grant.
Ovarian
Cancer (2)
Blood samples have been collected from
approximately 200 women with ovarian cancer and
250 with benign ovarian tumours. Tissue samples
have also been collected for 100 women with
ovarian cancer.
Breast
Cancer
kConFaB is a cohort study of multiple case breast
cancer families from whom extensive genetic,
clinical and epidemiological data are available,
as well as biological specimens. Collection is
complete on more than 900 families. This tissue
bank is held at the Peter MacCallum Cancer
centre in Melbourne
Colon
Cancer
Melanoma
and Skin
Cancer
Oesophageal
Cancer
Barrett’s
oesophagus
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conditions
22
Background
This bank contains over 800 fresh frozen primary
colorectal cancers. Collection started in 1992 and
is ongoing. There are matched normal mucosa
and blood samples. Most samples have had DNA
H[WUDFWHGDQGSDUDI¿Q¿[HGEORFNVDQG51$LV
available from selected samples. This tissue bank
is held at QIMR
Samples
DYDLODEOH
Blood, urine
and tumour
tissue.
P. Webb
G. Trench
A. Green
Blood and
tumour
tissue.
P. Parsons
P. Webb
A. Green
References
Australian Ovarian
Cancer Study
www.aocstudy.org
Blood and
tissue
samples
G. Trench
S. Lakhani
Kathleen Cunningham
Foundation Consortium
for Research into
Familial Breast Cancer
www.kconfab.org
Fresh
frozen
tissue from
primary
tumours
B. Leggett
Walter Paulsen Tumour
Bank.
Newly-diagnosed patients with melanoma have
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Registry. From each participant, infomation is
collected on age, ethnicity, medical history and
family history of melanoma and skin cancer. A brief
sun exposure history has been recorded, including
details of residential ambient solar exposure,
as well as occupational and recreational sun
exposure for each decade of life. This tissue bank
is held at QIMR
3DUDI¿Q
sections
of tumour
tissue
These samples are part of a national populationbased study of oesophageal cancer. Blood and
questionnaire data are available for approximately
1000 patients and 1500 cancer-free controls.
3DUDI¿QWLVVXHEORFNVDUHDYDLODEOHIRU
patients. This tissue bank is held at QIMR.
Blood, fresh
tumour
tissue and
SDUDI¿Q
blocks of
tumour
tissue
Blood samples are available from approximately
380 patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, 250 with
gastro-oesophageal refkux disease and 700
controls.
Blood
samples.
QIMR Tissue Banks
QIMR
Contact
D.Whiteman
N. Hayward
A.Green
D. Whiteman
N. Hayward
Australian Cancer Study
www.acs.qimr.edu.au
D. Whiteman
N Hayward
Study of Digestive
Health
www.acs.qimr.edu.au
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
23
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Queensland Institute
of Medical Research
The Bancroft Centre
300 Herston Road
Herston QLD 4006
Australia
Postal Address
3RVW2I¿FH
Royal Brisbane Hospital
QLD 4029
Australia
www.qimr.edu.au W
[email protected] E
24