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QIMR Link - May 2012

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Issue 12  May 2012
Throat cancer breakthrough
microscope
The culmination of 10 years of QIMR's collaborative research has led to a significant breakthrough in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

“Using immunotherapy, we were able to increase the expected time of patient survival from 200 to over 500 days, which is an extremely positive result," said Professor Rajiv Khanna.
Malaria trial expanded
malaria parasites
QIMR is leading the way in finding new drugs to treat malaria, securing international support to expand clinical trials in Brisbane.

QIMR's Professor James McCarthy said, “With the support of Medicines for Malaria Venture, QIMR will to continue to test emerging drugs and vaccines to treat and prevent malaria and help protect our neighbours in developing nations.”
Melanoma survival link
couple on beach
Researchers from QIMR bring new reassurance to melanoma patients with thin invasive tumours after finding that 20 years after diagnosis their survival rate is 96%.

According to QIMR's Professor Adele Green, “This is the only published analysis of very long-term survival rates for these people. It gives us a solid foundation to continue our population-based research to better understand the course of this sometimes devastating disease.”
New asthma treatment
asthma girl
A trial underway at QIMR will investigate if a rheumatoid arthritis medication could have applications for asthma sufferers.

"Asthma is complex and there is still so much to understand about this disease. Trialling this potential treatment and our recent discovery of genetic variants that increase the risk are helping us put together a clearer picture of asthma and hopefully offer more treatment options for sufferers," said Dr Manuel Ferreira.
Size does matter
brain
QIMR researchers have discovered genes that affect brain size and may play a role in intelligence and memory function.

"By working with research organisations from all corners of the globe, we created the world’s largest database of brain imaging results and found one gene that showed a strong correlation with overall brain size and another that influenced the size of the brain’s hippocampus, which is involved with memory," said Dr Margie Wright.
Launch of Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre
uq and qimr logo
QIMR and The University of Queensland have announced a joint research partnership to tackle global problems in infectious diseases research.

QIMR's Professor James McCarthy said, “This partnership is testament to the great work currently being undertaken in Queensland and will further strengthen existing collaborations between our two great research organisations."

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QIMR Link - January 2012

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 Issue 11  January 2012

Test for dementia risk
brain QIMR researchers have developed a memory test that can be used to predict those at risk of developing dementia.

“Accurate detection of those at risk before they show clinical signs of dementia would allow for early, targeted preventive interventions," Professor Michael Breakspear said.
Melanoma gene identified
As part of an international study, QIMR researchers have found a variant in the MITF gene which can significantly increase the risk of melanoma.

QIMR's Dr Stuart MacGregor said, “Individuals possessing this genetic variant have a 250% increased risk of developing melanoma – which is as significant to melanoma risk as traits such as having red hair."
New search for antimalarial drugs
QIMR is attracting international recognition for its world-first research into the lifecycle of the malaria parasite.

According to QIMR's Associate Professor Don Gardiner, “These screenings will help find new compounds to kill the gametocytes (the sexual forms of the malaria parasite) and therefore block the transmission of malaria.”
Is your immunity reduced with age?
QIMR researchers are conducting the first study of the virus that lies dormant in your body throughout your life.

QIMR's Professor Rajiv Khanna said, “This is the first study of cytomegalovirus and its affect on the immune system over decades of infection.”
Understanding ovarian cancer survival
brain QIMR researches will conduct the first comprehensive study of lifestyle factors that might improve survival for women with ovarian cancer.

Associate Professor Penny Webb from QIMR's Gynaecological Cancer Group said, "Our aim is to be able to give women evidence-based advice regarding lifestyle changes that might improve their chances of beating this devastating disease."
QIMR to share in $24 million NHMRC funding
brain Two of QIMR's key research areas, infectious diseases and mental health, will be boosted with grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

"One of the NHMRC's objectives is to support the best and most relevant research, so this funding is a testament to the exceptional standard and relevance of the work QIMR scientists are carrying out," said Director and CEO Professor Frank Gannon.
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QIMR Link - September 2011

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 Issue 10  September 2011
 
Asthma genetic discovery may lead to new treatment options
asthma A new international study led by QIMR, suggests that a drug currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may be effective against asthma.

“Although it is too early to tell whether a safe and effective therapy will emerge in the near future, results from this study already provide insights into the complex mechanisms that cause asthma," Dr Manuel Ferreira said.
Half of your intelligence in your genes
QIMR's Professor Peter Visscher has found that up to half of the difference in intelligence between individuals is due to genetics.

“This study is a start to understanding the relationship between people’s thinking skills and outcomes in life, such as health, income and lifespan. We are also interested in understanding why some people cognitively age better than others,” Professor Visscher said.
Men at prostate cancer risk identified
As part of an international study, QIMR's Dr Amanda Spurdle and team have made a significant discovery in identifying men at a greater risk of prostate cancer.

According to Dr Spurdle, “Our study found that the 1% of men at highest-risk have nearly a one in two chance of developing prostate cancer.”
Gene for caffeine drinkers
QIMR researchers have identified a gene that plays a role in influencing how much coffee people drink.

Dr Enda Byrne from QIMR's Psychiatric Genetics Laboratory said “We also found a link between caffeine genes and other complex conditions, such as hypertension and Parkinson’s disease.”
Opening of ACRF Centre for Cancer Epigenetics
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) has given a multi-million dollar grant to establish the ACRF Centre for Cancer Epigenetics based at QIMR.

QIMR's Professor Emma Whitelaw said the QIMR and ACRF Centre for Cancer Epigenetics team is working to identify new genes involved in a range of human cancers and study how environmental factors interact with DNA to cause cancer.
Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer
Over 1,300 riders participated in the inaugural annual Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising $4.7 million for QIMR's cancer research.

Funds raised from the Ride will support ground-breaking QIMR research into a range of cancers including breast and ovarian cancer, bowel cancer, blood cancers such as leukaemia, brain cancer and skin cancers including melanoma.
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QIMR Link – June 2011

ISSUE 09  JUNE 2011
HUMAN TRIALS BEGIN FOR NEW CANCER TREATMENT

QIMR researcher Professor Andrew Boyd has spent 25 years working towards a new treatment for patients with acute leukaemia cancer.

Human trials will begin using the antibody KB004 which has been shown to be effective in the laboratory against certain cancers including leukaemia, malignant melanomas, brain tumours and lung cancers.
EARLY DETECTION OF OVARIAN CANCER NOT THE KEY

A QIMR study of over 1,400 women with ovarian cancer has found early presentation of symptoms does not improve survival rates.

According to QIMR’s Dr Penny Webb, the results make it even more important to continue research to improve our understanding of the factors that play a role in the development of this disease.
IS DRINKING IN YOUR GENES?

An international study has identified a gene that appears to play a role in regulating how much alcohol people drink.

“The gene is most active in parts of the brain associated with neuropsychological reward mechanisms, suggesting that is might play a part in the positive feelings that people have when they drink alcohol,” said Professor Nick Martin head of QIMR’s Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory.
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER GENE FOUND

The results of a genome wide association study have identified a link between prostate and endometrial cancer.

The study identified an area of the genome that increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer. The surprising finding is that this area is close to a gene previously associated with prostate cancer risk,” said QIMR’s Dr Amanda Spurdle.
QIMR REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

QIMR’s new 15 floor research facility has reached the ‘topping out’ stage and will be completed by early 2012.

“Watching the building take shape inspires us to continue to ensure that our research will have an impact on improving the health of all Australians,” said QIMR’s Director Professor Frank Gannon.
GLAUCOMA GENES FOUND

In a world first scientists have discovered two new genes linked to open angle or chronic glaucoma.

“The research opens the pathway to developing completely new ways of treating glaucoma patients and delaying diseases progression and preventing blindness,” said QIMR’s Dr Stuart MacGregor.
GEOFF HILL AWARDED AUSTRALIA FELLOWSHIP

QIMR researcher Professor Geoff Hill has been awarded a prestigious Australia Fellowship by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The funding will support research into stem cell transplantation and study new treatments to overcome current limitations and improve patient outcomes. The research will also provide valuable insight into the functioning of the body’s immune response.
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QIMR Link – February 2011

ISSUE 08  FEBRUARY 2011
LARGEST SKIN CANCER STUDY

QIMR has embarked on the largest skin cancer study ever conducted in Australia involving more than 200,000 men and women.

The information gathered from the QSkin study will be used to improve our understanding of skin cancer risk and develop a tool to predict a person’s future risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
UNDERSTANDING THE GENETICS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Two genetic variants that increase the risk of developing endometriosis have been found.

QIMR researchers have provided valuable clues as to the origin of this often very painful condition which is estimated to affect six to 10 percent of all women in their reproductive years.
SUNSCREEN CAN PREVENT MELANOMA

In a world first, QIMR researchers have shown that daily sunscreen use can prevent melanoma in adults.

During the 15 year randomised study, the number of people who developed melanomas from the discretional sunscreen group was twice that of the group who applied sunscreen daily.
CANCER IN INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS

A recent QIMR study shows Indigenous people are 36% more likely to die from cancer compared to the total Queensland population.

The comprehensive study of cancer occurrence and deaths showed that despite Indigenous people being 21% less likely to be diagnosed with cancer, the death rate is significantly higher.
GENES FOR PUBERTY FOUND

An international study, led by QIMR, has linked genes involved in hormone regulation, cell development and other mechanisms to the onset of periods in women.

“Early puberty is a risk factor for a number of later life illnesses and poor health, including obesity and breast cancer,” said Dr Enda Byrne from QIMR’s Queensland Statistical Genetics Laboratory.
NHMRC GRANTS FOR QIMR

QIMR researchers have been successful in securing more than $12 million in the latest funding from NHMRC.

“This is a great result in a very competitive environment. QIMR’s success rate is on par with the national average of 23% of grant applications funded,” said QIMR’s Professor Adele Green.
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QIMR Link – November 2010

ISSUE 07  NOVEMBER 2010
NEW CANCER TREATMENT

Researchers have dramatically decreased the size of cancerous tumours by targeting “junk” genetic material called microRNA.

“Our results indicate a potential therapeutic target for future treatment of early childhood neuroblastomas and other microRNA-induced cancers,” said Dr Susan Woods.
TWINS UNLOCK THE SECRET OF SIGHT

Using data collected from over 1,000 sets from twins, researchers have uncovered several genes that affect eyesight.

A new gene for myopia; new genes affecting glaucoma risk; and a gene that causes optic nerve hypoplasia, a leading cause of blindness in children, have been discovered.
INSIGHT INTO BREAST CANCER RISK

A region of DNA has been identified which influences the risk of developing breast cancer.

“We found a stretch of DNA that acts like a volume control – specific changes in the gene sequence are associated with an increased breast cancer risk in women who carried a mutated BRCA1 gene,” said Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench.
TRACKING SYSTEM TO CONTROL MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

A new online system to monitor for outbreaks for Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus disease has been developed.

“By identifying increased disease patterns, authorities can issue area-specific warnings to local residents to take extra precautions against mosquito bites and reduce household breeding sites,” said Dr Michelle Gatton.
LARGEST AUSTRALIAN ASTHMA STUDY

The Australian Asthma Genetics Consortium will search the DNA of over 5,000 people to identify genes that increase the risk of developing asthma.

“We know some people are genetically more likely to develop asthma than others. However, we know little about how genes cause asthma – we hope to change that,” said Dr Manuel Ferreira who is heading up the study.
QIMR INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

QIMR was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on 14 September 2010.

“QIMR’s induction is in recognition of a distinguished contribution to community wellbeing through world-class medical research and commercialisation,” said Chairman Professor John Hay.
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QIMR Link – August 2010

ISSUE 06  AUGUST 2010
 
APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR AND CEO

Professor Frank Gannon has been appointed as the Institute’s seventh Director and CEO.

Professor Gannon is an internationally renowned expert in the field of molecular bioscience and is currently Director-General of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). He will re-locate to Brisbane from Dublin to commence as Director and CEO in January 2011.
DAIRY NOT THE CAUSE OF HEART DEATHS

A new Australian study has found that eating full-fat dairy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death.

“We found that people with the highest intake of full-fat diary had 70% less chance of death by heart disease or stroke than those that had the lowest,” said Dr Jolieke van der Pols.
NEW DISEASE IDENTIFIED AND SUCCESSFULLY TREATED

An experimental stem cell transplant has unlocked the key to a previously undiagnosed condition.

Researchers at QIMR and the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital have identified a previously undiagnosed condition and successfully treated it by performing an experimental stem cell transplant.
DRINKING TEA REDUCES OVARIAN CANCER

A study of over 2,700 Australian women has found that drinking tea may decrease your risk of developing ovarian cancer

"Results indicate that drinking more than four cups a day of black, green or herbal tea may reduce ovarian cancer risk by almost 30%,” said Dr Christina Nagle from the Gynaecological Cancer Group.
HEIGHT IS IN YOUR GENES

Researchers are a step closer to understanding the heritability of complex diseases.

By studying the genes of almost 4,000 Australians, researchers have discovered that it is the cumulative effect of lots of small genetic variations in many of our genes that determine our height – a model for other complex traits.
NEW GENES FOR HEART DISEASE FOUND

As part of an international study, new genes have been found that are associated with cholesterol levels.

The Nature paper found 59 new DNA regions that influence levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Understanding these key indicators of heart disease risk may ultimately lead to a genetic test.
RESEARCHERS AWARDED TOP FELLOWSHIPS

Malaria and mental health research have received a funding boost from the Queensland Government.

Research Division Chairs, Professors James McCarthy and Michael Breakspear have been awarded Health Research Fellowships worth up to $150,000 per year for five years.

QIMR Link – May 2010

ISSUE 05  MAY 2010
 
STRONG PERIOD PAIN INCREASES RISK OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Strong period pain in adolescence and excess weight during childhood has been found to double the risk of developing endometriosis.

The study also found girls starting their menstrual cycle after 14 years of age had a significantly decreased risk of developing endometriosis in later life.
BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL GENE IDENTIFIED

Researchers have found a gene that influences a patient’s chance of surviving cancer.

A variant of a gene which is most commonly associated with hair and eye colour has been found to significantly increase the rate of survival for oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer patients.
LIFE SAVING BLOOD TEST

A blood test has been developed to monitor a person's risk of contracting cytomegalovirus (CMV) - a life threatening virus common in transplant patients.

"This is the first commercially available test of its kind. It will guide doctors in the treatment and prevention of CMV and ultimately improve the outcome of patients post-transplant” said Dr Rajiv Khanna.
STOMACH ULCER BACTERIA PREVENTS OESOPHAGEAL CANCER

The bacterium that causes ulcers and cancers of the stomach has been found to reduce the risk of one particular type of oesophageal cancer.

Researchers found that patients with adenocarcinomas − a particular type of oesophageal cancer − were less than half as likely to be infected with Helicobacter pylori as people without cancer.
MEAT, FISH AND OVARIAN CANCER RISK

Women who eat a diet high in poultry and fish have a 10-15% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The research also showed women who eat processed meat several times a week have a 20% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who eat less processed meat.
ANOTHER QIMR RESEARCHER ELECTED AS AAS FELLOW

Professor Peter Visscher has been elected into the Australian Academy of Science (AAS) for excellence in genetics research.

“I am honoured to be elected an AAS Fellow. It is a reflection on the fantastic bunch of people that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with in the past and present,” said Professor Visscher.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SMART STATE MEDICAL CENTRE BEGINS

The landscape is dramatically changing at QIMR with construction of our new 13 floor research facility underway.

Upon completion in early 2012, the facility will accommodate 20 new research laboratories and attract an additional 400 scientists and students, increasing QIMR’s research capacity to around 1200.
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QIMR Link – February 2010

ISSUE 04  FEBRUARY 2010
 
LIFE SAVING IMMUNOTHERAPY TREATMENT

In a world first, an experimental treatment has helped a patient survive a life-threatening viral infection.

The patient’s own immune cells were exposed to a synthetic version of the virus and grown in the laboratory. The bolstered cells were returned to the patient resulting in a full recovery.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY

Consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy has been shown to affect the activity of genes causing lifelong changes.

Using mice as a model, researchers have shown for the first time that alcohol consumed during the first trimester affects the developing fetus by altering the epigenetic information – the mechanism that controls the expression of our genes.
NEW MALARIA TARGET DISCOVERED

Researchers have found an enzyme that may prove an effective target for future anti-malarial drugs.

The enzyme allows the malaria parasite to obtain nutrients from the blood. A drug that prevented the enzyme from working would ultimately starve the parasite to death.
NATURAL CONTROL FOR DENGUE FEVER

A naturally occurring bacterium has been used to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the deadly dengue virus.

The Wolbachia bacteria act as a barrier that prevents the mosquito from becoming infected with the virus. Field studies are planned for Australia, Vietnam and Thailand in the hope of reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.
THE TALL AND SHORT OF DISEASE

QIMR research shows that being taller means a fatter pay check but an increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Taller people are more likely to suffer from certain cancers such as thyroid, breast, pancreatic and colorectal. The risk of prostate cancer increases by 6% for each 10 centimetres you are over the average height.
QIMR DIRECTOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS AUSTRALIA FELLOWSHIP

World-leading researcher Professor Michael Good has been awarded a prestigious Australia Fellowship.

Professor Good will step down as Director of QIMR midyear and return to the bench to work on vaccines for malaria and streptococcus A. Both vaccines have shown promising results and could save the lives of millions of people around the world.
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QIMR Link – November 2009

ISSUE 03  NOVEMBER 2009
 
NEW ALZHEIMER'S GENES FOUND

An international research team has identified two genes that increase the risk of late onset Alzheimer’s disease.

“We believe the genes are involved in the formation of brain lesions in patients with Alzheimer’s,” said Dr Corinne Lendon, QIMR researcher and member of the international collaboration.
MISSENSE MAKES SENSE OF BREAST CANCER

Scientists have found that specific changes in DNA sequence have a greater impact on breast cancer risk than previously thought.

“The methods developed during this study may provide an important tool for helping us to understand the significance of these missense variants in genes and their impact on a range of diseases,” said Professor Chenevix-Trench.
PARASITE PUSHES HUMAN CELLS TO CANCER

Scientists have found that the human liver fluke secrets granulin, a growth hormone that is known to cause uncontrolled cell growth.

“This discovery leads the way to a better understanding of how this parasite contributes to the development of liver cancer, which is such a devastating form of cancer,” said Dr. Alex Loukas.
QIMR AWARDED RECORD NUMBER OF NHMRC GRANTS

Over $14 million has been awarded to support projects ranging from cancer to asthma, to arthritis to mental health.

According to Professor Michael Good, “Research is costly and funding is highly competitive. The project grants are a substantial component of our funding and are essential to support Australia’s research community.”
PROFESSOR JOHN HAY APPOINTED CHAIR

Former Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland Professor John Hay has been appointed Chair of the QIMR Council.

“Professor Hay is one of Queensland’s greatest ambassadors for education and medical research and QIMR will benefit greatly from his guidance,” said Acting Chair Mr Christopher Coyne.
PHD STUDENT HELPING CHINESE COMMUNITIES

An educational cartoon is being developed to help children in remote China avoid contracting intestinal worms.

“Sometimes it only takes a simple change in behaviour and attitude to make a drastic difference in disease prevalence," said Franziska Bieri who is travelling to the Chinese province of Hunan to teach local children.
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QIMR Link – August 2009

ISSUE 02  AUGUST 2009
 
RECORD $27.5m GIFT FOR NEW RESEARCH FACILITY

QIMR has received its largest ever philanthropic gift, $27.5 million from The Atlantic Philanthropies for our new research facility.

The donation was triggered by Federal Government Education Infrastructure funding of $55 million announced in the Federal Budget.
GENES THAT CAUSE MELANOMA IDENTIFIED

A team at QIMR have found two new genes that together double a person’s risk of developing melanomas – the most deadly form of skin cancer.

“These are the first genes found to increase melanoma risk by influencing the number of moles a person has,” explained lead researcher Professor Nick Hayward.
HELPING UNDERSTAND SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISEASE

Research has found that many common genetic variants contribute to a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia and bipolar disease.

A novel analytical technique developed by QIMR’s Dr Naomi Wray and Professor Peter Visscher provided the first molecular evidence that these common genetic variations are involved in schizophrenia.
COMMON WEED PROVES A REMEDY FOR SUNSPOTS

The active ingredient in the common radium weed has proven effective for treating sunspots after just two days of application.

The topical gel, to be produced by Peplin, is the result of collaborative research conducted at QIMR.
TOP HONOUR FOR PROFESSOR MICHAEL GOOD

The Director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Professor Michael Good, has been awarded the 2009 CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science.

The prize is awarded to an Australian individual who has demonstrated an outstanding role and impact in science
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QIMR Link – May 2009

ISSUE 01  MAY 2009
 
WELCOME

Welcome to the first issue of QIMR Link, Queensland Institute of Medical Research’s new e-newsletter which is designed to update readers on key research developments.

I hope you enjoy reading QIMR Link and encourage you to forward it to your colleagues and friends in Australia and beyond.
Professor Michael Good, Director, QIMR
HEADWAY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST LIVER DISEASE IN CHILDREN

New research findings from QIMR are paving the way for a potential new treatment for both rare and common liver diseases afflicting children.

Head of the Hepatic Fibrosis Group at QIMR, Associate Professor Grant Ramm, led a study which identified a key therapeutic target with future potential for treating cholestatic liver injury in children.
OVARIAN RESEARCH - NEW FINDINGS

Researchers at QIMR have revealed key genetic and lifestyle factors affecting a woman’s outcome and risk of developing ovarian cancer.

QIMR Cancer Genetics Head, Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench led an international team which discovered that a specific gene combination is linked to a better prognosis for women with ovarian cancer.
TRIALS BEGIN FOR NOSE AND THROAT CANCER TREATMENT

QIMR has begun trialling immunotherapy treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong.

The promising new treatment which stimulates a patient’s own immune system to enhance their cancer-fighting capacity, was developed by QIMR’s Associate Professor Rajiv Khanna and his team from The Australian Centre for Vaccine Development.
EMMA WHITELAW - AUSTRALIA FELLOW

QIMR’s Professor Emma Whitelaw was recently awarded a prestigious Australian Fellowship by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Head of the Epigenetics Laboratory at QIMR, Professor Whitelaw is an international leader in the emerging field of epigenetics, exploring the processes which can trigger changes in gene expression without modifying cell genetics.
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