LifeLab 92 by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Issue 92 • Autumn 2016

Researchers at forefront of fight against mosquito-borne diseases Scientists at QIMR Berghofer are helping to lead the global charge against devastating mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue, Ross River virus, malaria and Zika virus.

Associate Professor Devine is working with Australian and international collaborators on a way to use female mosquitoes to contaminate their breeding sites with a hormone that kills larvae.

With Zika virus spreading quickly internationally and an unusually large number of cases of Ross River fever in Queensland last year, researchers at QIMR Berghofer are investigating better ways of controlling mosquito populations in order to stop mosquito-borne diseases in their tracks.

He is also working with industry to develop devices that hang inside homes and emit small amounts of an approved insecticide which either kills or confuses mosquitoes.

The head of the institute’s Mosquito Control Laboratory, Associate Professor Greg Devine, said there was an urgent need for better mosquito control methods, particularly in developing countries. ‘There are currently no vaccines approved and available for these diseases, so the only way we can prevent them at present is by avoiding contact between mosquitoes and humans,’ Associate Professor Devine said. ‘Scientists here in Australia are working on longer-term solutions, but those measures won’t be widely available for years. ‘In the Mosquito Control Lab we’re focused on what we can do in the next five years to prevent these debilitating diseases. ‘We’re looking at ways of using existing tools to implement mosquito control measures faster and more effectively than we can at the moment. ‘Time is crucial in stopping the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. If you can get in there at the beginning, you can keep a lid on things.’ The Mosquito Control Laboratory is the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, housing eight strains of mosquitoes in purpose-built, quarantined facilities.

Every year mosquito-borne diseases infect millions of people worldwide. The symptoms can include exhaustion, high fever and arthritic joints and can last for months. In the case of Zika virus, it’s suspected of being responsible for causing microcephaly in unborn babies. Closer to home, Associate Professor Devine and his team are trying to find out more about how outbreaks of Ross River virus begin and spread. While it’s known that the disease is transmitted from animals to humans by a number of native mosquitoes, researchers don’t understand exactly which combinations of animals, mosquito species and environment present the greatest threat to human populations. ‘We want to study the virus and its vectors in a range of wild and urban habitats,’ Associate Professor Devine said. ‘This will allow us to assess the risk of human infection and determine how best to target mosquito control measures.’ Read more about the QIMR Berghofer Mozzie Smack Down on page 5. 

Spotlight on women at QIMR Berghofer QIMR Berghofer is proud to support women in research and management. Last financial year women made up 62 per cent of our workforce and held more than a third of all scientific leadership positions. Among them is Dr Susan Jordan who leads the Institute’s Cancer Causes and Care team. Dr Jordan started her career as a medical doctor and worked in rural general practice and women’s health for 10 years before making the move into medical research. One of her main areas of research is investigating the risk factors for ovarian cancer. Dr Jordan’s next study will look at whether having a hysterectomy affects a woman’s future risk of developing cancer and other illnesses, and what impact the additional removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes has. ‘About one third of all Australian women have a hysterectomy in their lifetime,’ Dr Jordan said.

Dr Susan Jordan

‘Of those women, more than a third also have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Some studies have suggested that removing the ovaries can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease down the track. We want to find out if that’s the case. ‘We also want to find out whether removing either the uterus or the fallopian tubes on their own could be enough to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. ‘Finding out more about the risks or potential benefits involved in these procedures will help women make more informed decisions.’ 

Scientists hope to take the bite out of cancer Dr Maria Ikonomopoulou is hoping that some of the world’s deadliest creatures could hold the key to treating common cancers like breast and prostate cancer and melanoma. In an Australian first, Dr Ikonomopoulou is conducting a systematic study of venom from animals, including snakes and spiders, to find out if certain components in the venom could destroy cancer cells. ‘Venom from a single species can contain more than 1000 chemical components,’ Dr Ikonomopoulou said. ‘We want to systematically test these components against common cancers to see if any of them kills the cancer cells without harming healthy cells.’

Dr Ikonomopoulou hopes the findings could lead to the rapid development of affordable cancer drugs that could be produced on a large scale.

Dr Maria Ikonomopoulou

‘The number of cancer cases across the world is growing quickly. We need to look for innovative and daring ways to develop new treatments.’ 

Editor

1800 993 000

(07) 3362 0102

Felicity Ivers Direct Marketing Manager QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute T (07) 3845 3969 E Felicity.Ivers@qimrberghofer.edu.au

300 Herston Road Herston QLD 4006 Australia

E supportus@qimrberghofer.edu.au

Locked Bag 2000 Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029 Australia

2015 was a year of tremendous achievement for QIMR Berghofer

A bright year ahead

We started clinical trials of new drugs and treatments, collaborated with international partners to identify new gene regions that increase the risk of developing certain cancers, and opened the ACRF Centre for Comprehensive Biomedical Imaging to name a few.

A message from Professor Frank Gannon, Director and CEO – QIMR Berghofer

2016 is shaping up to be another big year as our researchers keep striving to make new discoveries through excellent research. We have just started clinical trials, which, if successful, will lead to new treatments for advanced multiple sclerosis, brain and nasopharyngeal cancer.

Professor Frank Gannon

Every day hundreds of our scientists continue their painstaking and dedicated work into some of the most debilitating conditions affecting humankind.

Some of their research will take years of work to yield results. But every one of our scientists is driven by the goal of reducing human suffering. Every one of them appreciates your support. In the coming weeks we will launch an exciting initiative that allows people to directly support vital research projects. The first three of these projects aim to find new treatments for breast and other common cancers and to examine the future impacts of hysterectomies. You can read more about some of the scientists responsible for this exciting research on page two. We thank you again for your continued support and look forward to keeping you updated for another year on our scientific discoveries. 

One third of Australian cancer cases preventable Researchers have led a study which found that about 37 000 cases of cancer could be prevented in Australia each year.

‘The implications of our research are huge, both for individuals and the health care system,’ Professor Whiteman explained.

The ground-breaking research, funded by Cancer Council Australia, showed that one in three cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes.

‘While we don’t yet know how to prevent some common types of cancer, such as those of the prostate or brain, our research shows that tens of thousands of cases of cancer can be prevented.

QIMR Berghofer Professor David Whiteman said most of those preventable cancers were caused by smoking, exposure to UV radiation, being overweight, poor diet and alcohol.

‘Simple lifestyle changes could save thousands of Australians from the grief and heartache of going through cancer. ‘Reducing the number of cancer cases in Australia would also reduce the burden on our healthcare system into the future.’ 

Professor David Whiteman

Work experience leads to work at QIMR Berghofer

Professor Rajiv Khanna

Virus vaccine gets a boost Researchers at QIMR Berghofer are one step closer to developing a new vaccine for cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is the leading infectious cause of abnormalities in newborn babies. It is estimated that about 4000 babies are infected with CMV in utero each year. Many of those develop complications including cerebral palsy, intellectual impairments, epilepsy, deafness and vision impairment. CMV is also a major cause of disease and death in people with a compromised immune system, including transplant recipients. A team at QIMR Berghofer, led by Professor Rajiv Khanna, has developed a vaccine which has been highly effective in laboratory tests. It works by inducing antibodies that neutralise the virus and killer T cells that clear the virus-infected cells. With support from BioPharmaceuticals Australia, Professor Khanna’s team will now develop a clinical-grade formulation of the vaccine and conduct further tests so it can progress to clinical trials. ‘Vaccines have been developed for CMV in the past, but they have produced mixed results,’ Professor Khanna said. ‘If our vaccine is successful, it will save lives and save hundreds of babies each year from being born with life-long, debilitating conditions and disabilities.’ 

When Redcliffe State High School student Ethan Curry first came to QIMR Berghofer for a week’s work experience in grade 11, he didn’t imagine it would lead to a job at the Institute. ‘I had no idea. I was thinking it was a dream just even being here,’ Ethan said. During that week Ethan visited the Institute’s Education Laboratory where school students spend a day in the life of a scientist. After the work experience, Ethan was offered casual work at QIMR Berghofer. Now, having completed grade 12, he’s working five days a week in the Institute’s scientific services department and is

Ethan Curry with Education Coordinator, Dr Liam St Pierre

about to start a Certificate 4 in laboratory skills. ‘I just love science in general, so it’s just great to be able to work in a place where I can actually think about and question things,’ Ethan said. Ethan’s sights are now set on a diploma and a science degree and getting more laboratory experience. 

Researchers put protein under the microscope Scientists at QIMR Berghofer have identified a protein which plays a role in liver disease.

with the goal of developing new ways to prevent and treat it. 

Liver fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, is the body’s response to injury caused by caused by alcohol, viruses, obesity and fatty liver disease. A team led by Professor Nathan Subramaniam is now looking into exactly what role the protein plays in the progression of liver scarring, Professor Nathan Subramaniam

CURRENT APPEAL

Mozzies – the world’s foe Louise Gillard knows all too well how debilitating mosquito-borne diseases can be. She suspects she contracted Ross River fever while working in her backyard with her husband in the Brisbane suburb of Seven Hills.

This quarantine facility allows scientists to examine both mosquitoes and the viruses they carry in safe, contained environments. Researchers in the laboratory are developing innovative techniques to prevent an outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases and are working to understand the disease risk posed by invading, exotic mosquitoes.

At first Louise couldn’t work out what was wrong and thought the painful, achy joints and extreme fatigue was some kind of flu. As symptoms persisted and gradually got worse, she started to feel depressed and wondered if she would ever feel better.

To donate to the QIMR Berghofer Mozzie Smack Down in support of critical research, please complete and return the donation form on page 8 or visit www.qimrberghofer.edu.au and click on the donate button. 

‘I thought Ross River fever was a tropical disease that you could not contract in Brisbane,’ Louise said. ‘I knew something was wrong quite quickly. I felt so lethargic that if I didn’t have to do something, I simply wouldn’t do it. Research in this area is so critical.’ While Louise was relieved to find out what was wrong, she then had to take strong pain killers and wait for the virus to pass. With the Zika virus spreading overseas, we are featuring QIMR Berghofer Mosquito Control Laboratory with our Mozzie Smack Down appeal.

Louise Gillard

The laboratory’s research is focused on controlling mosquito populations.

Tips to smack down mozzies in your backyard Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Remove mosquito breeding sites

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Screen windows and doors in your home

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Clean out garden ponds and stock them with fish

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Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or PMD

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Clean leaf-clogged gutters

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Cover up with long sleeves and trousers (loose-fitting clothing is recommended as mosquitoes can bite through fabric – even denim)

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Change water in bird baths each week

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Cover outside barrels and empty buckets

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Recycle old bottles, plastic containers and used tyres

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Repair leaky taps.

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Avoid known mosquito-infested areas, especially at dawn and dusk.

Tea anda

e c n e i c S f o e c i Sl

A wonderful way of supporting our research into cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, is to leave a very special gift in your Will.

Heather Stott

Heather Stott, our Bequest Coordinator, can explain how to leave a bequest to the Institute, why it is so important, and how such a special gift will greatly benefit the health of future generations.

Join us at our Bequest Morning Tea

We hold regular morning teas at QIMR Berghofer where you can come and chat to Heather and our scientists to find out more… and enjoy a piece of Heather’s Lemon Slice.

To secure a spot, phone Sally or Heather on (07) 3362 0251 before Monday 23 May.

Friday 27 May 10 am – 12 noon

Heather’s Lemon Slice INGREDIENTS Biscuit base 80 – 100g butter 3/4 of a 395g can condensed milk 250g Marie biscuits, finely crushed 1 cup desiccated coconut Zest of 2 lemons, finely grated

METHOD Biscuit base Place butter and condensed milk in a small saucepan. Stir continuously over medium to low heat. Be careful it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat when butter and condensed milk have combined and the mixture is smooth. Set aside. Stir in a bowl crushed biscuits and coconut together until well combined. Add lemon zest.

Lemon icing 1 3/4 – 2 cups icing sugar 20g butter 2 tablespoons (40ml) lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons desiccated coconut for sprinkling on top of slice

Add wet ingredients to dry and stir well until combined. The mixture will appear quite wet at this stage. Press mixture into prepared pan. You can either use your hands, a rolling pin or a glass on its side. Make sure the mixture is pressed down smoothly and firm. Refrigerate while preparing icing.

PREPARATION

Combine icing sugar, melted butter and lemon juice in a bowl. Spread over biscuit base and sprinkle with extra coconut.

Grease a 18cm x 28cm slice tray and line with baking paper.

Lemon icing

Refrigerate until set and cut into bite-size pieces. Tip from Heather: ‘I usually make a double batch as it doesn’t last long!’

Supporters’ Corner Supporters’ Corner Clive Berghofer Humanitarian Award Late last year, Ailsa Zinns was awarded the Clive Berghofer Humanitarian Award in recognition of her special and continued support for the Institute over the past 12 years. Her interest in science and medicine began as a child and has not waned over a lifetime of remarkable sporting and career milestones and achievements. Ailsa’s life motto is ‘Life to be lived’. Thank you Ailsa for all your support. Pictured above: Ailsa Zinns accepts her award from QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon and QIMR Berghofer Council Chair, Dr Doug McTaggart.

I Do Ron, Ron

In honour of James

Congratulations to Ron and Carolyn who made their Ride Around Australia fundraiser extra special by getting married along the way! After months of fundraising for QIMR Berghofer, Ron McLaughlin headed off on his second Ride Around Australia, this time with partner, Carolyn Storey. Covering 18 200 kilometres in two months, the couple combined the ride with their honeymoon and raised more than $18 000 for the fight against cancer.

In October 2015, Carole and Richard Szekely lost their 33-year-old son James to a 20-month battle with brain cancer.

A big congratulations to Ron and Carolyn on their special day! Pictured above: Ron and Carolyn cut the wedding cake complete with a bride and groom on motorcycle figurine!

Meet Team Eureka Choose your quest and break a sweat to help save lives as a member of Team Eureka! We are very excited to launch the new QIMR Berghofer Team Eureka where anyone from the community can fundraise for us through active challenges. Join our team in alreadyestablished events such as Bridge to Brisbane or set your own challenge – the choice is yours.

James worked as a branch manager for the NAB. Staff from Queensland NAB branches raised $8600 for immunotherapy brain cancer research being led by QIMR Berghofer Professor Rajiv Khanna. James’s parents, Carole and Richard, along with Megan, Niamh and Sandra from the NAB visited the Institute to meet Professor Khanna. Staff and researchers at QIMR Berghofer are honoured to be part of James’s legacy. More fundraising initiatives are planned by NAB staff to honour James’s memory. Pictured above, from left to right: Niamh Larkin, NAB; Professor Khanna; Megan Canfield, NAB; Sandra Haines, NAB, Richard and Carole Szekely.

Already have your own or a corporate team? You can join Team Eureka too. It is a great way to keep active and have an enjoyable time with like-minded people, while supporting our dedicated researchers. Visit www.qimrberghofer.edu.au from 9 March to find out more and choose your challenge. Then why not get some family, friends and colleagues to join you?

Donation form

Upcoming events

If you can help, please return the below form in the enclosed envelope.

World Science Festival Brisbane

1 My donation $100

$50

I’d like to give:

$25

A week-long celebration and exploration of science. For the first time this international event will be held in Brisbane. Visit www.worldsciencefestival.com.au Location: Queensland Museum and Sciencentre Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 March

or my choice: $_______________

2 My details Mr

Mrs

Miss

Other:__________________

Wills Day

Name

Come along to an obligation-free presentation where the Public Trustee will answer frequently asked questions about Wills and Estate Management. To make the best use of time, you can make an appointment to speak to a solicitor from the Public Trustee about your Will.

Address Suburb

Postcode

Phone

Book an appointment by calling Sally or Heather on (07) 3362 0251 and we will send you a confirmation letter with a checklist for you to complete before the appointment to help make writing a Will a little easier. Wednesday 11 May, 9 am – 3 pm

Email I would like to make this gift a regular monthly donation. Please send me information on leaving a gift to QIMR Berghofer in my Will.

Bequest Morning Tea

3 Payment method Please find enclosed:

Join us for a tour of the Institute and hear about our latest research from our Director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon. Learn how you can support the Institute by leaving a bequest. Friday 27 May, 10 am – 12 noon

Money order OR

Cheque (payable to QIMR Berghofer) OR

Please debit my:

Visa

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Diners

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Tours at QIMR Berghofer

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Come and see the inner workings of one of Australia’s largest and most successful medical research institutes. We welcome visits from individuals, community groups, schools and other non-profit organisations.

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Biller code: 908111 Ref: Your full name

Contact your bank or financial institution to make this payment from your cheque, savings, debit, credit card or transaction account. More info: www.bpay.com.au

For more information phone 1800 993 000

Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible. Unless specifically advised by you, we will send your tax receipt for this donation by email. Your email:

Baking for a good cause

Send a consolidated tax receipt at the end of the financial year for the total amount of my donation.

4 Return this form Please post this form (no stamp required) to: QIMR Berghofer Reply Paid 70885 Royal Brisbane Hospital QLD 4029

Share, care & enjoy is a celebratory cookbook that features a collection of more than 90 recipes from cancer heroes and the friends and family who have shared their journey.

5 Communication preferences Personal information is collected to facilitate tax receipts and to keep you up-to-date with important medical research that is made possible through your generosity. Please tick here if you do NOT wish to receive communications from QIMR Berghofer.

All proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go to support programs, after-treatment care and cancer research, including at QIMR Berghofer.

Occasionally, QIMR Berghofer will share your personal information with like-minded charities to contact you with information that may be of interest to you. Those organisations allow us to do the same and this may help increase support for our causes. As a result, personal information (but not payment details) provided to QIMR Berghofer may be transferred to, and stored at, locations outside of Australia. Please tick here if you do NOT wish to receive communications from organisations we trust.

For more information visit www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/privacy-policy/

Ref: LL92/Feb16

Thank you to Tricia Mahoney and Breast Friends Limited for allowing us reproduce the delicious Lemon Slice recipe on page 6. To purchase the cookbook visit www.breastfriends.com.au