Research Focus
WAIMR conducts research across a broad spectrum of diseases, but with a particular focus on the genetic basis of disease. Our research can be broadly categorized into the following areas:
Cancer
WAIMR's approach to the broad area of cancer research is to identify specific genetic defects in cancer/leukaemia cells, and environmental factors which cause cancers.
- Leukemia and Blood Disorders
This research involves studies of genes able to regulate blood cell production, which when mutated cause leukemias.
- Hormone-Dependent Cancers
This research aims to determine the mechanisms that control how hormones act in tumours, particularly breast and prostate carcinomas.
- Synthetic Biology and Drug Discovery
This research focuses on re-engineering bacteria and yeast to create microscopic drug factories.
- Cell Signalling
This research focuses on the molecule Lyn and its signalling pathways, which has been linked to several specific leukaemias as well as prostate, colon and breast cancer.
- Mitochondrial Medicine and Biology
This research aims to dissect the oxidative stress pathways that are involved in the progression of tumourigenesis to find new targets for early detection and prognosis of cancer.
- Cancer Gene Regulation
This research group is interested in the changes in gene expression that occur in cancer.
- Liver Disease and Carcinogenesis
This research is directed towards the identification of factors which encourage liver progenitor cells to grow, and those which convert them into liver parenchymal cells and bile duct cells. The mechanisms underlying transformation of liver progenitor cells into cancer cells is also under investigation.
- Angiogenesis and Tumour Immunology
This research looks at the remodelling of blood vessels during tumour growth to control the movement and effectiveness of anti-cancer immune cells.
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD)
NCARD is a research centre funded by the federal government as part of the Government's Strengthening Cancer Care package with measures aimed at prevention, treatment and support for cancer patients and their families.
- Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre (SKMRC)
The SKMRC aims to establish Western Australia as a world leader in melanoma research by providing crucial breakthroughs for improved diagnosis and treatment of the deadly skin cancer.
Epidemiology
- Epidemiology Group
This research involves studies into the causes of cancer in human populations, occupational causes of cancer and other chronic diseases, and migrant worker health.
Diabetes
WAIMR has two groups working on diabetes research.
- The Centre for Diabetes Research
This research is aimed at understanding and preventing diabetes and its complications, with a particular focus on the genetics of type 1 diabetes.
- The Centre for Food and Genomic Medicine
This is a new research facility aimed at harnessing the power of plants and genetics in a bid to beat the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity, known as "diabesity".
LIWA Genetics Unit
Molecular Endocrinology
We have two teams conducting research into the action of hormones at the cellular and molecular levels.
- Molecular Endocrinology - GPCRs
This group studies the molecular function of G-protein coupled receptors, a family of about 1000 different cell surface sensors in the human body responsible for functions as diverse as detection of light (vision), odorants (smell), the regulation of growth, reproduction, and immune responses.
- Molecular Endocrinology - Cell Growth
This group is working to understand how steroid hormones regulate cell growth, particularly estrogens and androgens, since they are important in cancers of the breast and prostate.
Molecular Genetics
This group conducts research in a variety of fields tied together by the fact that they are looking at the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.
- Neuromuscular Diseases
This research leads the world in the investigation of the genetic causes of muscle diseases in newborn children, and has helped many families understand the reasons for their children's muscle problems.
- Molecular Genetics
This team is investigating the genetics of common brain disorders. As part of the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, we are studying well-characterised sub-types of schizophrenia in WA patients and families. Research on epilepsy focuses on the Gypsy population, whose unique history can facilitate gene discovery.
- Genetics of Schizophrenia
The goal of this research is to identify genes underlying the complex genetic disorder, and in particular the genes involved in signaling pathways.
- Medical Genetics
This research looks at clinical cases that have the potential to provide powerful insights into much more common health problems, with the current focus being Rett syndrome.
Neurotrauma
- Neurotrauma Research Program
The aim of this research is to prevent and reduce nerve damage through the discovery of therapies to maintain, repair and functionally regenerate damaged nervous system tissue and thereby improve the personal freedom and quality of life of victims of brain and spinal cord injury.
Ageing
- WA Centre for Health and Ageing (WACHA)
WACHA is dedicated to issues associated with ageing and is made up of scientists investigating common conditions including dementia, falls, depression and immobility. The Centre will focus on building on the collaboration between The University of Western Australia's Schools of Medicine & Pharmacology and Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences to foster relationships with scientists of diverse disciplines.
Emergency Medicine
- Centre for Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine (CCREM)
The Centre for Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine (CCREM) is a unique unit that brings together clinical staff working in the Emergency Department (ED) and laboratory scientists using immunological and molecular biological techniques.
