Study strengthens link between cleft palate and ancient gene

Dr Marina Carpinelli (first author) and
Professor Stephen Jane (last author)

by Anne Crawford

Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects, affecting about one in 800 Australian babies. The conditions, which result in the baby’s facial parts failing to fuse during early foetal life, can affect the child’s social development, feeding, hearing and speech, as well as their appearance.

Now, Monash University scientists have found that Grhl2, part of an ancient gene family called Grainyhead-like (Grhl), plays a critical role in preventing cleft palate in combination with a gene called Zeb1.

MOU signed between Monash and Xi'an Jiaotong Universities for exchange program

L-R: Professors Yan Hong, Stephen Jane, Robyn Slattery and Associate
Professor Lei Zhang at the MOU ceremony, Xi'an Jiaotong University

Professor Steve Jane, Dean, Sub-Faculty of Translational Medicine and Public Health, with Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) Vice President, Prof Yan Hong at the ceremony, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an exchange program between Monash and Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Sciences Centre on 21 October 2019.

Plans for China/Australia sexual health centre gain momentum

by Anne Crawford

Prof. Lei Zhang, earlier in the year at the collaborative meeting
to discuss the new joint centre.

The head of the Central Clinical School, Professor Stephen Jane, will visit China next week to discuss plans for a new joint centre researching sexual health, a collaboration between Monash University and Xi'an Jiaotong University in China (XJTU).

The China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases will bring together researchers from the Central Clinical School’s Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) and School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University in north-western China.

Professor Jane will meet with Professor Yan Hong, Vice President of Xi'an Jiaotong University, to discuss collaboration between the universities’ faculties of medicine, focussing on the exchange of academic staff and students, and possible joint programs.

Monash study reveals mutation linked to anaemia

A/Prof David Curtis and Dr Ashlee Conway during her candidature
at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases

by Anne Crawford

Monash University researchers have identified a new mutation in a gene responsible for a process that is vital to developing the blood cells that absorb iron and generate haemoglobin. The mutation results in anaemia similar to that of an iron-deficiency.

The researchers, in the Red Cell team at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD), revealed the mutation in the TFRC gene, which encodes for the Transferrin Receptor, the body’s main iron receptor.