Body's 'safety procedure' could explain autoimmune disease

Immunology researchers have found an important safety mechanism in the immune system that may malfunction in people with autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments. Published in Immunity, 6 Sept 2013, the research, led by Head of the Monash Department of Immunology Professor Fabienne Mackay, describes for the first time how the body manages marginal zone (MZ) B cells, which form a general first line of attack against germs, but are potentially harmful.

• Monash story
• Journal reference
• Animation prepared by first author Dr Will Figgett;
• Video of Fabienne Mackay explaining the significance of the research;
• BAFF lab link.

Research: Stem Cell Research Group, Division of Blood Cancers

Lmo2 is an oncogenic transcription factor that is frequently overexpressed in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) including early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL) cases with poor prognosis. Lmo2 must be recruited to DNA by binding to the hematopoietic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors Scl/Tal1 or Lyl1. However, it is unknown which of these factors can mediate the leukemic activity of Lmo2.

Research: Leukaemia cells killed by targeting two kinase enzymes

In recent studies headed by Drs Mark Guthridge and Andrew Wei in the Leukemia Research Group at the ACBD, Monash University, a new and previously unsuspected alliance was identified between the enzymes phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and cyclin dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) in promoting oncogenic survival signals in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells.

Research: Surprising role revealed for a clot busting enzyme in neurodegenerative disease

Neuronal degeneration, in particular damage to the "Purkinje neurons", occurs in many human disorders including Huntington's disease. Purkinje damage causes abnormal movement. Interestingly, we repeatedly observe high levels of the enzyme "tPA" in the brain during Purkinje damage. As tPA is an enzyme normally responsible for breaking down blood clots, the effect of such high tPA levels in the brain was unknown.

Publications

Chang-Yew Leow C, Gerondakis S, Spencer A.  MEK inhibitors as a chemotherapeutic intervention in multiple myeloma.  Blood Cancer J. 2013 Mar 22;3:e105.

Kalff A, Spencer A.  The t(4;14) translocation and FGFR3 overexpression in multiple myeloma: prognostic

Event: MAPrc launch with Governor General Quentin Bryce 1 Oct 2013

MAPrc launch with Governor General Quentin Bryce 1 Oct 2013

Her Excellency the Governor General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, is formally launching the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre on 1 October 2013. Formalities 5.30-6.30 pm followed by a cocktail party. Tours of the labs at 607 St Kilda Road before the launch from 3.30 pm. All welcome!

RSVP by 16 September by CLICKING HERE or email maprcpa@monash.edu or ph 9076 6924. See more at ww.maprc.org.au/launch2013,

Successful AMREP ECR symposium

Approximately 80 people attended the AMREP ECR conference held last Monday 26 August. Overall the conference was very lively and fun, and the committee received great feedback on the day. Pictured L-R: Andrew Carey (Data Blitz winner), Saskia, Martin Pal and Andrew Siebel (both Question Prize winners). The full list of award winners from the AMREP ECR Conference are detailed below.