A new quality control mechanism has been discovered in immune T cell development, where a protein complex called LUBAC enables 'quality control' of cells before they are released into the bloodstream. This discovery has significant implications for understanding autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A team of researchers discovered that immune T cells have two internal clocks controlling their lifespan and division, shedding new light on how the body regulates immune responses. The discovery also explains how errors in these clocks may lead to immune cell cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
A new compound, S63845, has been shown to block a protein essential for the sustained growth of up to a quarter of all cancers. This research holds promise for treating blood and solid cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and melanoma.
Researchers have created a 3D map of the doublecortin kinase like domain 1 (DCLK1) protein, which is linked to various types of cancers. The study provides new information on how DCLK1 functions and contributes to cancer formation.
Australian researchers have discovered a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting MCL-1, which may be effective in treating multiple myeloma. The majority of myelomas rely on MCL-1 to stay alive, and inhibiting it has shown potential as a treatment approach for the majority of patients.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is creating a free online database of over 100 scientifically accurate 3D biomedical animations. This project, led by Dr Drew Berry, aims to provide valuable teaching and learning resources for schools and universities teaching biomedical science.
Researchers have performed the first large-scale genomic analysis of P. vivax malaria infections, revealing patterns of variation that result from ancient events and recent selection. The study provides valuable information on parasite diversity within individuals and globally, which is essential for understanding how malaria is transm...
Researchers identified denosumab as a potential non-surgical option to prevent breast cancer in women with elevated genetic risk. The study showed that the drug switched off cell growth and curtailed breast cancer development in laboratory models.
Melbourne researchers have discovered a novel way of directly activating Bak, a protein central to apoptosis, to trigger cell death. This finding holds promise for developing drugs that promote cell death in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have identified a protein 'brake' that controls Natural Killer cell activity, revealing a potential therapeutic target. The study showed that removing this brake improves Natural Killer cells' ability to fight metastatic melanoma, offering hope for new immunotherapies.
Researchers discovered how a new class of anti-cancer drugs, BET inhibitors, kill cancer cells through apoptosis. The findings explain how cancer cells may become resistant to treatment and provide potential strategies for developing improved therapies.
Researchers discovered a new way to kill rapidly multiplying cancer cells using necroptosis, an alternative form of cell death. This approach may lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who have resisted traditional therapies.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have uncovered a crucial mechanism behind rich milk production in lactation. Breast cells develop two nuclei during pregnancy, allowing for optimal milk production, which is essential for newborn survival. This discovery sheds new light on the intricate processes involved in lactation.
Melbourne researchers have identified the genes Hobit and Blimp1, which control a universal molecular program for placing immune cells at the front lines of the body to fight infection and cancer. This discovery has major implications for developing strategies to induce immune cells in tissues that protect against infectious diseases.
A team of researchers has solved a rare, debilitating disease by identifying a genetic mutation as its cause. The disease, Pyrin Associated Autoinflammation with Neutrphilic Dermatosis (PAAND), affects half of the children of patients who have the condition.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers develop new class of PRMT5 inhibitors to treat cancer and certain blood disorders, leading to a major licensing agreement with Merck. The deal includes an initial payment of $US15 million and paves the way for further research into new treatments.
A new class of 'BH3-mimetic' drugs has shown promise in treating Legionella-infected cells by targeting the BCL-XL protein. This research could lead to new treatments for various bacterial infections, even those resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered a key protein that drives blood cancer development and may prevent it with MCL-1 inhibitors. Seventy percent of human cancers have abnormally high levels of MYC, which forces cells into rapid growth.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new combination of birinapant and p38 inhibitors that shows promise as a treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The combination has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone, with fewer toxic side effects.
Researchers have found a way to activate natural killer cells, which hunt and destroy cancer cells, by targeting the 'switch' protein ID2. This discovery could lead to new treatments for breast, colon, and melanoma cancers.
Researchers have discovered how nutlins work by activating the body's natural cancer-suppressing mechanism, gene P53, and triggering programmed cell death in blood cancer cells. This breakthrough paves the way for more precise and personalized medical treatments for cancer.
Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.
A critical discovery about how bacteria feed on an unusual sugar molecule found in leafy green vegetables could hold the key to explaining how 'good' bacteria protect our gut and promote health. Leafy greens are essential for feeding good gut bacteria, limiting the ability of bad bacteria to colonise the gut.
Researchers identified the genetic 'map' of the human parasitic scabies mite using cutting-edge genome technologies, which could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations. The study also found that certain animal strains of mites may infect humans, with major implications for disease control programs.
Melbourne researchers discovered a protein called Hhex that puts the brakes on leukemia cell growth and division. Targeting this protein could lead to new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis.
Researchers discovered a link between babies with hyperactive immune cells at birth and the development of food allergies in early life. Monocytes activated immune cells encouraged allergic reactions to common foods.
Scientists reveal that inflammatory molecules driving the immune response in clinical and severe malaria also prevent protective antibodies from developing against the parasite. This discovery could lead to new approaches for boosting key immune cells needed for long-lasting immunity.
Researchers discovered how a common parasite, Toxoplasma, hijacks host cells to store food for decades, altering host behavior. The findings could lead to vaccines and drugs to protect against the parasite's serious risks, including miscarriage and birth defects.
A network of immune cells helps the appendix maintain digestive system health by preventing damage and inflammation during bacterial attacks. This discovery suggests the appendix may be more relevant to our health than previously thought, potentially even serving as a natural reservoir for 'good' bacteria.
Lung researcher Dr. Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat has received a competitive $1.225 million Viertel Fellowship to investigate lung development and cancer. The funding will support her work on developing better treatments for premature babies with underdeveloped lungs and those with lung disease, including cancer.
A new study reveals that relapsed malaria infections are a significant obstacle to malaria eradication in the Asia-Pacific region. Most childhood infections in Papua New Guinea are caused by relapsed P. vivax infections, which can hide in the liver and re-emerge after treatment.
Researchers have discovered a biological sensor called NLRP1 that responds to excess energy intake and instructs cells to burn fat stores. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, suggests that activating this protein could help combat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Breast cancer researcher Dr Michalak aims to understand how normal and cancerous cells develop in the breast to identify suspicious tumors and develop better treatments. Her study focuses on epigenetic modifiers, which can influence DNA behavior, and may hold clues to preventing tumor spread.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have created a 3D image of cancer protein Trib1, revealing its role in controlling protein levels within cells. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs to treat cancers such as leukemia.
A new study has found that children with coeliac disease react to the same key toxic proteins in gluten as adults, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treatments. The research supports the use of existing treatments and diagnostic tests for adults with coeliac disease for children.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a new class of antimalarial drugs by targeting the critical malaria 'conductor' protein plasmepsin V. The discovery could effectively kill two species of malaria parasites, including the deadliest form Plasmodium falciparum, which causes most malaria-related deaths.
A study has identified a potential link between inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and the development of heart valve disease, including aneurysms. The research team hopes that existing medicines that dampen inflammation could be repurposed to treat heart valve diseases.
Researchers identified a protein called Myb that creates long-term immunity by preserving antibody-producing plasma cells in the bone marrow. The discovery could lead to developing lasting immunity against diseases like malaria.
Australian researchers discovered that a single genetic change in Smchd1 affects its function in the cell, leading to debilitating muscle wasting in FSHD. This fundamental understanding could help develop future treatments for the currently untreatable disease.
A new study from Australian and Singaporean scientists has discovered that each subtype of dendritic cell has its own unique parent cell. This discovery could lead to more efficient treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by targeting the progenitor cells that produce these immune cells.
Researchers have developed a combination treatment using an antiviral and anti-cancer drug that has proven 100% successful in eliminating hepatitis B virus infections in preclinical models. The treatment targets the cell signalling pathways used by the virus, causing infected cells to die.
Researchers have discovered two protein 'architects', MOZ and BMI1, which play opposing roles in guiding embryonic development. These proteins regulate Hox gene expression, ensuring the correct formation of body segments and tissues. The study sheds new light on how environmental factors can impact early embryo development.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute discovered that cancer drug target MCL-1 is crucial for normal blood cell production, but its depletion impairs recovery of the blood cell system after cancer therapy-induced blood cell loss. This finding has important implications for potential cancer treatments involving MCL-1 inhibitors.
Researchers have developed a new drug-like molecule called WEHI-345 that binds to and inhibits a key immune signalling protein, preventing the release of inflammatory cytokines. The molecule showed promise in preventing the progression of multiple sclerosis in 50% of cases.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute developed a new genome-editing technology to target and kill blood cancer cells. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to delete an essential gene for cancer cell survival, showing promise for treating human diseases arising from genetic errors.
A team of scientists discovered that HuR protein is critical for controlling metabolism in B cells, which produce antibodies essential for fighting infections. Removing HuR prevents proper growth and function of B cells, highlighting the importance of this protein in immunity.
Australian researchers identified MCL-1 as a critical regulator of breast development and milk production in the mammary gland. This discovery highlights the importance of MCL-1 for all stages of breast development and lactation.
Researchers discovered that specialised immune cells called regulatory T cells played a key role in controlling inflammation in fat tissue and maintaining insulin sensitivity. Treating fat tissues with IL-33 restored normal Treg cell levels, reducing inflammation and decreasing blood glucose levels.
Researchers have discovered that targeting a cell 'survival' protein could help treat some lymphomas, including those cancers with genetic defects that make them resistant to many existing therapies. Removing MCL-1 causes the death and elimination of lymphoma cells that had become resistant to conventional cancer treatments.
New research solves decades-old mystery of silent cell death, revealing how dying cells hide from the immune system. The study identified the role of caspases in suppressing interferon release, providing insights into links between cell death, the immune system and disease.