What's On at UWA

Water Corporation representatives will be on campus to talk about graduate opportunities for all students. (engineering and science highly desired) Please book through http://uwa.careerhub.com.au

The Soil&Water seminar at 12pm on Weds, May 2nd, will be given by Richard Allcock, with an introduction by Tony O'Donnell, Dean of Science. All welcome!

TITLE: "Application of next-generation DNA sequencing to the analysis of long and short PCR products"

Richard Allcock is the Scientist-in-Charge of the LotteryWest State Biomedical Facility – Genomics (LSBFG) based at Royal Perth Hospital. He is also a member of the School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Western Australia and a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Science of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. He has expertise in the analysis of DNA and detection of sequence variants. Under his direction, LSBFG performs next-generation sequencing (FLX/454, SOLID, Ion Torrent) Sanger sequencing and a host of other genetic and genomic analyses. Richard Allcock has analysed many DNA sequence variants and their affect on function, haplotypic arrangements and role in disease susceptibility/resistance. He has published widely in this area, collaborating with many researchers across Western Australia and internationally.

As a sequencing tragic, Richard has established links with Tony O’Donnell and Andrew Whiteley to see how these sequencing technologies can be routinely and cheaply applied to the analysis of agricultural and environmental samples. As part of this collaboration FNAS have funded an ion Torrent PGM sequencer housed at Royal Perth Hospital and it is this device that he’ll be talking about today.

The Seminar: Dr Rubenson will discuss his work aimed at understanding the relationships between in vivo muscle function, locomotor mechanics and it associated metabolic energy cost. Dr Rubenson will discuss projects adopting experimental and modeling approaches in both humans and animal systems. His projects span basic research questions requiring direct muscle mechanics and energetics measurements (e.g. muscle strain, force, muscle blood flow) as well as clinical research questions, in particular into muscle mechanics and energetics in ageing and chronic heart failure.

The Speaker: Dr Jonas Rubenson is an Assistant Professor in the Biomechanics Group within the School of Sport Science, Exercise & Health at UWA. His expertise lies in study of musculoskeletal mechanics, in particular in vivo muscle function during movement and the relationship between muscle function and locomotor energetics. Dr Rubenson received his PhD from the University of Western Australia, where he studied the role of mechanical energetics as a determinant of the energy cost of bipedal running. Subsequent post-doctoral positions at Northeastern University (Boston, MA) and Stanford University (Stanford, CA) saw Dr Rubenson gain expertise in both mechanical and energetic measurements of skeletal muscle in animal models (e.g. sonomicrometery and blood flow measurements) as well as experimental measurement and musculoskeletal modelling of muscle function in humans.

All welcome to attend the School of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2012 Seminar Series (RPH). On a weekly basis we have local/guest speakers presenting to a wide audience typically in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and cancer related research. This week we are privileged to have a local speaker. Associate Professor Fiona Pixley from the School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, presenting on "Targeting CSF-1 induced macrophage migration to inhibit tumour invasion and metastasis" Event is sponsored by Life Technologies and light refreshments are provided. For further inquiries please contact using the provided email. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Speaker: Dr Watson trained as a molecular biologist in the United Kingdom and conducted his first post doc with Prof Steven Holgate, Prof Newton Morten and Prof. Patricia Jacobs in Southampton , UK performing genetic linkage analysis to Atopy and allergic disease. In 1994 he took up a position as the manager of the Centre for Cell and molecular Biology at the University of Western Australia.

In 1996 he was successful in obtaining NH&MRC funding for a project looking at the molecular aspects of the Murine AIDS virus. Dr Watson then moved to a research position within the WA Health Department at Royal Perth Hospital Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases to study the Hepatitis C Virus which remains one of his main research areas to date.

In 2006 Dr Watson took up the position of Manager of the newly established Geomics Node of the Lotterywset Biomedical facility located within the Department of Immunology and Immunogenetics at Royal Perth Hospital.

Dr Watson has been highly active in organising conferences both local and national (CBSM and ASM) and has previously chaired CBSM 92002-2005). Dr Watson is an ASMWA committee member and is the chair of the WA health Hepatitis C Virus statewide database development group.

He joined the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases as the Laboratory Manager in December 2008. His most active area of current research is in the area of the Hepatitis C virus with particular focus on molecular immunology and antivirals.

- Obligation free hands on demonstrations - Bring and try your own samples - Patented eye-pieceless optics allows operators freedomn of head movement with the ability to wear glasses - Superb Ergonomics reduces eye strain and fatigue - Pin sharp iomage with long working distances - Bright LED illumination ideal for all Inspection applications and manipulation tasks

Lynx - Stereo Dynascopic Microscope for inspection and material rework

- Wide range of magnification x3.5 - x120 - Patented stereo eyepieceless optical technology provides superb resolution and contrast - Easy hand-to-eye coordination resulting in increased throughput, accuracy and reduced scrap - Long-life, true colour LED illumination for shadow-free viewing of complex surfaces

Mantis - Stereo Viewing Systems Superior imaging for a wide range of inspection & rework tasks

- Patented optical technology for fatigue-free viewing and superb image quality - Wide range of magnification options (to x20) - Long working distances; large depths of field - Shadow-free true colour LED illumination

Dr Sharwood’s research focuses on the molecular engineering of higher plant chloroplasts to improve many facets of plant productivity. Chloroplasts harbour the key biochemical reactions of photosynthesis, a process that underpins all life on earth.

All welcome to attend the School of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2012 Seminar Series (RPH). On a weekly basis we have local/guest speakers presenting to a wide audience typically in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and cancer related research. This week we are privileged to have a local speaker. Doctor Brian Brestovac from the School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University presenting on "Human papillomavirus (HPV), Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR)". The event is sponsored by Life Technologies and light refreshments are provided. For further inquiries please contact using the provided email. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Seminar: By investigating the neural basis of behaviour in marine organisms, it is possible to identify the signals that govern a range of behaviours crucial for survival. In this presentation, the fields of neuroscience and ecology are integrated to explore animal behaviour and the processing of environmental signals by both the peripheral and central nervous systems of a range of (predominantly marine) organisms. Within every species’ microhabitat, the ability to detect the physical environment for setting circadian rhythms, avoiding predation, finding food and for reproductive success are often different. We use innovative neurobiological techniques such as molecular genetics, microspectrophotometry, bioimaging, electrophysiology and anatomy to trace the evolution of sensory systems and the detection thresholds for light, chemosensory signals, electric fields, water borne sound and hydrodynamic disturbances. In this way, we hope to understand how we can protect biodiversity and the varied environments each species is adapted to.

The Speaker: Professor Shaun P. Collin is a WA Premiers Research Fellow and Winthrop Professor at The University of Western Australia. He heads a large Neuroecology Group that investigates the neural basis of behaviour in both invertebrates and vertebrates, with special emphasis on sensory systems and vision. Before joining UWA from The University of Queensland, where he was a Professor within the School of Biomedical Sciences for 10 years, he spent appreciable periods of time in Canada, the United States, Germany and Australia on a range of prestigious Research Fellowships (ARC QEII, Fulbright, Alexander von Humboldt, Grass). Using a range of cutting edge techniques, his Group investigates the impacts of light on biodiversity, sustainability and health in a large diversity of animals, including humans. Prof. Collin has published over 170 scientific papers, including 2 books, and sits on the Editorial Boards of 5 international journals. He also sits on the College of Experts Panel for the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is a member of the Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (TIAC) for the WA State Government.

All welcome to attend the School of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2012 Seminar Series (RPH). On a weekly basis we have local/guest speakers presenting to a wide audience typically in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and cancer related research. This week we are delighted to have 2 of our own students presenting final MLM and honours seminars respectively: Abdullah Ali Aseeri on 'Identification and discrimination of different strains of CA-MRSA by using MALDI-TOF MS' and Royston Ong on 'Whole exome sequencing applied to Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease' from the School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UWA. The event is sponsored by Life Technologies and light refreshments are provided. For further inquiries please contact using the provided email. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Lung Institute of WA invites you to a free seminar on: "Lung function – going global in 2012" by Professor Graham Hall from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. Time: 12 noon for light lunch with 12.30pm – 1.30pm presentation.

The Seminar: Compelling evidence suggests that cancer cells are generally under reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. As mitochondria respiration is the main source of ROS generation in the cells, MnSOD is of prime importance in maintaining the tumor cellular ROS balance. It has recently been reported that generation of ROS is closely involved in PPAR ligand–induced apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which these ligands induce ROS generation remains unknown. We report the identification of human MnSOD as a PPAR target gene and that activation by PPAR agonists led to downregulation of MnSOD gene expression in vitro and in vivo xenograft model. Futhermore, histopathologic analysis of breast cancer biopsies obtained from patients treated with synthetic PPAR agonists also showed MnSOD repression. Repression of MnSOD expression was accompanied with increase in intracellular superoxide production in breast cancer cells. Suppression of MnSOD levels by small-interfering RNA or activation of PPAR in breast cancer cells increased oxidative stress and enhanced chemo-sensitivity to ROS-inducing drugs such as docetaxel and doxorubicin. Importantly, normal breast cells were completely refractory to these effects. Together, our data not only identifies MnSOD as a novel PPAR target but also provides a molecular mechanism for ROS-manipulation therapy through the intelligent use of PPAR ligands in combination with ROS-inducing drugs to preferentially kill cancer cells.

The Speaker: Dr. Alan Prem Kumar earned his Ph.D. from University of North Texas, USA. From his Ph.D. work, he discovered a novel regulatory protein, PyrR for the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway in Pseudomonas. Because pyrimidine biosynthesis is an essential step in the progression of secondary Pseudomonas infections, PyrR presents an attractive anti-pseudomonal drug target. Dr. Kumar then pursued Postdoctoral training in Cancer Research at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, California, USA. He was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship for his work on the role of nuclear receptors in the transcriptional regulation of human myeloperoxidase, a leukocyte enzyme implicated as causative agent in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Kumar relocated back to Singapore to join the Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore as an independent Principal Investigator to continue on his expertise on nuclear receptor and cancer biology. His current research interest includes the role of nuclear receptors involved in the regulation of target genes and to elucidate mechanism and associated signal pathways. Another area of interest is to have a greater understanding of these nuclear receptors – aimed at developing newer selective PPAR gamma modulators, drugs with more potent activity and less toxicity. Towards this end, Dr Kumar identified a series of 21 structurally new PPAR gamma activators by computer-aided drug design using a combination of ligand-based and structure-based approaches. In collaboration with GenoMed, Inc, USA, he has recently identified a new tyrosine kinase involved in the progression of ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers. Inhibitors were developed against this kinase using computer-aided drug design. His goal is to use these drugs to demonstrate its effectiveness in a variety of cancer cell lines, mouse xenograft, with intent to clinical trials here in Singapore. Over the years, Dr. Kumar and his laboratory have forged relationships with scientists in cancer research and with cancer advocacy groups in Singapore.

Host: E/Prof Dharmarajan - PH) 6488 2981

All welcome to attend the School of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2012 Seminar Series (RPH). On a weekly basis we have local/guest speakers presenting to a wide audience typically in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and cancer related research. This week we are privileged to have a local speaker. Doctor Phil Stumbles from the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University presenting on "Regulating Immunity and Tolerance at Airway Mucosal Barriers". The event is sponsored by Life Technologies and light refreshments are provided. For further inquiries please contact using the provided email. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Seminar: The lung is a remarkable organ with gas exchange and vital immune defence roles accomplished in a branching network of airways and about 200 million alveoli. It is also an extremely dynamic tissue with rapid turnover of lung cells and their surrounding matrix which may explain the ability of new lung tissue regeneration in experimental models of lung growth. Chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are a major cause of illness and an enormous burden on world health systems. Treatment for these diseases is inadequate with patients unresponsive to most current therapies and, despite large programmes in drug discovery, no agents are emerging that can cure or reverse chronic lung diseases. There is hope that cell therapeutic approaches with the regeneration of new lung tissue might be achievable and initial reports using progenitor cells derived from the bone marrow suggest that this approach may ameliorate animal models of lung disease. The mechanism for this action is uncertain but likely depends on paracrine pathways rather than cell engraftment. This presentation reviews some of the milestones in pulmonary fibrosis research and presents data suggesting keratinocyte growth factor delivery in a transgene expressed by stem cells may be effective in preventing animal models of lung fibrosis.

The Speaker: Professor Laurent is currently the Head of the Research Department of Internal Medicine and the Director of the Centre for Respiratory Research at University College London. He directs a team of scientists and physicians conducting research into basic aspects of inflammation and tissue repair and has published over 200 articles in international journals of biomedical research. He was recently awarded the European Respiratory Societies Presidential Award for his contribution to lung science and is currently its head of Science. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and has edited several books including a four volume Encyclopaedia of Respiratory Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and Past- President of the British Association for Lung Research. In June 2012 he takes up a post at the University of Western Australia directing its newly formed Centre for Cell Therapies and Regenerative Medicine

The Three MInute Thesis (3MT) is a fun and challenging event that encourages the communication of research to a wide audience. The UWA 3MT competition finals will be held on 25th July and this presentation is a comprehensive guide to the preparation and presentation of a compelling 3MT talk. The presenter, Simon Clews,is an experienced 3MT judge who has championed the 3MT competition in Australia and internationally.

X-ray crystallography is a method of determining the arrangement of atoms within a crystal. This talk will briefly outline the technique used in the determination of crystal structures with special reference to small molecules. The instrumentation which is available to researchers at UWA for diffraction experiments will also be described. A number of results from such experiments will be presented including examples of crystal structures from the various research areas within UWA.

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are powerful organocatalysts for a range of chemical transformations. Our studies have been underpinned by new approaches to acyl azolium intermediates and have allowed a number of novel catalytic reactions to be developed. In this presentation studies on the use of NHCs to catalyse sigmatropic rearrangements, (4 + 2) annulations, and cascade Brønsted/Lewis base mediated reactions, will be presented. The application of these reactions to the total synthesis of 7 deoxyloganin will be presented.

The primary transcripts must then undergo extensive processing, including the maturation of 5’ and 3’ termini, RNA-editing and the splicing of many group-II-type introns (the precise number varying by species), which lie mainly within complex I subunits but also disrupt the coding-regions of several genes encoding ribosomal proteins. The splicing of these introns is therefore essential for the expression of the coding sequences they interrupt, and thus for respiratory activity. Yet, despite the importance of proteins that influence mitochondrial gene-expression, functions have been established for only a handful of such proteins in plants. In non-plant systems, the splicing of group-II introns is facilitated by proteins encoded within the introns themselves (Maturases, Mat’s). Yet, the plant mitochondrial introns are degenerated and also lost their intron-encoded ORF. It is thus anticipated that their splicing in the organelles requires the participation of nuclear gene products. In addition, the roles of nuclear-encoded factors in mitochondrial RNA-metabolism may provide means to link organellar gene expression and function to other cellular responses to energy state, environmental stimuli, and/or developmental cues. However, the precise functions still remain largely unknown for many of these proteins in plant mitochondria. By using biochemical and genetic approaches we established the roles of different proteins in the splicing of many of the mitochondrial introns in plants. These are diverse in origin and presumably in mechanism. Defects in interactions between this class of proteins and their RNA partners have been linked to growth and developmental defects, which include reduced germination, retarded growth phenotypes and cytoplasmic male sterility.

LIWA invites you to a free seminar on: "eResearch and the opportunities of applying digital technology in healthcare research" by Professor Jennifer Harrison from iVEC@UWA. Time: 12 noon for light lunch with 12.30pm – 1.30pm presentation

Come and hear prominent UWA, national and international speakers give varied and fascinating insights into Innovative Discoveries in Science through Advanced Mass Spectrometry. A full list of speakers and seminar titles is available on request to [email protected]