Research

Research in the Molecular Medicine Group is currently focused in these areas:

Cancer Biology
The Cancer Biology Research Group is focused on common cancers that affect our community: colorectal, breast, prostate, head & neck, and skin cancers. The group studies the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes in the development and progression of these cancers. A major strength of the group is its translational research through extensive collaborations with cancer clinicians and pathologists from the teaching hospitals of UWS medical school. The principal investigators within the group also have extensive collaborative networks such as the Centenary, Garvan and Millennium institutes, Universities of Sydney and Queensland, University of Glasgow, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Singapore General Hospital and National University of Singapore.

Cardiovascular Biology
Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden and is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. The main focus of the cardiovascular group is the study of hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Professor Annemarie Hennessy is an internationally recognised researcher with over 19 years experience in the field of hypertension. In collaboration with Dr Joanne Lind, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology and Genetics and NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellow, they are investigating the role of genes and gender in the development of hypertension. A greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of hypertension will lay the groundwork for making significant improvements in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Neurobiology
Neurobiology research in the Molecular Medicine Research Group concentrates on using a diverse range of techniques and models to address the perplexing questions confounding modern neuroscience. A particular focus of research involves investigation of why house-keeping like proteins, when mutated, cause sensory neurodegeneration. This involves the identification of common molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in sensory neuropathies (Dr Simon Myers). Professor Coorssen’s laboratory study the molecular mechanisms underlying fast, Ca2+-triggered exocytosis that is fundamental to neurotransmitter release in the cell. Another key neurobiology research area is to identify novel drugs to inhibit the progression and treat Alzheimer’s patients (Assoc. Professor Gerald Muench). Research also focuses on the effects of the HIV-1 viral ion channel on hippocampal neurons and elucidating the molecular mechanism of this protein in AIDS dementia (Dr Sabine Piller). Identifying drug targets and cell and molecular mechanisms are key elements for making significant breakthroughs in neurodegenerative and associated diseases.

Reproductive Biology
The Clinical Sciences Group within the MMRG are investigating the molecular function of placentas in causing the human condition of preeclampsia (or hypertension in pregnancy). This work is done in collaboration with the patients of Greater Western Sydney and the research teams of the Heart Research Institute and Renal Medicine at Harvard Medical School.