Partnership in the fight against cancer

A new $3 million research centre at the University of Adelaide that will help in the fight against cancer is the result of a successful joint bid by the University's School of Molecular and Biomedical Science and the Hanson Institute.

The research partners won $1.5 million in funding from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) from strong national competition and recently opened the Adelaide Proteomics Centre. It is the biggest private foundation research grant awarded in South Australia, and is also the largest individual grant awarded by the ACRF in its 21-year history.

Located in the Molecular Life Sciences building, the Adelaide Proteomics Centre is a world-class facility with the latest state-of-the-art proteomics equipment. It was formally opened early this year by Ms Jennifer Rankine, who is now Minister for State and Local Government Relations.

The remaining $1.5 million of funding was contributed by the University and its funding partners, the Hanson Institute, the Australian Research Council, the CSIRO and the State Government through BioInnovation SA.

Proteomics is the next step on from the mapping of the human genome. Scientists involved in proteomics research undertake the identification and quantification of proteins, and the determination of their localisation, modifications, interactions and activities. This will ultimately lead to a complete understanding of the function of all proteins produced in the body.

By better understanding the molecular interactions involved in the operation of living cells, scientists will be further equipped in their quest to cure or prevent cancer, and many other diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Peter Hoffmann, a proteomics specialist, has been recruited to Adelaide from Germany to direct the centre. The centre also features such world-class researchers as the University of Adelaide's Professors Shaun McColl and John Wallace, and Professors Angel Lopez and Jennifer Gamble from the Hanson Institute.

"Proteomics is an exciting new science and the establishment of the Adelaide Proteomics Centre here means the University of Adelaide will be at the forefront of developments in this field," Dr Hoffmann says.

"The Centre has two high-tech laboratories with the latest equipment, including a specialised mass spectrometer which is the most advanced instrument of its kind in Australia."

Professor McColl says the facility is the most sophisticated proteomics centre in Australia.

"By being able to directly access this technology, University staff and students and other scientists will have the opportunity to significantly increase their productivity in cancer research, as well as research into basic biological processes and other diseases," he says.

"It further underlines the contribution and impact that the University of Adelaide makes in Australia's biotechnology success, and is a significant investment in the future of biomedical and biotechnology research and teaching in South Australia." ■

Story Robyn Mills