The Lung Institute of Western Australia CAARR Postgraduate

The Lung Institute of Western Australia &CAARR Postgraduate Research For the six million Australians who struggle to take a breath, LIWA offers support and hope for a healthier future.

Why Research Lung Disease 6 Million Australians struggle to breathe. 60 x Almost one in three Australians Melbourne Cricket Ground

Why lung disease? A major problem for Australia; • Asthma – Australia &NZ highest in world • Emphysema – 4 th most common cause of death • Lung cancer – Most lethal of all cancers • Cystic fibrosis – most common genetic disease • Pneumonia – a major problem for the elderly & & infection indigenous people • Bronchiectasis – an emerging epidemic in Australia • Mesothelioma – asbestos & WA • Pul. Hypertension – poorly recognised

Our Research Philosophy Address the breadth of lung disease using the best research tools available • Bridge lab to clinic • Encourage a multidisciplinary approach • Encourage networking & collaboration • Ensure mutual recognition of the merits of both Basic and Clinical science

LIWA’s Aims • Support high quality research • Support young scientists • Educational & scientific resource for the community • Improve well-being of patients • Be an advocacy group for better lung health Cadets, Thomas and Sarah

LIWA’s Research Units Biological Sciences Research Clinical Sciences Research World Class Researchers • Tissue Repair, Inflammation & Cancer • Molecular Genetics • Pleural Disease • Stem Cell • Clinical Trials Unit • Pul. Vascular Disease • Physiotherapy • Cardiothoracic Surgery • Cystic Fibrosis /Bronchiectasis

LIWA’s Research Units Biological Sciences Research • Tissue Repair, Inflammation & Cancer • Head – Steve Mutsaers • Research Activities • Micro RNA and mesothelioma • Sonic Hedgehog signalling in mesothelioma & lung cancer • STAT signalling in pulmonary fibrosis • Stem cells in mesothelial tissue repair • Role of kinins in tumour angiogenesis Funding • NH&MRC • Dust Diseases Board of NSW

LIWA’s Research Units Biological Sciences Research • Molecular Genetics Unit • Head – Phil Thompson • Research Activities • Antisense therapies for Asthma • Pharmacogenetics of Asthma medications • Gene regulation & role of splice variants as regulators of inflammatory pathways • Candidate gene polymorphisms • GWAS for asthma in national/international consortia Funding NH&MRC CRC for Asthma and Airways

LIWA’s Research Units Biological Sciences Research • Pleural Disease Unit • Head – Gary Lee • Research Activities • Development of biomarkers of mesothelioma • Mechanisms of pleural effusion development • Better management of Pleural effusion • Mechanisms underlying pleural infection Funding Welcome Trust, MRC UK Raine; LIWA; State Government

LIWA’s Research Units Biological Sciences Research • Stem Cell Unit • Head – Yuben Moodley • Research Activities • Use of mesenchymal stem cells in COPD • Animal studies on mesenchymal stem cells for lung repair • Development of a tracheal explant model for assessing injury repair pathways Funding RPH UWA

LIWA’s Research Units Clinical Sciences Research • Clinical Trials Unit Largest respiratory trials unit in Australia • Pul. Vascular Disease & Transplantation Recognised internationally for pioneering work on early detection of Pul Hypertenison • Physiotherapy Lead group in developing assessments of breathlessness • Cystic Fibrosis /Bronchiectasis New unit looking at inflammatory mediators in these diseases and new treatments • Cardiothoracic Surgery Prevention of ischaemic injury during surgery

Funding LIWA derives its income from diverse sources. Over 70% of our expenditure is on research.

LIWA RESEARCH • Is multifaceted, bridges lab to clinic • Has national and international collaborations • Welcomes partnering in research either at the laboratory or patient level