A QUICK GLANCE AT WHAT WE’ RE WORKING ON …
DIABETES
Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end stage renal failure that has affected two million people worldwide. Monash researchers are running clinical trials to study the effects of tocotrienol-rich vitamin E with results showing improved kidney function in patients, even up to nine months after the doses were stopped – a promising treatment to delay the progression of this serious disease.
SNAKE VENOM
Snake venom consists of a complex mixture of several toxic proteins and enzymes with a wide spectrum of biological activities that may have anticancer properties. Our researchers are isolating and testing proteins in the venom of the Malaysian arboreal viper for the cytotoxic activity and growth inhibition of malignant cancer cells, providing clues for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
CURCUMIN
Recent research has suggested that curcumin, extracted from the spice turmeric, may be effective in helping to treat cancer. Using colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer cell lines as models to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for antitumor activity, we’ re studying the compound for its anticancer properties. This is expected to lead to the future development of novel anti-cancer therapeutic drugs.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The ongoing emergence of infectious diseases over the past century has revealed a lack of global preparedness in preventing or responding to future outbreaks. Our researchers are decoding the interactions between host cellular factors and viruses, particularly vector-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and others with pandemic potential such as influenza and enteroviruses, with a focus on developing new treatments and vaccines.
My experience at Monash was incredibly fulfilling. I cherished the strong sense of companionship shared with my friends and colleagues, and the easy access to various facilities and world-class research equipment on campus.
One of my most unforgettable moments was visiting University of Tartu in Estonia and the lab of renowned researcher Professor Andres Merits, an expert in Chikungunya virus, which is the subject of my postgraduate research. I gained a wealth of experience and knowledge from the visit.”
DR NUR AMELIA AZREEN ADNAN
Doctor of Philosophy
Scientist, Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute( National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia)
Nur Amelia’ s research at Monash focused on protein-protein interactions between the viral proteins of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus and human host proteins. Understanding how hosts respond to viruses can assist in identifying targets for therapeutic intervention. During her research, she developed an interest in molecular biology. This led her to further her career ambitions as a post-doctoral researcher at a start-up biotechnology company with Universiti Malaya, where she currently conducts research in stem cells and contributes to initiatives aimed at providing cellular biotechnology to complement the field of regenerative medicine.
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