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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