New lab to help Australia’s next crop of eminent scientists

APAF scientists in the new Biomarker Discovery Laboratory

The opening of a new laboratory at Macquarie University will present plenty of opportunities for postgraduate students using the cutting-edge science of proteomics.

The Biomarker Discovery Laboratory is housed within the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), which was established by the Australian Government in 1995 as the world’s first dedicated proteome centre. In fact, Australian Dr Marc Wilkins developed the concept of the proteome and coined the term while a Macquarie PhD student.

About proteomics

Proteomics is the science of the interaction of proteins, genes and disease. It aims to deliver new therapeutic and diagnostic tools in human health, as well as quality markers for the agricultural and primary industries. APAF CEO, Professor Mark Baker says this potential is now much closer due to advances in mass spectrometer accuracy and research into plant and animal genetics, including publishing the human genome.

“We are now able to separate and identify proteins in a much more beautiful and reproducable way,” he says. “That means we can begin to look at the protein differences in a bad beer-making barley and a good beer-making barley, or someone who’s got ovarian cancer and someone who doesn’t.”

APAF’s new lab will focus on discovering biomarkers – specific proteins whose presence in a patient’s blood or urine can allow for the earlier diagnosis of disease and the ability for clinicians to ‘personalise’ their treatment depending on an individual’s response to specific medicines and therapy.

“What biomarker discovery is all about is trying to find those markers that are indicators of whether you’ve got a disease, whether you’ll survive the disease, whether drugs will work in your case, which drugs will work, and whether or not you need to switch therapies because the disease has become resistant,” Baker says.

Postgrad opportunities at APAF

APAF runs an active program for postgraduate students. APAF students receive training in all aspects of proteomics including 2D gels, imaging, mass spectrometry, peptide sequencing, amino acid analysis and bioinformatics. Students attend conferences and seminars to present their work in Australia and overseas, and some have won prizes for their work.

There are a variety of scholarships available to intending students (including PhD Scholarships in Proteomics) and further information can be viewed on the APAF website at http://www.proteome.org.au/category.asp?category_id=17 or by contacting Professor Mark Baker at mbaker@proteome.org.au

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