The Lung Institute of Western Australia &CAARR

Postgraduate ResearchFor 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

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Almost one in three Australians

Why lung disease?

A major problem for Australia; • Asthma – Australia &NZ highest in world• Emphysema – 4th 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

• Tissue Repair, Inflammation & Cancer• Molecular Genetics• Pleural Disease • Stem Cell

• Clinical Trials Unit• Pul. Vascular Disease• Physiotherapy• Cardiothoracic Surgery• Cystic Fibrosis /Bronchiectasis

World Class Researchers

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

FundingNH&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

FundingWelcome Trust, MRC UKRaine; 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

FundingRPH UWA

LIWA’s Research UnitsClinical 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.

EXPENSES

71%

18%

11%

SALARIES

RESEARCH CONSUMABLES

ADMINISTRATION

INCOME

2%

40%

23%

11%

23%

1%

0%

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS NATIONAL GRANTS LOCAL GRANTS CONTRACTS

CLINICAL TRIALS DONATIONS MEMBERSHIPS

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