Brisbane proteomics instrument an Australian first

The first proteinchip instrument in Australia was launched at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) today, giving researchers a powerful new tool in the fight against common human diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

The $500,000 instrument was officially launched by the Queensland Minister for Innovation and Information Economy, Paul Lucas, and will be used by researchers at the Institute, located at The University of Queensland.

The proteinchip instrument is critical for investigating the proteome - the myriad of protein interactions, protein structures and other protein functions involved in normal growth and development, and the changes that occur in human diseases.

IMB Co-director Professor John Mattick said the cutting edge technology opens the door to proteomics in Australia and strategically complements the IMB`s existing state-of-the-art facilities and research expertise in genomics, cell biology, structural biology and chemistry.

"Proteomics - the study of all the proteins in particular organisms and biological systems - is one of the important extensions of genomics. It is the next generation in our quest for discovery," Professor Mattick said.

"This instrument places the IMB at the forefront of Australian molecular bioscience research and strongly positions us in this emerging field internationally.

"The IMB has made a quantum leap into the exciting field of proteomics. We have significantly increased our ability to conduct advanced protein research and investigate the challenging area of protein-protein interactions.

"This technology further enables us to cement links and generate new collaborations with other global research institutions in bioscience and allied biotechnology fields, making major contributions to world knowledge in areas of biology, health and medicine."

The proteinchip instrument from Ciphergen Biosystems is an advanced protein recognition tool and protein component analyser.

It is the only system of its type in Australia and is a unique tool for research into discovering and profiling proteins and analysing protein-protein interactions that will enable the development of new pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and disease therapies.

Media: For more information, contact Russell Griggs (telephone 07 3365 1805) or Helen Weatherley (mobile 0421 056 980).