Bulldogs player, Farren Ray and his professional dance partner,

Jessica Perrino, winners of the Dynamic Dogs Trophy.

St Vincent’s Institute and the Western Bulldogs Football Club teamed up for a very special night of dinner and dancing on 4 August to raise money for medical research at SVI and the Forever Foundation which supports re-development and sport initiatives in the west of Melbourne.

The highlight of the night was a series of display dances by nine Bulldogs trained by Dancing with the Stars judge, Mark Wilson and their professional dance partners. The leading AFL players hung up their boots for the night and with just four hours training put on some dazzling performances of the Cha Cha Cha, Tango, Samba, Merengue and Jive in the Dynamic Dogs competition.

The judges, including Bulldogs’ Captain, Brad Johnson and Margaret Lonsdale, CEO of the Australian Dancing Society, were impressed by the players who were swinging dancers high in the air, over their heads and upside down but the clear winner of the Top Dog Trophy was Farren Ray.

Mark Wilson said: “It was great to see the stars of the AFL embrace the idea of dancing in public and after some hesitance really get into it. There were some wonderful performances with great courage and timing, as well as some hilarious moments.”

Members of the public had the opportunity to bid online to dance with a player at the event. Twenty one members

of the Bulldogs play-ing group danced with the auction winners. One of the dancers was Dr Kate Graham, a diabetes

researcher at SVI. She said: “It was a

great opportunity to meet and dance with

the AFL elite and witness some spectacular and not so

spectacular dancing on display!”

Nearly 500 people attended the event held at Moonee Valley Racing Club, with Master of Ceremonies Barry Plant. Many were touched during the speech given by major sponsor of the event, Jan Morlacci of Campbellfi eld Concrete. Jan described how her loved ones have been affected by cancer and called on those present to support SVI’s research.

As a member of the Western Bulldogs’ Board and Chair of the SVI Foundation, Dr Susan Alberti AO HonLLD was delighted to bring together her two passions of football and medical research in such a fun event. Susan thanked the supporting sponsors: GoldAge, Kay & Burton, Portsea Hotel, Salta Properties and Zagame’s.

Two of the judges, Margaret Lonsdale, CEO, Australian Dancing Society and

Brad Johnson, Bulldogs Captain.

Jan Morlacci of major event sponsor, Campbellfi eld Concrete.

Dancing with the Stars judge, Mark Wilson interviewing player, Marty Pask and his dance partner.

SVI Newsletter September 2007

continuous discovery

SVI teams up with AFL club to raise funds

Event photos by: Maree Dinger Photography and Happy Medium

IN THIS ISSUE:

SVI TEAMS UP WITH AFL CLUB TO RAISE FUNDS

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

SVI SOLVES FIRST PROTEIN STRUCTURE ON AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON

AFL PLAYERS TOUR SVI

NEW IMAGING MACHINE FOR SVI

TOP MELBOURNE CHEFS RAISE FUNDS FOR RESEARCH

YEAR 10 STUDENTS TOUR SVI

RESEARCH IN FOCUS: DIABETES

UPCOMING EVENTS

SVI $10,000 DISCOVERY FUND

DIRECTORS’ DINNERS

SVI 1000 CLUB LUNCH

GIVING IN CELEBRATION

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO DANCING WITH THE DOGS

Proudly sponsoring the SVI September Newsletter

Director’s Report SVI is a laboratory-based research institute that aims to improve the treatment and prevention of common diseases. It is impossible to overstate the importance of collaboration and clinical links for our research programs at SVI. The most important of these links are with our close neighbours on the St. Vincent’s campus and other nearby centres.

A good example of local collaboration is in diabetes – our research at SVI (highlighted in this issue) ties in very well with research and clinical work both at St Vincent’s Health and also the Eye and Ear Hospital. There is more diabetes research in our immediate neighbourhood than anywhere else in Australia. An example of collaboration fur ther afield is also highlighted with SVI’s involvement in the opening of the Australian Synchrotron.

Planning has begun for a new initiative on the St. Vincent’s campus that would dramatically advance both collaboration and clinical linkage amongst researchers on the campus through future co-location. The benefits of this would be to bring laboratory research

much closer together with clinical medicine – to decrease the gap between discovery and application of new knowledge to diseases. The two way communication between laboratory researchers and clinicians is vital to ensure the opportunities in new discoveries are grasped and made as relevant as possible. Researchers can also benefit from hearing and understanding the problems that clinicians face so they can direct their research appropriately. Bridging the gap between medicine and research has never been more important.

The new research precinct will offer great advantages in a critical mass of researchers working together, able to share major items of equipment, and able to share infrastructure and administration costs. The benefits of co-location will include more opportunities to share data and ideas and greater attractiveness to students and junior scientists wanting to work in a major centre. Attracting scientists from Australia, the region and the rest of the world is key to future success as is building international links. SVI looks forward to being a major par t of the precinct development and I look forward to keeping you fully informed about its progress.

Professor Tom Kay

SVI’s X-ray Crystallography researchers were one of the fi rst Australian groups to use the new Australian synchrotron when it opened in July this year and subsequently one of the fi rst to solve a protein structure using the facility. The synchrotron is a large machine (about the size of a football fi eld) that accelerates electrons to almost the speed of light. As the electrons are defl ected through magnetic fi elds they create extremely bright light. The light is channelled down beamlines to experimental workstations where it is used for research.

When used to determine the structure of a protein involved in disease, the light is focused on a crystal of the protein and the rays that bounce back are captured and translated into a scattering pattern which shows the protein’s atomic structure. SVI houses

a small version of the synchrotron, the ACRF Rational Drug Discovery Facility which is used to conduct preliminary studies on crystals. However, until July this year researchers had to travel overseas to use high grade synchrotron light.

Researcher, Guido Hansen said: “Travelling overseas to access a synchrotron in, for example, Chicago takes months of preparation. Very sensitive protein crystals have to be transported by plane and could be easily damaged. Additionally, precious research time is lost when three scientists have to travel overseas for synchrotron time, usually for a week, three to four times a year. Having a synchrotron in Melbourne will speed up the process of solving a protein structure signifi cantly and will have a huge impact on how research is carried out in Australia.”

SVI conducts medical research into the cause, prevention and treatment of diseases with high impact on the community such as:• Diabetes type 1 and 2 • Obesity and heart disease • Bone diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis • Cancer and the spread of cancer • Infectious diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS • Alzheimer’s and other neurological disordersSVI is a world leader in protein chemistry research, particularly crystallography which is used to identify new therapies for these diseases.

St Vincent’sInstitute

SVI solves one of the fi rst protein structures on the new Australian Synchrotron

Guido Hansen from SVI’s X-ray Crystallography Unit was one of the

fi rst scientists to use the new synchrotron in July.

An internal view of the new Australian synchrotron at Clayton.

Tom Kay

AFL players tour SVISVI researchers met twenty of the Western Bulldogs’ playing group when they showed them round the laboratories on 12 July. The players discovered how much research is being undertaken into diseases which affect everyone in the community such as arthritis, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Bruce Kemp explained the Protein Chemistry and Metabolism Group’s research into AMPK, an enzyme that mimics the effects of exercise, which could have an impact on obesity treatment in the future. Natalie Sims and Jonathan Gooi showed how the Bone, Joint and Cancer Group are seeking ways to prevent bone loss or assist bone building in arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer spread to bone.

Lorien Parker gave the Bulldog players an insight into her X-ray crystallography and drug discovery work on a protein involved in cancer. Kate Graham and Bulldogs fan, Mark McKenzie from the Immunology and Diabetes Group explained the ongoing work to fi nd ways to combat type 1 diabetes.

Mark said: “It was fantastic to meet the people I have watched and supported for many years. It was great to be given the opportunity to let them know what we are doing in the lab, how we conduct our research and what we are ultimately trying to achieve. I was very impressed with the quality of their questions and the interest they showed.”

Dr Kate Graham with (l-r) Bulldogs’ Senior coach, Rodney Eade and players, Chris Grant, Brad Johnson, Luke Darcy, Jason Akermanis and Adam Cooney.

For the second year running top chef, Raymond Capaldi of Fenix coordinated two amazing Chef ’s Packages which were auctioned at Dancing with the Dogs, raising vital funds at the event. Several bidders vied for the two packages and the winners will be dining in the best restaurants in town over the next few months.

Christine Tarascio, Chair of the SVI Foundation Events Committee said: “We are so grateful to Ray and all the chefs who donated tables for ten or fi ve at their restaurant. The packages make great auction prizes.”

We would like to thank:Package 1Raymond Capaldi of FenixTeague Ezard of AdelphiMartin Boetz of LongrainMatteo Pignatelli of Matteo’sJaques Reymond of Jaques ReymondPhillipe Mouchel of the brasserie by Phillipe Mouchel

Package 2George Colombaris of The Press ClubGreg Malouf of Mo MoRicardo Momesso of SartiGuy Grossi of Grossi FlorentinoShannon Bennett of Vue de MondeScott Pickett of The Point

Raymond Capaldi of Fenix Restaurant

Top Melbourne chefs raise funds for researchNew imaging machine for SVIIn May, the Institute installed an IVIS Spectrum Imaging Unit, the fi rst of its kind in Australia. This powerful piece of equipment allows researchers to observe cells non-invasively in animals making it a very useful tool for our work on bone biology, metabolic research, diabetes and transplantation.

Generous contributions from the following Trusts and Foundations have made this purchase possible:

Janina and Bill Amiet Foundation

Marian and EH Flack Trust

Harold and Cora Brennen Benevolent Trust

The new imaging unit installed for the use of St Vincent’s Campus researchers.

Year 10 Students tour SVI

Students from Xavier and Genazzano with researcher, Pete Campbell.

Students from Xavier College and Genazzano FCJ College found out about life as a scientist on their SVI tour on 21 August. The students were welcomed to SVI by Emeritus Professor Jack Martin and then separated into groups to fi nd out about the research programs in more detail.

The four groups learnt about research into arthritis from Natalie Sims and Jonathan Gooi; diabetes from Kate Graham and Pete Campbell; cancer and bone metastasis from Steve Bouralexis and Vanessa Cheng; and X-ray Crystallography and protein structure from Lorien Parker and David Ascher.

While interested in aspects of the disease process, students were also keen to hear how the scientists organised their day, how long experiments take and descriptions of the equipment and techniques used in the laboratories.

One of the students said: “I was surprised and impressed at just how much the different sciences are integrated in the fascinating research we saw. I had no idea how a scientist spends their day when researching a problem and the two I met really opened my eyes to the reality of their work.”

Ramciotti Foundation

Photo courtesy of Herald-Sun

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes affects 1 in every 200 Australians and its incidence is increasing. It is a major chronic disease of childhood and also accounts for approximately 10% of adult-onset diabetes cases. It imposes a great personal toll on affected individuals and their families, as well as signifi cant economic cost.

People with type 1 diabetes lack insulin, the hormone that regulates the body’s use of glucose. Insulin is produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which are contained within small clumps of cells called islets. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells are attacked and destroyed by the normally protective immune system.

Insulin needs to be replaced through the lifelong burden of several daily injections to maintain glucose levels. Despite strict monitoring and attempts at control, people with this type of diabetes still face the prospect of diminished health and dying 15 years earlier than the general population.

SVI research into the cause of type 1 diabetes

Researchers in SVI’s Immunology and Diabetes Unit are international leaders in mapping the pathways that lead to beta cell destruction. They are working on a complete understanding of:

• How beta cells are killed by studying the mechanisms by which “killer” cells of the immune system destroy beta cells and ways of protecting beta cells against this damage

• How beta cells could be protected from dying through study of proteins within the beta cell that either promote or reduce cell death

• How diabetes starts by understanding whether diabetes begins when the immune response recognises one particular protein (e.g. insulin) or many proteins at once.

Translation of this basic laboratory research into clinical outcomes for patients has already begun by using human islets for laboratory study and establishing a human islet transplant program on campus.

Research into the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Transplantation of insulin-producing islet cells is a promising treatment for individuals with severe and unstable type 1 diabetes. The Tom Mandel Islet Transplant Program has been established on the St. Vincent’s Campus to bring this treatment to patients in Victoria.

Professor Tom Kay (back left) and the Immunology and Diabetes Group

Islet Transplantation Program work in progressIslet cells in the pancreas

Research in FoDi

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body loses its responsiveness to insulin’s control of blood glucose levels. In the majority of cases, it is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and sedentary lifestyles. Obesity is the number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is common in people aged over 45 years, but is increasingly seen in younger age groups and even children. For this reason, obesity and diabetes are poised to become Australia’s most signifi cant and costly health problems within a decade.

While regular exercise and healthy eating are effective at preventing weight gain they are rarely suffi cient for treating overweight or obese patients and repeatedly fail. Overcoming obesity and type 2 diabetes is diffi cult for patients because the natural control mechanisms that maintain the body’s energy balance are impaired. For these patients, new aids to treatment need to be developed such as anti-obesity medications.

Research into the control of obesity and

prevention of type 2 diabetes

At SVI, researchers in Protein Chemistry and Metabolism are studying the action of an enzyme called AMPK which acts as the body’s fuel gauge by activating the burning of fats and sugars when cells need energy. Anything that activates AMPK will mimic many of the metabolic effects of exercise.

Its potential to form the basis of a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes has led to AMPK becoming the focus of intense interest in the pharmaceutical industry. The concept of ‘exercise in a pill’ is based on the idea that if you can activate AMPK this would theoretically result in many of the benefi cial physiological effects of exercise without the actual stimulus itself.

We know that the role of AMPK is complex and far-reaching, affecting functions in the heart, brain, muscle, pancreas, liver and fat, and the diversity of our studies into the kinase refl ects this. However, as AMPK plays many diverse roles in the body, some of which are yet to be identifi ed, it is

important that we understand the kinase better, both in order to develop smarter drugs and to understand any possible side effects.

The areas of research are:

• Examining how AMPK acts in single cells and the body as a whole

• Physiological studies of skeletal and heart muscle as well as liver and fat tissue to see how AMPK acts with the use of anti-diabetic drugs; during exercise; with electric stimulation; and with low oxygen levels

• Establishing a structural model of AMPK to assist with the development of drugs which could regulate its activity in collaboration with SVI’s X-ray Crystallography unit

• Clarifying how AMPK is involved with appetite regulation

• Understanding the health benefi ts of diet and exercise at the molecular level.

Professor Bruce Kemp (left) and the Protein Chemistry and Metabolism Group

Matt Watt with Francine Ke, Sarah Turpin and Seamus Crowe of the Protein Chemistry and Metabolism Group

cus: abetes

Director’s DinnersMark Scott, Managing Director, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Crown Towers was the venue for SVI’s third 2007 Director’s Dinner on 31 July, where ABC Managing Director, Mark Scott, gave an illuminating talk on the subject of media in the digital age.

Mr Scott compared the media experience of today’s parents and grandparents, who listen, watch or read, with that of the younger generation who interact with and participate in the media they use, primarily on the internet. To illustrate this he described the proliferation of internet sites MySpace and Facebook, where users have their own profi les, upload their own videos and interact with friends developed online.

As it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Mr Scott said the ABC is looking forward to its 100th birthday and beyond, where the ABC can continue to produce content on traditional mediums while embracing the opportunities that digital technology provides. The ABC plans to develop television, radio and internet services that will enable audiences to watch, listen or take part in broadcasts, when and where they choose, while continuing to maintain a diversity of programming.

SVI 1000 Club LunchRoss Stevenson, 3AW’s breakfast host, was the guest speaker at the SVI 1000 Club Lunch on 5 July, sponsored by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Nearly 100 people attended the event at Crown Towers to hear Mr Stevenson give an entertaining talk on his history in law and the media.

The event raised $10,000 for research at SVI due in part to the raffl e of two bottles of Penfold Grange, kindly donated by Dr Susan Alberti AO HonLLD which

were donated back to SVI for use in an impromptu auction.

Event MC and 1000 Club President, Benni Aroni said, “The passion and spirit in the room which manifested itself in the re-donation of the Grange was an indication of the goodwill the guests showed towards SVI. A good time was had by all who attended”.

SVI $10,000 Discovery FundThe SVI $10,000 Discovery Fund was launched at an exclusive dinner kindly hosted by

Dr Susan Alberti AO HonLLD on 16 August.

This initiative aims to support future research at SVI by creating a fund which will be invested in Australian equities with interest income diverted to support research at the

optimum time while the capital remains intact.

A $5 million fund will be built with donors pledging to donate a fully tax-deductible $10,000 annually for fi ve years. Supporters of the Discovery Fund will be acknowledged through exposure in SVI newsletters, annual reports and the SVI honour board. There will also be the opportunity for members to meet at exclusive events.

At the event, Foundation Board member, Christine Tarascio was delighted to welcome new members who pledged donations to the Discovery Fund thereby supporting scientists in their search for solutions into the debilitating diseases affecting everyone in our community.

If you would like more information about the $10,000 Discovery Fund, contact Christine Tarascio on 0418 318 627.

Upcoming Events

Spring Carnival Champagne Luncheon

SVI Research Support Group

Sunday 21st October 2007

12 noon until 4pm

Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Tickets: $120

For more information:

Email: mornie6@optus.net.com.au orhighgro@bigpond.com or call Maureen Breheny on 9859 1401

The Kooyong Room with views over the tennis courts

Director’s Dinners

Bruce Guthrie

Editor-in-Chief, Herald Sun

‘Newspapers at the Crossroads’

Tuesday 23 October 2007

7pm, Crown Towers

For more information, email: enquiries@svi.edu.au or call 9288 2480

David Parkin

Sport Coaching Lecturer, Deakin University

Former VFL/AFL player and coach

‘Successful Business and Sporting Teams’

Thursday 29 November 2007

7pm, Crown Towers

For more information, email: enquiries@svi.edu.au or call 9288 2480

2008

SVI will be celebrating 50 years of medical research in 2008. Watch this space for news of the events planned for the year.

Ross Stevenson – 3AW

Mark Scott MD, ABC

The winter months were a busy time for parties among SVI supporters with many asking guests to donate to SVI in lieu of gifts. This is a wonderful way, not only to support vital research into diseases affecting everyone in our community but also to introduce friends and family to the work of SVI.

We are very grateful for the generous donations from guests invited to celebrate:

Susan Alberti’s Birthday

David Smorgon’s Birthday

Peter Morlacci’s Birthday

Judy Dodge’s Birthday

Guy Fanning’s Birthday

Alison Davies and Steve Chapman’s Wedding

Foundation Board member, Connie McKeage and her husband asked guests to donate to SVI for their wedding in 2006. She said: “Our wedding day was really a day focused on celebrating life. At the same time we could not help but remember those who would have loved to participate in the festivities but had passed away. One of those was Michael’s mother Peggy who died a few months earlier of bone cancer. Asking for donations in lieu of gifts was, from our perspective, the best way of remembering those we loved on such a happy occasion. Giving to the institute was our way of contributing to hope for those suffering diseases that supported scientists may be able to eradicate in future.”

Giving in Celebration

Peter Morlacci

How you can help . . .

• Give a donation using the reply slip

• Donate in celebration asking guests to your wedding or birthday to donate to SVI in lieu of a gift

• Join the SVI 1000 Club and enjoy the benefi ts of membership

• Build a corporate partnership and enable your company to meet its corporate social responsibility objectives

• Sponsor an event or publication and align your brand with medical research

• Join the $10,000 Discovery Fund to support future medical research

• Nominate SVI as the benefi ciary of your company or association’s conference or awards ceremony

• Give to SVI through Workplace Giving

• Make a bequest to SVI – a gift to the next generation

• Donate in memoriam if your loved one was affected by the devastating diseases researched at SVI

Michael Cole and

Connie McKeage

Roslyn and David Smorgon

Postal: 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065Located: 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065Telephone: + 61 3 9288 2480Facsimile: + 61 3 9416 2676Email: enquiries@svi.edu.auWeb: www.svi.edu.au

Affi liated with St Vincent’s Healthand the University of Melbourne

Continuing the Mission of theSisters of Charity

We would like to thank all those who contributed to DANCING WITH THE DOGS

We would like to thank the fi ve companies who have sponsored our events annually for four years and gratefully acknowledge their commitment to SVI and medical research. This quote from Toni and Vic Zagame sums up for many of our donors why they support SVI.

“We supp ort St Vincent’s Institute bec ause our family, like so many ot hers, has been personally touched by disease. SVI were so

understanding of our own personal situation and gave us advice and encouragement wh en we felt so des perate and fr ustrated.

Th e importance of medical res earch cannot be stress ed enough; everyone in the community will at some time be touched by a disease of some

sort. We encourage the wh ole community to give their supp ort to SVI for their continued res earch programs.”

Donor Spotlight

Toni and Vic Zagame of Zagame’s

Colin North and Susan Alberti of GoldAge Aged Care

Andrew and Lynn Henderson of the Portsea Hotel

Sam and Christine Tarascio of Salta Properties

Ross and Kaylene Savas of Kay & Burton

Major Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

Dynamic Dog sponsors: Barry Plant Real Estate, Dansu, Deer Park Metals, GoldAge, Major Engineering, Trucare and Wooling Hill.

In kind sponsors:• Dance training: J.A.M.M. Dance Studios

• Media partners: Leader Newspapers and 3AW

• Wine sponsors: Casella Wines

• Event Management: EMG

• Master of Ceremonies: Barry Plant

• Design by: Blick Design

• Printing: GRV Printers

• Corporate hosts: Image Australia.

Prize donors:

• Raymond Capaldi of Fenix who organised the two Chef ’s Packages and the donating chefs: Teague Ezard, Matteo Pignatelli, Jacques Reymond, Phillipe Mouchel, Martin Boetz, George Colombaris, Greg Malouf, Riccardo Momesso, Scott Pickett, Guy Grossi and Shannon Bennett

• The Susan Alberti Charitable Trust, Kimberley Accommodation and Matso’s who donated the Broome Holiday Package

• Martin Ralston in conjunction with the Moonee Valley Racing Club who donated two Cox Plate Packages

• Western Bulldogs Football Club who donated a day in the Statistics Box

• Dr Susan Alberti AO HonLLD who donated a table at the Footy Show

• Werribee Nissan who donated a car hire package

• Bulldogs Travel who donated the New Zealand holiday package raffl e prize and the Dynamic Dogs prize

Dancers:

Our thanks to the professional dancers from J.A.M.M. Dance Studios and members of the Bulldogs playing group who supported the event:

Players: Andrew McDougall, Adam Cooney, Brad Johnson, Brian Harris, Chris Grant, Dale Morris, Daniel Giansiracusa, Farren Ray, Luke Darcy, Jason Akermanis, Jordan McMahon, Marty Pask, Matthew Boyd, Matthew Robins, Robert Murphy, Ryan Hargrave, Shaun Higgins, Tom Williams and Will Minson. Coaches: Leon Cameron, Chris Bond and Rodney Eade.

Proudly sponsoring the SVI September Newsletter