Issue 34, June 2010 - Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Winter Edition / Issue 34
discovery
June 2010
Features
ERC 100863
IVF babies
followed up as adults
Lifestyle link to
Huntington disease
www.mcri.edu.au

Director’s report
Professor Terry Dwyer AO MD MPH
In this issue we highlight the importance of donor support
to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.
Donor funds are vital in helping us launch
new research projects to investigate priority
child health conditions such as allergies,
obesity, premature birth and genetic conditions.
Without your support, some of these important
studies would not get off the ground.
By donating to our research, you also help us leverage
major government grants, which only tend to be
awarded to established projects. For each dollar we
receive from donors, we are able to leverage another
five dollars from external funding sources. Find out
how you are helping to make a difference by reading
about our latest donor-funded projects on pages 3–4.
We were also recently selected as an Employer
of Choice for Women for a seventh year, one of 95
organisations in Australia recognised by the Federal
Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the
Workplace Agency in 2010. This citation reflects
our ongoing commitment to supporting our female
staff through a broad range of workplace initiatives
(see page 8).
We were able to reflect on our achievements from the
past year at the Annual Review on May 27. We thank
all the supporters who turned out to hear the latest
news from the Institute including work by our top
researchers (see photos on page 10).
We ask you to give generously to our end of financial
year campaign to ensure we can continue producing
world-class research to improve the health of children.
The first half of 2010 delivered some pleasing results
for our researchers and staff. Dr Angela Morgan was a
recipient of the 2010 National Health & Medical
Research Council Achievement Award, which
recognises outstanding contribution to medical
research in Australia. Angela was recognised for her
work into childhood speech and swallowing disorders,
which affect up to 70 per cent of children with severe
brain injuries (see page 7).
Professor Terry Dwyer AO MD MPH
Director
1
PROFILE
‘Books for Science’
fundraiser
Students from Our Lady Help of
Christians Primary School raised almost
$500 for research at Murdoch Childrens.
The Year 3/4 students and their teachers
held a “Books for Science” fundraiser
after visiting the Institute last year to
meet our researchers and
learn more about our work.
The funding will go to the Bruce Lefroy
Centre, a research unit within
Murdoch Childrens which studies
genetic diseases of the nervous system
that affect children and adults, such
as Friedreich ataxia.
To find out how your school can help
raise money for Murdoch Childrens,
contact 03 8341 6362.
Students from Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School

Thank you
Thanks to our major supporters
Donations February – May 2010 ($500 or more)
David M Abouav &
Stephanie T Deeley
Actelion
Pharmaceuticals
Alpini Foods
Anvil Angus
Bailey’s Day Charity
Event (Southern Health)
The Baxter Family
Foundation
BDO Kendalls
Scott Bennett
BlackRock Investment
Management
Blue Apache
Paul Bolinowsky
The Boston Consulting
Groups
Boxy Design
Malcolm & Janet Brodie
BSA Limited
The Butterfly
Foundation
John & Janet
Calvert-Jones
Calvert-Jones
Foundation
CHE
Children’s Cancer
Centre Foundation
Brandon & Davina Chizik
Andy Choo
Peter Cichello
CIKA
Leigh & Sue Clifford
Collier Charitable Fund
Helen Collis
James & Claudia Craig
CSG Limited
Deloitte
Dixon Appointments
Downer EDI Engineering
Stephen Emmerson
Robert Fiani
Fitness First Australia
The Flew Foundation
Focal Promotions
FOXTEL
Sylvia Gelman
David Gibbs &
Susie O’Neill
Michael Gibson
Gisborne & Kilmore
Foodworks
Philip Goodman
Louise Gourlay
Elaine Greenhall
Hall & Wilcox
Geoffrey &
Tracey Hamilton
Geoff Handbury
Barbara Haynes
S Hendler
W H & Rea Hodgson
Mark & Donna Howlett
Jayco Corporation
Kailis Bros
Kaplan Professional
Kay & Burton
KOALA Foundation
KordaMentha
Laiki Bank Australia
Andrew Lees
Leukaemia Research
Fund
Leveraged Equities
Linfox
Shirley Long
Macquarie Group
Macquarie Group
Foundation
The Marble House
Panos & Effie Margaritis
Stuart McLeod
Medibank Private
Miller Foundation
Mirvac
Mark Moody-Stuart
My Room
National Muscular
Dystrophy Research
Centre
OMD
Outdoor Council
of Australia
The Outdoor Education
Group
Paediatric Integrated
Cancer Service
Patti Pain
Peabody Energy
Australia
Piper Alderman
RACV Club
RBS Group
Red Desert Dreamings
Sam Riggall &
Nichola Lefroy
Robyna Calisthenics
Rodika Research
Services
Russell Investment
Group
Pamela Sargood
SelecTV
Hugh Shannon
SMILE Foundation
Snooze
Social Club Naoussa
Sonray Capital Markets
Spotlight Charitable
Foundation
St George Bank
Evangelos &
Soula Stefanidis
Margarete Steffens
Stella Artois
Strinco
Sunbury All Creatures
The Sunraysia
Foundation
Techstaff
Thalassaemia Australia
Peter & Debbie Thomas
George & Debbie
Toumbakis
TS 14 Plus Australia
UBS Foundation
United Way
Patrick & Margaret
Upfold
Alasdair Vance
Jenny Webb
Westpac
Wilson Group
Wyeth Australia
Brandon & Danielle
Ziervogel
Bequest
Estate of Edna Kingston
Pro bono supporters
Active Kidz
Akarba
Alpha Zeta Event
Productions
Anaconda
Blenheim Design
Partners
BodyCare Physiotherapy
Briner
Justine Clarke
Darling Park Wines
DJ Southwick
Eastern Press
Ego Pharmaceuticals
Eversweet
Confectionary
FizzKids
Go For Your Life
Goodman Fielder
Mietta Gornall
Robert & Gwenda
Hance
Healthy Aussie Kids
Tamara Jenkins
Kevin’s Poultry
Kikki the Clown
Largo Butchers
Nickelodeon
Ready Steady Go!
Royce Hotel
Soccerwise
Splitrock
Spotlight
Springfree Trampolines
end of financIal year campaign
Help us make the next big discovery
Please support our end of financial year campaign
by donating before 30 June 2010.
Your gift will help fund our most vital research projects, bringing our researchers one
step closer to achieving their next big discovery moment and giving hope to children
like Harry, who was born with a serious genetic disorder. To donate, use the donation
form at the back of this newsletter.
Harry with mum Fiona
Photo courtesy Herald Sun
2

Donations vital for life-saving research
Donors play a vital role in helping our research team find answers
to pressing child health problems. Your donation helps us launch
exciting new projects into a wide range of conditions from
diabetes and allergies to cancer and premature birth. Without
your support, many of these important studies would not get off
the ground as it is often difficult to attract bigger competitive
grants for the early stages of new projects. In this issue, we
highlight just a few research projects that have been made
possible through start-up funding from donors.
DID YOU KnoW
For each dollar we received
from donors in 2009, we
leveraged another five
dollars from competitive
funding sources.
Major donation for genetic conditions
A private donor has pledged $450,000 to Murdoch Childrens
to help children suffering from genetic conditions.
The donation will fund research into new technologies to diagnose inherited metabolic
disorders including mitochondrial disease and an uncommon condition known as
trimethylaminuria, which causes a defect in the normal production of an enzyme.
It is hoped these technologies will replace the need for invasive biopsies, which involve
removing cells and tissues for examination to enable diagnosis. The research will also
provide better information to doctors and GPs on these conditions.
New study on common facial defect
Donors have helped fund a new study to investigate the
genes that are involved in cleft lip and cleft palate.
Each year, more than 100 Victorian babies are born with this condition,
which is caused by a failure of the lip and palate to form properly during
early development.
While little is currently known about its causes, researchers believe
non-affected family members could give clues to the role of
genetic factors involved. The study will look at subtle differences
in their features including lip muscles and face shape.
Donor money helped fund the preliminary work in this area,
which then led to a major National Health & Medical Research
Council (NHMRC) grant enabling the study to proceed in 2010.
The study will be led by A/Professors Ravi Savarirayan and
Nicky Kilpatrick.
3

IVF babies followed up as adults
In the three decades since the
birth of the world’s first test tube
baby, thousands of Australian
couples have sought IVF treatment
to conceive miracle babies of
their own.
With the support of philanthropic funding, our
researchers have launched a groundbreaking new
study to compare the health of young adults born
with and without assisted reproduction.
The study received start-up funding from
The Jack Brockhoff Foundation in early 2009, which
allowed our team to develop the project materials
and obtain ethics approval for the study. This work led
to a NHMRC grant in late 2009 to fund the study over
three years, enabling the team to expand the project
and recruit study participants including Karissa, 18,
and Olivia, 19 (pictured).
Lead researcher A/Professor Jane Halliday said the study would provide information
on the long-term safety of IVF: “There’s a huge gap in our knowledge of what
happens to these children when they reach adulthood and this is something we
need to look at, particularly with the increasing popularity of IVF.”
Murdoch Childrens will work with Melbourne IVF, Monash IVF Australia and the
University of Melbourne on the project, which is expected to be completed in 2012.
DONATE today
To donate, visit
www.mcri.edu.au
or phone 03 8341 6362.
Donors give hope to Crohn’s patients
The Royal Children’s Hospital diagnoses 100 new children with
Crohn’s disease every year. The lifelong, inflammatory bowel
disease causes inflammation of the intestines and can affect
anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.
Thanks to donor funding, our team has been able to undertake important research into the
causes of the disease, bringing them closer to finding new treatment and prevention strategies.
In 2009, our researchers were awarded two significant grants from the NHMRC to investigate
the role of infections that trigger Crohn’s disease in early childhood.
Lead researcher Dr Carl Kirkwood said these grants would not have been possible without donor funding.
“The initial support from donor funds helped get our work to a stage where we could attract these bigger
government grants,” Carl said. “The grants will allow us to expand and continue our work, giving hope to
children with Crohn’s.”
4

ain & mind
‘Controlled crying’ technique safe for babies
Using behavioural techniques including ‘controlled crying’ to help
infants sleep does not lead to later emotional and behavioural
problems, new research by Murdoch Childrens has found.
The world-first study followed up 225 six-year-old children, half of whom had received behavioural
sleep intervention as babies to assess their health including emotional wellbeing, behaviour and
child-parent relationship.
Penny with daughter Isabel
It found techniques including ‘controlled crying’ – which helps babies learn to put themselves
to sleep by letting them cry for set periods of time – and positive bedtime routines, had no
adverse affects on the emotional and behavioural development of children or their relationship
with parents when compared to children who as babies had sleep problems but received
no sleep intervention.
Lead researcher Anna Price said the study
would help reassure parents and health
professionals about the safety of sleep
interventions in infants aged six months and
older, especially as a strategy to prevent and
treat postnatal depression.
Penny Levickis successfully used the
controlled crying technique with daughter
Isabel and noticed a significant improvement
within days: “It means that I get a lot more
sleep and that I can do the things I need to
get done in the evenings.”
obesity
Mums’ work-life balance shapes
children’s health
Children whose mothers work part-time are less likely to be
overweight than children whose mums are in full-time work or
not in the workforce, according to a new Australian study.
Our researchers, in collaboration with the University of New England and the Australian
National University, looked at the impact of mothers’ hours of paid work on children’s lifestyle
and weight at ages 4–5 years and 6–7 years, using data from the Longitudinal Study of
Australian Children.
5
The study, published by Social Science & Medicine, found at both ages, children whose
mothers worked part-time were less likely to be overweight, watched less TV, ate less junk
food and were more physically active than children whose mothers were working full-time or
at home full-time.

genetics
Active lifestyle holds key to delaying
Huntington disease
An active and mentally stimulating lifestyle could delay
the onset of the genetic disorder Huntington disease,
according to a world-first study led by the Murdoch Childrens.
Researchers found people with a genetic predisposition to Huntington disease whose daily
lives included a high level of passive activities – such as watching television, talking on the
phone or working in jobs that lacked intellectual challenge – had disease onset on average
four years earlier than those who led the least passive lifestyle.
Huntington disease is an inherited genetic disorder that causes the gradual destruction of
brain cells, leading to dementia, involuntary movements and reduced lifespan. It affects seven
in 100,000 people, with onset usually occurring between the ages of 30–50.
The study, published in the scientific journal Movement Disorders, is the first to establish
a link between lifestyle and the onset of Huntington disease in humans.
Lead researchers Professor Martin Delatycki and Dr Kaye Trembath said the discovery offered
those at risk an opportunity to potentially delay disease onset by altering their lifestyle.
Allergy & autoimmune
Lower sunlight exposure in
pregnancy linked to multiple
sclerosis risk
A child’s place of birth and their mother’s
exposure to sunlight during early pregnancy
could play an important role in later life multiple
sclerosis risk, a new Australian study has found.
The study by Murdoch Childrens and The Australian National
University, published online by the British Medical Journal, found
low maternal sunlight exposure – the main source of vitamin D –
during the first four months of pregnancy increased the risk of
multiple sclerosis in offspring in Australia.
Region of birth was also related to risk, with prevalence of multiple
sclerosis highest in Tasmania and lowest in Queensland, suggesting
exposure to sunlight during childhood and early adulthood may also
be important.
Sunlight exposure levels during early pregnancy were reflected
in a month of birth pattern, with Australian children born in
November and December having a higher risk of developing
multiple sclerosis than those born in May and June. This is
consistent with previous research that found a reciprocal pattern
in the northern hemisphere.
Study co-author Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby said the
findings indicated a need to review guidelines for vitamin D
supplementation during pregnancy and childhood to help
prevent multiple sclerosis.
6

AWARDS
Top award for researcher
Murdoch Childrens researcher Dr Angela Morgan
has received the prestigious 2010 National
Health & Medical Research Council Achievement Award.
Angela was among 15 health and medical researchers recognised for
outstanding contribution to medical research in Australia.
In the past four years, Angela has developed a research program that aims to
gain new insights into ‘genes, brain and behaviour’ in childhood speech and
swallowing disorders. Up to 70 per cent of children with severe brain injury
have a speech or swallowing disorder, leading to poor communication and
literacy or impaired nutritional intake and growth.
“After brain injury, many children may never experience the social
pleasures of eating out in public or communicating with friends
or family,” Angela said.
“Our research program is trying to better understand and treat
these conditions so that children and their families can enjoy
a better quality of life.”
The award recognised Angela as being Australia’s top clinical research
applicant in the NHMRC’s 2009 Career Development Awards Scheme,
which provides fellowships for researchers in the early stages of their careers.
Researcher Dr Angela Morgan
MCRI NEWS
Pratt Foundation supports
new research
The Pratt Foundation has pledged $500,000 for
new research by Murdoch Childrens to improve the
mental health outcomes of children suffering from
serious illnesses.
Mental health problems associated with childhood illness and disease can
vary enormously. While most children and their families eventually overcome
the trauma of diagnosis, hospitalisation and treatment, significant numbers
face ongoing mental health and psychological problems.
The funding will go towards a new research group to further investigate the
problem and develop prevention and treatment options for those at risk.
This area of research has been identified as a priority by Murdoch Childrens
and other leading paediatric centres globally to improve patients’ long-term
psychological care.
7

AWARDS
Employer of Choice for Women
Murdoch Childrens has been recognised as an
Employer of Choice for Women for a seventh year.
The Institute was one of 95 organisations nation-wide selected by the Federal
Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency for
supporting and advancing women in the workplace. More than half of
management positions at Murdoch Childrens are held by women and more
than two-thirds of new or promoted employees are female.
Researcher Dr Amanda Wood is among full-time employees taking advantage
of the Institute’s flexible work arrangements to help maintain a healthy
work-life balance.
A mother of two, Amanda is involved in a number of extracurricular activities
including managing her local child care centre and supervising PhD students
at Monash University, while holding down a management position as the head
of brain imaging research at Murdoch Childrens.
New Research
Group
We have launched a new
research group to investigate
children’s susceptibility
to infections. A/Professor
David Burgner joins Murdoch
Childrens from Western
Australia to lead the group.
Q: What is the focus of the research group
A: The research will look at why some
children develop more severe infections
than others, despite most children being
exposed to the same disease-causing
bacteria. We will look at the link between
infection risk and a child’s immune system
development and genetic make-up.
Q: Why is this research important
A: Infection remains a major killer of children
worldwide and is the most common
reason for child hospital admissions in
Australia. By understanding why some
children are more at risk, we hope to
improve prevention and treatment
strategies.
Q: What drew you to Murdoch Childrens
A: Murdoch Childrens has a fantastic
reputation as a paediatric research facility.
Its co-location with The Royal Children’s
Hospital is a huge advantage in enabling
interaction between researchers, doctors
and patients.
MCRI NEWS
Researcher Dr Amanda Wood
Development Board welcomes
Andrew Cox
Andrew Cox has continued family tradition by joining Murdoch Childrens’
Development Board. Andrew is the son of former Chair Laurie Cox,
who retired late last year after 25 years of service. Andrew is a director
and co-owner of Rezex Pty Ltd, a company supplying timber and logistics
services to the Chinese market and is also a co-founder and director
of office tower media network owner Inlink Technologies Pty Ltd.
He previously lived in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong and is married
with two children.
Q: What were you doing before joining
MCRI
A: For the past eight years, I have been the
lead paediatric infectious diseases and
refugee child health consultant for Child
and Adolescent Health Services, WA. I was
also an A/Professor of Paediatrics at the
University of Western Australia.
A/Professor David Burgner
8

SPECIAL EVENT
Discovery Day 2010
More than 3000 people turned out for Discovery Day
at Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm on March 14
to raise money for Murdoch Childrens.
Charlotte saddles up for a pony ride
The record crowd was treated to perfect sunny conditions at the “Let’s Party!” themed
family event, raising an incredible $120,000 for research into conditions such as cancer,
allergies, premature birth and diabetes.
The sixth annual event featured a special performance by popular children’s entertainer
Justine Clarke, as well stage shows by Active Kidz, The Kazoos and DJ Southwick.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, supporters, event committee, happy helpers
and all guests who made Discovery Day 2010 a great success. Special thanks to our Patron
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE who once again generously shared her beautiful Cruden
Farm with us all.
Youngsters Leni and Maya
Event Committee: Fleur Arnold, Jackie Bursztyn, Alix Fletcher, Victoria Gillespie,
Kate Kavanagh, Jill Murray, Susie O’Neill (co-chair), Monique Rajch, Dahlia Sable,
Michelle Wenzel (co-chair).
Bella and Maddy with Kikki the Clown
The action at Cruden Farm
Students volunteer for
a good cause
Geelong Grammar School students are doing their
bit for charity following the launch of the school’s
new girls’ boarding house, named in honour of
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
Inspired by Dame Elisabeth’s philanthropic commitments,
the girls, along with other students at the school, have
volunteered at the Institute’s major fundraising events
over the past six months, including Discovery Day.
Tabitha at the market stalls
The students also recently visited the Institute to learn
more about research into premature birth and epigenetics.
To find out how you can volunteer at one of our events,
call 03 8341 6362.
Nicholas finds a furry friend
9

SPECIAL EVENT
Annual Review
Almost 300 people attended the Annual Review at Zinc,
Federation Square, on May 27 to hear about our latest
research and achievements.
Chair Leigh Clifford and Director Professor Terry Dwyer gave an overview
of our achievements over the past year, while researchers Dr Harriet Hiscock,
A/Professor Yves d’Udekem and Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby gave
presentations on the important work they are doing in the areas of postnatal
depression, congenital heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
Achievement awards were presented to several staff including Dr Craig Smith,
who was recognised for his world-first discovery of the gene that determines
sex in birds, and Dr Lee Wong for her research into a new mechanism
of stem cell and cancer cell growth and maintenance.
Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Yves d’Udekem,
and Harriet Hiscock
I support a healthier future
for children.
Name __________________________________________________
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to life saving child health research
c Please find my cheque attached or
c I authorise a single deduction from my credit card
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Emma Rosenberg, Dahlia Sable
and Steven Casper
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SPECIAL EVENT
Philanthropy Lunch
Murdoch Childrens ambassador Sarah Murdoch
welcomed the opportunity to speak at the
ANZ Private Bank philanthropy lunch earlier this year,
following their sponsorship of Art for Science 2009.
Sarah spoke about the attributes she looks for in a charity including good
governance and accountability in how donor funds are used to achieve results.
Director Professor Terry Dwyer provided an overview of current challenges in
child health and how the Institute is positioned to address them.
Leigh Clifford and John Bateman
Robyn Charlwood, Richard and Julie Small
with Narelle Curtis
YES! I would like to join the dollar a day pledge program
c I authorise regular deductions from my credit card
until further notice
$1 a day c $30/month or c $360/year
$5 a day c $150/month or c $1,800/year
$10 a day c $300/month or c $3,600/year
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Signature: _______________________________________________
Call 1300 766 439 to make a credit card donation by phone.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Sarah Murdoch with Professor
Terry Dwyer
David Stewart, Sarah Murdoch and
Teresa Zolnierkiewicz
Professor Terry Dwyer, Sarah Murdoch
and Justin Greiner
Reply Paid 1100
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
The Royal Children’s Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
Phone 1300 766 439
Fax +61 3 9348 1391
www.mcri.edu.au
10
ABN: 21 006 566 972 Discovery Newsletter Issue 34, June 2010

Tomorrow’s cures need
your donations today
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
has helped thousands of Australian kids
affected by a range of health problems
including genetic conditions, prematurity,
gastroenteritis and cerebral palsy
through their world-class discoveries.
And now, we need your help.
With your donation, we can continue to discover
ways to help children live happier healthy lives.
Visit www.mcri.edu.au