Melbourne research: Protein plays key role in life-threatening conditions in women

A MELBOURNE researcher has uncovered the key role a protein plays in two potentially life-threatening health conditions in women.

Melbourne researcher has uncovered the key role a protein plays in two potentially life-threatening health conditions in women. Picture: iStock

A MELBOURNE researcher has uncovered the key role a protein plays in two potentially life-threatening health conditions in women.

Not only could the protein IL-11 be part of the cause, Dr Amy Winship’s work shows it may also be the solution.

Blocking the protein in mice models has prevented pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure in pregnant women and can lead to the premature delivery of babies.

An analysis of a small group of women has shown high levels of the protein before they developed the condition, indicating it could be used to develop a diagnostic test.

Tests in mice suggested that blocking the protein “could provide a treatment option”, said Dr Winship, of Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute.

The protein has also been implicated in the development of uterine cancer, which more than 2500 Australian women are diagnosed with a year. It’s hoped an antibody that targets the protein could prove useful in blocking it in the cancer.

Dr Winship’s work was highly commended at The Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research last night.