Cancer Center Update

February 8, 2005

Cancer Center Update is sent to Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. To submit an item for publication, send the information to Sandi Sherman by noon the Friday before publication.

In This Issue:

Today's Cancer Center Seminar

News

Events

Professional Education and Seminars

Grant Information & Announcements

Reminders

NEWS

TODAY’S CANCER CENTER SEMINAR

Initiating DNA Replication: how Mcm10 controls S phase progression
Anja-Katrin Bielinsky, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota

A peek at next week’s seminar:

Transforming growth factor a mammary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice

Teresa Rose-Hellekant, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Physiology, University of Minnesota , Duluth

For a complete schedule visit: http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/date.html

GCD SEMINAR

Thursday February 10, 2005, 12 Noon, 2-101 BSBE

Forward and Reverse Genetics in the Mouse Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposable Element

David Largaespada, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

2005 MINORITY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Funding is now available to support 4 fellowship positions for minority doctoral students. The selected fellows will conduct research related to the efforts of, and within, CDC-funded Prevention Research Centers. Fellowship positions are for a two-year period. The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) will be responsible for coordinating these fellowships.

Under-represented minority students (includes African American/Black American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/ Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander) currently enrolled in doctoral level, research-based (e.g. PhD, DrPH, EdD, ScD) training programs at schools of public health or accredited universities with CDC-funded Prevention Research Centers are eligible to apply for this program. Applicants must be granted admission to candidacy (completed coursework and passed qualifying exams) prior to the second year of the fellowship program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S. to be eligible for the fellowship program. Proposed projects must be related to PRC activities and endorsed by PRC Directors.

DEADLINE: February 25, 2005

MORE INFO: contact Jessica Lowy at jlowy@asph.org or visit http://www.asph.org

BENEFIT FOR OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH

The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is holding a Valentine's Party to raise money for ovarian cancer research in the state of Minnesota. The "Calling All Angels" benefit will be held Friday, February 11 from 7-11 PM at the Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis. Food, silent and live auction items, as well as music by The Outliers (featuring Cancer Center members Yoji Shimizu and Dan Mueller). Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 at the door. Further information is available at http://www.mnovarian.org/pg50.shtml or at http://theoutliers.net.

REMINDER: CANCER AND THE HUMAN BODY EVENT IS FEBRUARY 19

Bring your family and friends to the fifth annual Cancer and the Human Body event, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Science Museum. This event is part of the Masonic Cancer Center's outreach program to provide community education and information about cancer and the work the Masonic Cancer Center does. Displays and exhibits will include:

This year's exhibit will include these displays and presenters:

Normal vs cancer cells: Anna Marie Carley, M.D.
Cancer quiz, Elaine Bell, Mary Sumpmann, Marva Bohen and Jill Aughey
Zebrafish and Angiogenesis: Steve n Ekker, Ph.D.
Tomotherapy, Susanta Hui, Ph.D.
Mouse Genetics: Sandra Horn
Minimally Invasive surgery: Teri Kast and Karina DiLuzio

The event is free with museum admission of $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors. The science museum is at 120 W, Kellogg Blvd in St. Paul .

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The 7th KS95 for Kids Radiothon will take place March 4-6, 2005 at Ridgedale Mall. Be sure to tune in or stop by to show your support! Please contact Mary Schultze for additional information at 626-2961 or schul032@umn.edu.

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please call Kamala Upadhyaya at 626-5326 for assistance with your application.

THE CONSORTIUM ON LAW AND VALUES IN HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & THE LIFE SCIENCES

The Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences (http://www.lifesci.consortium.umn.edu) is pleased to announce 3 funding opportunities for faculty; graduate and professional students; and departments, programs, or centers. This funding initiative aims to encourage work on the broad societal implications of problems in health, environment, or the life sciences.

1. Request for Proposals (RFP) from GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS to Provide Support for Summer 2005 or 2005-06 (deadline 3/4/05);

2. Request for Proposals (RFP) to Support DEPARTMENT, PROGRAM, or CENTER Colloquia in Summer 2005 or 2005-06 (deadline 4/8/05); and

3. Request for Proposals (RFP) from FACULTY to Fund Interdisciplinary Research, Projects, or Curricular Innovation on Health, Environment, or the Life Sciences in Summer 2005 or 2005-06 (deadline 3/25/05).

The Consortium currently links 17 University programs and centers to examine the legal, ethical, and policy questions raised by the life sciences. The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) deadlines may be found at
http://www.lifesci.consortium.umn.edu/rfps/

If you have questions concerning these RFPs, please contact Ann Hagen at hagen055@umn.edu or 612-625-3356.

NOTICE OF COMPREHENSIVE IDENTIFICATION OF TUMOR MUTATIONS: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Request for Information Closing Date: February 25, 2005

NIH is seeking input from the community on a project with an ultimate goal of large-scale identification of somatic mutations in cancer through the comparison of sequences of multiple tumor samples to reference sequence from normal tissue from the same individuals. The hypothesis is that the identification of somatic mutations will accelerate the development and application of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

This Request for Information (RFI) is for analysis and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Government. The document should not be longer than 5 pages double-spaced; therefore, brevity and clarity is key. The response time is 4 weeks from the publication of this announcement; therefore the closing date is February 25, 2005. For more information visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-05-010.html

NCI NANOTECHNOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY SOLICITATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has established the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) at its NCI-Frederick facility to provide critical infrastructure support to NCI's Alliance in Nanotechnology for Cancer. Working in concert with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the intent of the NCL is to accelerate the transition of basic nano-biotechnology research into clinical applications.

The NCL is actively soliciting existing nanotechnology strategies for characterization. Selected nanoconstructs will be characterized by the NCL at no cost to the submitting investigator. Initial applications are accepted quarterly, with due dates on the first business day of March, June, September, and December. Detailed information on the NCL services and instructions for preparing proposals to submit nanomaterials may be found at http://ncl.cancer.gov. For more information visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-05-011.html

MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO DIET AND PANCREATIC CANCER PREVENTION
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-05-040.html

The purpose of this initiative is to invite innovative preclinical and clinical R01 applications to determine how dietary energy intake and bioactive food components, including alcohol, influence pancreatic cancer development and prevention. This PA seeks to encourage collaboration between nutritional scientists and cancer biologists, oncologists and gastroenterologists to jointly examine key mechanisms in the pancreatic cancer process in order to begin to establish mechanistic links between quantity and form of energy consumed and/or bioactive food component intakes with pancreatic tumor incidence and behavior.

This PA will use the NIH investigator-initiated research project grants (R01) award mechanism. Investigators interested in submitting Small Grants Program grant applications (R03) on this topic are directed to use the Small Grant Program opportunity listed at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-147.html.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) TO IMPROVE THE CHEMISTRY AND TARGETED DELIVERY OF RNAI MOLECULES
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Cancer Institute
National Center for Research Resources
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institute of Mental Health
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-05-041.html

This funding opportunity must be read in conjunction with the current Omnibus Solicitation of the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant Applications. For information about the SBIR and STTR programs, regulations governing the programs, and instructional information for submission please go to the above link. All of the instructions within the current SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation apply. Exceptions are noted in the Executive Summary. Application materials can be obtained at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm

DOD ERA OF HOPE SCHOLAR AWARDS
Application Receipt Date: February 10, 2005

Awards are intended for early-career scientists who have shown a strong potential for leadership in the breast cancer research community as well as a vision for the eradication of breast cancer. Eligible researchers may be 0-6 years from their last mentored training experience and the application does not require nominations. Awards can be requested for up to $2.5 million in direct costs plus indirect costs as appropriate for up to a 5-year performance period. Inquires: http://cdmrp.army.mil

NIH DIRECTOR’S PIONEER AWARD
Nomination Dates: Between March 1 and April 1

The Pioneer Award supports individual scientists at all career levels and in any field of research provided they are interested in exploring biomedically relevant topics and willing to commit the major portion of their effort to Pioneer Award research. The self-nomination process includes a three- to five- page essay, a biographical sketch, a list of current research support and the names of three references. Nominations may be submitted on the Pioneer Award Web site: http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer

Inquiries: The complete Pioneer Award announcement is posted at:
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-021.html

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF CANCER
Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: May 17, Sept. 18
Application Receipt Dates: June 17, Oct. 18

NCI invites applications for research projects to evaluate the usefulness of emerging technologies that are ready for initial application to clinical or biological questions in cancer research.

Inquiries: Gregory Downing, Office of Technology and Industrial Relations, phone 301-496-1550;fax 301-496-7807; e-mail downingg@mail.nih.gov
RFA available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-05-002.html

APPLICATION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: May 17, Sept. 18
Application Receipt Dates: June 17, Oct. 18

NCI invites applications for research projects to evaluate the usefulness of emerging technologies that are ready for initial application to clinical or biological questions in cancer research.

Inquiries: Gregory Downing, Office of Technology and Industrial Relations, phone 301-496-1550;fax 301-496-7807; e-mail downingg@mail.nih.gov
RFA available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-05-003.html

APPLICATION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH (SBIR/STTR)
Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: May 17, Sept. 18
Application Receipt Dates: June 17, Oct. 18

The RFA supports projects that evaluate emerging technologies in biological contexts to assess reproducibility and to produce preliminary data that answers a biological or clinical question. The funding opportunity will utilize the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer mechanisms.

Inquiries: Gregory Downing, Office of Technology and Industrial Relations, phone 301-496-1550;fax 301-496-7807; e-mail downingg@mail.nih.gov
RFA available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-06-006.html

INNOVATIONS IN CANCER SAMPLE PREPARATION (SBIR/STTR)
Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: May 17, Sept. 18
Application Receipt Dates: June 17, Oct. 18

NCI invites applications for research projects involving the development and enhancement or adaptation of sample preparation methodologies and technologies, the development of assays to assess sample quality, and studies designed to judge sample quality. The RFA supports phase I STTR R41 or phase I SBIR grants R43, or phase II STTR 2-R42 or phase II SBIR 2-R44 grants, or the SBIR/STTR Fast-Track option 1-R42 or 1R44 as described in the SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation. The funding opportunity will use the STTR R41/R42 and SBIR R43/R44 grant mechanism(s)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-06-007.html

To view all grants available through the Masonic Cancer Center, visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/grantopp.html

EDUCATION AND SEMINARS

CORE CURRICULUM SEMINAR
Friday, February 11, 2005, 10:00 a.m., 450 CCRB
Myeloproliferative Disorders II
Dr. Bal Jahagirdar

For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/coreseminar.html

CANCER BIOLOGY RESEARCH CLUB

The Cancer Biology Research Club will not be meeting because of the following seminar:

MICaB Recruiting Seminar , 2-101 BSBE, 4:00 p.m.

Is innate immunity important for the pathogenesis of sexually transmitted HIV?

Michelle Irvin, Haase Lab

For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/grant7.html

BMT CONFERENCE

Monday, February 14, 2005

Canceled due to BMT Tandem Meetings

For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/bmtlect.html