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Researchers and Staff
Cancer Center Update
April 5, 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:
Professional Education and Seminars
Grant Information & Announcements
Studying death and promiscuity in a simplified model of oncogenic transformation
Yuri Lazebnik, Ph.D., Professor, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Host: Ameeta Kelekar
A peek at next week’s seminar:
Cross-talk between TGF-beta Signaling and androgen axis in prostate cancer
Natasha Kyprianou, Ph.D., Professor of Surgery, Division of Urology, James F. Hardymon Chair of Urological Research, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
Host: Khalil Ahmed
For a complete schedule visit: http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/date.html
Thursday, April 7, 2005, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., West Bank Office Building (WBOB) 140 (refreshments available at 2:45 pm)
Functional limitations in cancer survivors
Kirsten K. Ness, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis, MN, Candidate for Assistant, Associate or Full Professor/Cancer Prevention position
Tuesday, April 12, 2005, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 am, WBOB, Taylor Conference Rm. 364 (refreshments served at 10:15)
Why new approaches to the design and analysis of experiments are necessary in translational cancer research
Steven D. Mark, MD, ScD, Senior Research Investigator, Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, Candidate for Assistant, Associate or Full Professor/Cancer Epidemiologist position
Seminars sponsored jointly by the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health and The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
Monday, April 11, 4:30PM, University of MN Campus Club, Conference Rooms A and B; Reception to Follow
“Guerrero and Aguilar : The First Spaniards in the Yucatan ”
Julio Garcia-Aguilar, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Surgery and Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, John G. Buls, MD, Visiting Professor and Memorial Lecturer
Host: Dr. David Rothenberger
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
The School of Public Health is sponsoring a Public Health Film Festival during National Public Health Week, April 4-11! The films, co-sponsored by the Minnesota Public Health Association and the MPAC Film Committee are free and will be introduced by public health experts who practice or conduct research in the area highlighted in the film. Free snacks and refreshments will be served.
Times, Topics, and Films:
Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m., Chemical Dependency and Global Policy
Films: "Meth: Shadow Across America," "Life After Meth," and "Life & Debt"
Thursday, April 7, 5 p.m, Natural Disaster: The Effects of a Tsunami
Film: “Papua New Guinea-Tsunami: The Survivor's Story” plus footage from the Dec 2004 Tsunami, and panel discussion.
Friday, April 8, 5 p.m., Sexuality Education
Films: “Sex Hygiene Scare Films” (from the 1930s-1960s), "Sex: A Guide for
the Young" (designed for Danish teens), "Proper Condom Usage" ("South Park"
episode), and "Teens & Sex in Europe: A Story About Respect, Rights &
Responsibility"
RESEARCHERS PRESENTING ABSTRACTS AT AACR
Cancer Center members who will be presenting posters at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), April 16-20, in Anaheim include:
•Pramod Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Hecht Lab
•Levi Downs. M.D
•Kalpna Gupta, Ph.D.
•Mark Kirstein, Pharm. D.
•Brenda Weigel, M.D., two posters
•Sharon Murphy, Ph.D.
•Myron Gross, Ph.D.
•Peter Dahlberg, M.D., Ph.D.
•Arkadiusz Dudek, M.D., Ph.D.
•Shana Sturla, Ph.D.
•Khalil Ahmed, Ph.D.
•Margot Cleary, Ph.D., at Hormel Institute in Austin, MN; two posters
Researchers who work in members’ labs and will be presenting posters at AACR include:
•Mingyao Wang, two posters, Hecht Lab
•Irina Stepanov, Hecht Lab
•Renee Mijal, Peterson Lab
•Cindy Blair, Ross Lab
•Michael Byrns, Peterson Lab
•Erica Langer, Ross Lab
•Amitabha Ray, Cleary Lab at Hormel Institute
•Feng Zhu, Yong-Yeon Cho, Hong Seok Choi, Cengrong Lu, Evgeny Rogozin, Yasuaki Tatsumi and Tatyana Zykova, all with lab of Zigang Dong, M.D., Ph.D., at Hormel Institute.
In addition, 10 other University of Minnesota researchers will be presenting posters on cancer research projects, and former university researcher Stephanie Moeller will give an oral mini-symposium on research done while with the Sheaff Lab.
If others from the Masonic Cancer Center are presenting at AACR and are not listed, please let Mary Lawson (mlawson@umn.edu) know to include in next week’s Update.
SANDRA RIVERA AND MEADOW SCHROEDER RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Congratulations to Sandra Rivera, events coordinator for Education and Outreach Services, and to Meadow Schroeder, administrative professional in the Clinical Trials Office, for their nominations as outstanding contributors to the cancer center's mission in the area of administrative services.
Both were honored last Thursday at the recognition event hosted by Mary Sumpmann, associate director. Sandra received the recognition award for her willingness to be available for community events and educational programs that are often held outside normal working hours, for opening doors to several outreach opportunities in the American Indian Community, and for her ability to provide innovative tours for high school students often on short notice. Meadow received the certificate of appreciation for accepting added responsibilities of providing staff support for the scientific review committees, Data and Safety Monitoring Council, regulatory oversight for trials coordinated by the Clinical Trials Office and for contributing to the writing of a procedure manual for affiliate institutions participating in clinical trials.
Employees attending the recognition event also participated in a quiz about administrative services. Josh Fehrmann and Robert Schnizlein, both with Computing Operations, received a prize for most correct answers.
The next recognition event will be in July and highlight Prevention and Etiology. Nominations for outstanding contributors may be submitted at http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/recogform.html
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please call Kamala Upadhyaya at 626-5326 for assistance with your application.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH GRANT
Application receipt date: May 2, 2005.
This grant is for assistant professors who have no independent national funding and are engaged in cancer-related research. Cancer-related research includes genetic mechanisms of cancer, molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis, development of novel cancer therapeutic models and translational research, cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Funding is available up to $20,000. Applications may be obtained by calling 612.626.1926 or sending e-mail to micek003@tc.unn.edu.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLEMENTS FOR DISSEMINATING EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTION RESEARCH PRODUCTS
Application receipt date is: May 30, 2005
The National Cancer Institute is requesting applications for administrative supplements for NCI-funded cancer control intervention research R01, P01, P50, U01, and U19 grants. These supplements have been designed to provide 1-year funding to cancer control investigators whose intervention efficacy data have been analyzed and who are conducting peer-reviewed research (with an active NCI grant award) related to the intervention program proposed for dissemination. Intervention research across the cancer control continuum that may be eligible for these supplements, includes: tobacco use prevention and cessation; promotion of appropriate changes in diet and physical activity; reduction of sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure; facilitation of informed decisions about genetic testing for cancer susceptibility; enhancement of screening for breast, cervix, and colorectal cancers; quality of care; and improvements in coping skills and quality-of-life for cancer survivors and their families.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-05-016.html
WOMEN AGAINST LUNG CANCER RESEARCH GRANT
Application deadline: May 31, 2005
This grant is for the promotion of understanding sex differences in the molecular, cellular, and environmental underpinnings of lung cancer. Generously funded by a gift from Genentech, this grant is designed to provide seed money for promising novel research on sex differences in lung cancer for faculty members at any point in their careers. For 2005, one 2-year award of $100,000 will be given. www.womenagainstlungcancer.org/grants.cfm.
WOMEN AGAINST LUNG CANCER/THE LUNG CANCER ONLINE FOUNDATION CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Application deadline: May 31, 2005
This award is for junior clinical and basic investigators involved in lung cancer etiology, prevention, and treatment. Women Against Lung Cancer and The Lung Cancer Online Foundation are co-sponsoring this program to create a critical mass of lung cancer researchers to ensure effective translation of basic and behavioral research discoveries into patient therapies to reduce lung cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. Applicants will be judged on the merits of their career development plan, research proposal, and research environment, among other factors. For 2005, one 2-year award of $100,000 will be given.
www.womenagainstlungcancer.org/grants.cfm.
UPDATED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PHS 398 (DHHS PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE GRANT APPLICATIONS) NOW AVAILABLE
Updated instructions to the PHS398 Application are now available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm. Since the November 2004 release of the new version, the instructions have been updated to reflect changes in policy and/or to provide better clarity. Not all updates are published in the Guide; however, all are noted on the web site. Applicants are reminded to periodically check this web site for the latest version.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-039.html
V SCHOLAR GRANT
1 paragraph proposal to Jean Jacoby 754 CCRB: April 12, 2005
Application deadline: June 15, 2005
This grant is for funding to pursue basic research in cancer biology and/or carcinoma of unknown primary. This grant is $50,000 per year for two years. This is for individuals who are not more than 5 years since joining the faculty as instructor or assistant professor and have not been promoted to Associate Professor.
http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/docs/grants/VScholar.pdf
V FOUNDATION/AACR TRANSLATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH GRANT
1 paragraph proposal to Jean Jacoby 754 CCRB: April 12, 2005
Application deadline: June 30, 2005
This grant is to develop novel approaches to the prevention, detection and treatment of human cancer that requires collaboration of investigators in both lab and clinic. The grant is $100,000 per year for three years.
http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/docs/grants/VTransl.pdf
AMGEN ONCOLOGY INSTITUTE
Hematology and Oncology Career Development Award for Junior Faculty
Application Due Date: April 22, 2005
The Amgen Institute is pleased to announce the availability of five Hematology and Oncology Career Development Awards for Junior Faculty. These awards are designed to provide important transitional support as investigators move from the ranks of postdoctoral studies to faculty.
Prerequisites for application include: candidate is a physician within the first 3 years of a full-time, primary faculty appointment; candidate has completed fellowship training within the past 3 years; and candidate has an institutional commitment as a faculty member in a clinical hematology and oncology program. Candidates may submit only one application.
http://www.amgenoncologyinstitute.com/pdf/Career_Award_JrFaculty.pdf
To view all grants available through the Masonic Cancer Center, visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/grantopp.html
Wednesday, April 6, 2005, 1:30-2:30 p.m., 6-101 BSBE
Multispectral High Content Cellular Analysis Using a Flow Based Imaging Cytometer
Greg Veltri, Coordinator, Flow Cytometry Facility
For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/Immunoseminars.html
TRANSDISCIPLINARY TOBACCO USE RESEARCH CENTER SEMINAR
Friday, April 8, 2005, 12:00-1:00 p.m., 450 CCRBG
Do Gene Polymorphisms in Metabolizing Enzymes Alter Cancer Risk? Focus on the UGT Enzyme Family
Philip Lazarus, Ph.D., Associate Director, Penn State Cancer Institute, Professor, Departments of Pharmacology and Health Evaluation Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine
Friday, April 8, 2005, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 450 CCRB
The seminar is canceled due to the AAI meeting.
For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/grant7.html
Monday, April 11, 2005, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Visualizing and manipulating T cell alloresponses
Bruce R. Blazar, M.D., Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Andersen Chair in Transplantation Immunology, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota
For a complete schedule visit http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/bmtlect.html
AHC DAY AT THE CAPITOL
On April 7, the Academic Health Center will host AHC Day at the Capitol to lobby for funds on behalf of the University of Minnesota. You’re encouraged to come to the State Capitol, meet with your Minnesota state legislators and tell them funding for the U is important to you.
The afternoon planned for the Capitol rotunda includes scheduled constituent meetings with legislators for AHC faculty, staff and students, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings offered by AHC students, and other activities. Shuttle buses will depart for the Capitol and return every 30 minutes at Mayo Circle.
To sign up for AHC Day at the Capitol, go to http://ga4.org/u_of_m_leg_net/events/ahcday/details.tcl
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CANCER U: ASK THE EXPERTS SERIES
Familial cancer, cancer myths, and genetics and cancer will be the topics discussed at the spring Cancer U: Ask The Experts series, offered as a free community service by The Masonic Cancer Center. Speakers and presentations will include:
• April 16: Melissa Geller, M.D., Kristin Anderson, Ph.D., and Ruth Bachman, survivor, will sort out the facts from the myths about cancer.
• May 14: David Largaespada, Ph.D., and Paul Orchard, M.D., will explain what genetics have to do with cancer.
Each program will be held from 9-11 a.m. in Room 450 at The Masonic Cancer Center. For more information and to register call 612-624-2620
ON-LINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR CANCER CENTER SPRING POSTER SESSION AND SYMPOSIUM
Online registration is now open at http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/postsess.html for the Sixth Annual Spring Poster Session and Symposium sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center Core Facilities. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 19, 2005. The schedule for the event includes oral presentations from 11 a.m. to noon followed by poster session and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Students, staff, post-docs and PIs are invited to participate by presenting a poster. The deadline for submitting an abstract is April 29, 2005.
Due to the increasing number (and size!) of posters and the limited amount of display space, we have decided to display the first 35 abstracts/posters that are submitted in the Masonic Cancer Center atrium areas. Other posters will be displayed as space permits in other areas of the Masonic Cancer Center. All abstracts will be printed in the program booklet.
For more information, call Sue Fautsch at 5-6955 or send an email to fauts001@umn.edu.
CANCER CENTER INTERNAL GRANTS PROGRAMS APPLICATION DEADLINES EXTENDED TO APRIL 15, 2005
The Masonic Cancer Center announces the availability of three internal grant programs. The goal of these programs is to foster the development of and provide support for novel research ideas that focus on a problem in cancer. In turn, the Masonic Cancer Center expects that internal funding will lead to national peer-reviewed funding.
Brainstorm Awards – The objective is to foster new interdisciplinary collaborations encompassing novel, hypothesis-driven studies of cancer or a cancer-related topic. Proposals must be submitted by at least two members of the Masonic Cancer Center .
Cancer Etiology, Prevention and Control Awards – The objective is to foster innovative research in Cancer Etiology, Prevention and Control that have the potential to form the basis of future research initiatives. Proposals must be submitted by a member of the Masonic Cancer Center .
Translational Breast Cancer Research Awards –The objective is to support research on the biology, prevention, detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment of breast cancer. Proposals must be submitted by a member of the Masonic Cancer Center .
Awards will be made in $25,000 modules. The Brainstorm mechanism can award up to 8 modules, while the other two mechanisms can award up to 2 modules. Cancer Center members may apply for one or more of these awards, but must follow the specific application process for each. In addition, a single proposal may be considered for support by more than one mechanism, although funding from only one source will be awarded. Proposals requesting support from more than one mechanism must request the same amount of module support. If an application is appropriate for consideration by more than one mechanism, please include this request in a cover letter. Specific instructions including appropriate budgetary requests can be found by clicking on each award above.
The application deadline for the three internal grant programs is April 15, 2005. All proposals should be hand-delivered to Sandi Sherman (654 CCRB), and must be received by 4:30 p.m. Awards will be made for one year, with an anticipated activation date of June 1, 2005.
Please visit our website at http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/grantoppcc.html for information requirements for each individual award application.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Cancer Benefit fund invites you to joint them for a wine tasting and entertainment event to benefit cancer care and research at The Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota and HealthEast Cancer Center. This year’s event, “Fiesta de Vino: A Wine Tasting Event with a South American Twist,” will be held at 7 p.m. April 16, 2005 at the Radisson Plaza in Minneapolis. Enjoy wines provided by The Cellars, South American entertainment and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and chance to win a trip to South America from American airlines, and more. For tickets and more information call 651-464-6049 or visit www.cancerbenefitfund.com.
CLIMB FOR THE CURE
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund will be the beneficiary of a fundraising event, Climb for the Cure, to be held on April 23, 2005 from 5-10 p.m. at Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul. This will be a family-oriented, safe indoors rock climbing event for those of all ages and skill levels. Deadline for registration is April 17, 2005 and you can visit the Climb for the Cure website at www.climbcure.com or contact Cancer Center member Kathleen Conklin at 626-0445, email conkl001@umn.edu.