Cancer Center Update is sent to Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Please submit items to Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, by noon the previous Friday.

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In This Issue

Today's Cancer Center Seminar

News

Education and Events

Cancer Center Program Meetings

Funding News and Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

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Today's Cancer Center Seminar

Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Exploiting gene editing, transcriptional and microRNA-mediated regulation, and homing of hematopoietic lineages for targeting gene therapy in cancer and genetic diseases
Luigi Naldini, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Laboratory for Gene Transfer and Therapy, University of Torino Medical School, Italy

Host: Bruce Blazar, M.D.

A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, March 4, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
RASSF1A, a tumor suppressor protein bridging inflammation and cancer
Shairaz Baksh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Host: Jaime Modiano, V.M.D., Ph.D.

Visit the Cancer Center Seminar Series calendar for a complete schedule of lectures.

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News

Attend legislative hearing on University's Biomedical Research Program
Thursday, February 28, 2008, 2:15-4 p.m., State Office Building, Room 5
The House Capital Investments Committee has scheduled a hearing on the University's proposal to finance research infrastructure in biosciences on Thursday. Cancer Center members whose schedules permit are invited to join University and AHC leaders in attending the hearing and showing support. The University's proposal is the first item on the agenda, and it is anticipated that this item will end at 3:15. Bus transportation will be provided from the campus to the hearing. Those who wish to take the coach bus can reserve a seat by emailing Mary Lawson at mlawson@umn.edu. Read more.

Members in the news

Ed Greeno, M.D., Cancer Center member, was featured in a news story by KSTP-TV Channel 5 last Friday evening about the care of cancer patients from the Parker Hughes Cancer Clinic, which has suspended patient care.

Chris Pennell, Ph.D., member of the Immunology Program, and Sandra Rivera, community events coordinator, were quoted in an article in the Minnesota Daily about the Cancer Center's "Cancer and the Human Body" educational exhibit held at the Science Museum of Minnesota last Saturday. Read more.

The following Cancer Center members are listed in the March issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine's 2008 Best Doctors for Women:

• Dermatology: Maria Hordinsky, M.D.
• Oncology/Breast Cancer: Barbara Bowers, M.D.; Todd Tuttle, M.D.; and Douglas Yee, M.D.
• Oncology/Gynecological: Peter Argenta, M.D.; Linda Carson, M.D.; Levi Downs, M.D.; Melissa Geller, M.D.; and Patricia Judson, M.D.
• Oncology/Radiologic: Kathryn Dusenbery, M.D

Cancer Center Spring Poster Session and Symposium
The Ninth Annual Spring Poster Session and Symposium sponsored by the Cancer Center Core Facilities will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2008. The schedule for the event includes oral presentations from 11 a.m. to noon followed by a 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 research presented in the poster must include the use of a Cancer Center Cores Facility.

Online registration will open on Monday, March 31, 2008 with a final deadline of April 25, 2008. For more information, call Sabine Fritz at 4-7151 or send an email to fritz017@umn.edu.

New members

David A. Okar, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, VAMC-Research Service
Program areas of interest: Tumor Biology and Progression
Area of scientific interest: How neoplastic cells regulate fuel metabolism in response to hypoxia and/or nutrient deprivation, especially during tumor progression and metastasis. My expertise is in the molecular expression of cellular metabolism, including structural biology and metabolomics.

Nicola J. Philpott, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/Rheumatology, Institute of Human Genetics
Program areas of interest: Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer, Tumor Biology and Progression
Area of scientific interest: We are developing site-specifically integrating adeno-associated viral vectors for gene therapy. Our goal is to achieve stable transgene expression without the risk of insertional mutagenesis for the treatment of genetic disease and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.

Yan Zeng, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Program areas of interest: Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer, Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention
Area of scientific interest: The mechanisms governing expression of regulatory RNAs, such as microRNAs under normal and pathological conditions (e.g., cancer), and how these regulatory RNAs control various biological processes by regulating the expression of their target genes via RNA interference and related mechanisms.

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Education and Events

Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 2-120 Moos Tower
Jeannette Zinggeler Berg, Murphy lab, will discuss "NUMB controls p53 tumour suppressor activity," Nature 2008;451:76-81.

The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Bergerson (sapl0005@umn.edu).

Special Seminar
Thursday, February 28, 2008, 12 p.m., 2-101 Hasselmo Hall
Quest for the 1p36 tumor suppressor: From chromosome engineering to chromatin remodeler
Anindya Bagchi, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York
Dr. Bagchi is a faculty candidate in cancer genetics, a recruitment jointly sponsored by the Cancer Center and the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development.

Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development Seminar
Friday, February 29, 2008 3 p.m., 7-135 Weaver-Densford Hall
Ritonavir: From Drug to Pathways in Breast Cancer
David Potter, M.D., Ph.D., University of Minnesota School of Medicine and Cancer Center

Marching Toward Cancer Prevention conference
March 27-29, 2008, Rochester, Minn.
Registration application must be mailed by March 3.
The conference will include a clinical updates symposium, a community town hall meeting, an interactive workshop, a networking reception, the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk, and the Pathways to Prevention Health Fair. Conference goals are to examine the national cancer burden, specifically within the Midwest; to investigate obstacles to the improvement of screening rates; to explore the implementation of innovative preventive services models; and to provide a collaborative venue for participants to identify programmatic aids for improving cancer prevention. The intended audience includes health educators, public health professionals, community health workers, patient advocates, comprehensive cancer control staff, primary practitioners (M.D., N.P., C.N.S., P.A.), medical students, nurses, social workers, researchers, genetic counselors, business leaders, multicultural leaders, legislators, and policymakers. Conference organizers include the Colon Cancer Coalition; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center; and University of Minnesota, Rochester. Financial sponsors include the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, and the University of Minnesota Cancer Center.

Visit the Marching Toward Cancer Prevention Web page for more information.

Registration opens for International Symposium on Targeted Anticancer Therapies (TAT)
March 20-22, 2008, Bethesda, Maryland
The scientific program of TAT 2008 will cover many types of targets and new drugs in early-phase clinical development, and will focus on clinical and translational research. The program will also cover clinical trials of combinations of targeted agents, which are being conducted in increasing numbers. TAT 2008 will thus provide a glimpse of the future of cancer therapy. Interested investigators may register on the TAT website, where the program is also available.

Regular online abstract submission for TAT 2008 is closed, but investigators wishing to submit a late-breaking abstract should contact the TAT 2008 Congress Director, Marinus W. Lobbezoo, Ph.D., via email at lobbezoo@mccm.nl, attaching the complete abstract in Word format. The Program Committee will then organize a rapid round of expert review and provide scheduling details within 3-4 days (if the abstract content qualifies for a late-breaking paper). Late-breaking abstracts will be taken into consideration if submitted before or on March 8.

TAT 2008 is organized by the NDDO Research Foundation in partnerships with the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the European Society for Medical Oncology. All accepted abstracts will be published in a supplement to Annals of Oncology, the official journal of ESMO.

Day at the Capitol to support colorectal cancer screening
Thursday, March 6, 2008, Embassy Suites Hotel and the Capitol, St. Paul
In an effort to increase colorectal cancer screening among underserved residents of Minnesota, the American Cancer Society, the Get Your Rear in Gear Foundation, and the Minnesota Cancer Alliance are organizing a Day at the Capitol to encourage legislators to support the Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. If you are not able to attend the full day, you are still encouraged to come to the Capitol during the afternoon to meet with your legislators. For more information, visit the Web site.

KS95 for Kids® Radiothon
March 6-8, 2008, Southdale Center, Edina
A 60-hour radio broadcast on 94.5 KS95-FM, KS95 for Kids benefits both Children's Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. A variety of current and past patients are featured during the broadcast. KS95 for Kids will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2008. To donate and/or volunteer visit KS95 for Kids.

Survivorship Series
March 15, 2008, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota
This free, educational conference will focus on questions and issues that survivors and their families may face after completion of treatment for cancer or following stem cell transplantation. Survivors, their families, and healthcare professionals will have the opportunity to learn more about medical late effects and issues such as physical function, nutrition, legal matters, work/school re-entry, loss, spirituality, and transitioning to life-long healthy living. Conference speakers from the University of Minnesota include Daniel Mulrooney, M.D., M.S.; Douglas Yee, M.D.; Joseph Neglia, M.D., M.P.H.; Navneet Majhail, M.D.; Kim Robien, R.D., Ph.D.; William Robiner, Ph.D., L.P.; Alicia Kunin-Batson, Ph.D., L.P.; Erin Holker, Ph.D., L.P.; Mary Jo Kreitzer, Ph.D., R.N.; and Bradley Benson, M.D. More information and registration.

Cancer U: Ask the Experts
March 20, April 3, and April 10, 2008
This free community education series will include sessions on prostate and breast cancer. "Prostate Cancer: What men need to know" will be offered March 20, 6-8 p.m., at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center, and April 3, 6-8 p.m., at the Radisson University Hotel on the U of M's Minneapolis campus. Speakers Tony Makhlouf, M.D., Ph.D., (both programs) and Joe Lee, M.D., (Minneapolis program) will discuss research advances in the treatment of prostate cancer and managing sexual dysfunction after treatment. "Breast Cancer: What women should know" will be offered April 10, 6-8 p.m., at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center. Milena Elimelakh, M.D., and Todd Tuttle, M.D., will discuss breast cancer treatment innovations. Attendance is free for each program, but seating is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. Call 612-624-2620 or visit the Web site to learn more about the programs and to register online.

Cancer Summit 2008: Members in Motion
Tuesday, April 22, 2008, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center
The Minnesota Cancer Alliance invites partners, members, and interested individuals to the fifth annual Cancer Summit. In her role as Minnesota Cancer Alliance chair for 2008, DeAnn Lazovich, M.P.H., Ph.D., Prevention and Etiology Program co-leader, will deliver the welcome and opening remarks at the conference. Keynote speaker Tina Gill, M.P.H., public health advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss how to motivate members to move from a shared vision to collective action. The Summit also will feature a variety of working sessions and a cancer data update with the most recent cancer statistics for Minnesota. The Cancer Connections Expo during the Summit will showcase statewide organizations' dedication to reducing cancer in Minnesota by implementing objectives outlined in Cancer Plan Minnesota. For more information and registration instructions, visit the Cancer Center Web site. The Cancer Center will pay the Cancer Summit registration fee for members and staff.

Time to Fly™ Walk/Run registration open
Saturday, June 28, 2008, Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
Time to Fly is a family-friendly walk/run event perfect for everyone from the competitive runner to the recreational participant. Set along the banks of the beautiful Mississippi River, Time to Fly race events include: 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, and a kids' fun run. The day also features live entertainment, performance t-shirts, event bags, complimentary food and beverages, an abundance of kids' activities, and inspirational stories by families with children affected by cancer. Awards are presented to top race finishers in eight age categories, as well as the top corporate, community, and individual fundraisers through a competitive online pledge program. The 6th annual Time to Fly will be held in conjunction with the Picnic of Hope.

Plan to form a team. For additional information visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.

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Cancer Center Program Meetings

Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program Meeting
Thursday, February 28, 4-5 p.m., 3-110 Moos Tower
Regulation of cell division and genome maintenance by SCF ubiquitin ligases
Deanna Koepp, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program meeting
Thursday, February 28, 2008, 4:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Carrots and chemoprevention: Effect of furanocoumarins on carcinogen activation
Sabrina Peterson, Ph.D., R.D., Assistant Professor of Foods and Health, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

Cancer Biology Research Club
Friday, February 29, 2008
Discovery of cancer chemotherapeutics with anti-HIV properties
Christine Clouser, Ph.D., Cancer Biology Training Grant postdoctoral fellow, Mansky lab

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Group Seminar
Monday, March 3, 2008, 12-1 p.m., A-110 Mayo
Metabolic syndrome in BMT survivors
Navneet S. Majhail, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation

RSVP to drei0022@umn.edu by Friday, February 29, 2008 so that an appropriate number of lunches can be ordered.

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

BMT Conference
Monday, March 3, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Umbilical cord blood transplantation: State of the science
John E. Wagner, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics Director, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Scientific Director of Clinical Research, University of Minnesota Blood and Marrow Transplant Program and Stem Cell Institute

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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Funding News and Opportunities

Cancer Center Internal Grants Program
University of Minnesota - Cancer Center
Statement of Intent due date (NEW): Friday, March 14, 2008—can be submitted online
Application Receipt Date: Friday, April 18, 2008
Funding: Varies by program
Six internal grant programs are available through the Cancer Center. 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 Cancer Center expects that internal funding will lead to nationally peer reviewed funding. The various internal grants programs are: Brainstorm, Cancer Population Sciences, Translational Breast Cancer Research, Translational Sarcoma Cancer Research, Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center (TTURC) and Leukemia Research. The Statement of Intent and details regarding each mechanism can be found on the Cancer Center Web site.

The contact person at the Cancer Center is Aaron Schilz, Pre-Award Services coordinator (schil226@umn.edu; 612-624-0650).

American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant
Deadline: April 1, 2008
Funding: Up to $30,000
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until April 1, 2008. 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 $30,000. Applications may be obtained by calling LeeAnn Micek, 612-626-1926 or sending email to micek003@umn.edu.

Request for Nominations for the Forbeck Scholar Award
William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation
Nomination deadline: April 3, 2008
Funding: Travel and related expenses to attend the Foundation Forum
The Foundation is seeking outstanding junior clinical or postdoctoral fellows to attend the annual Foundation Forum, "Immunotherapy and Breaking Tolerance," November 6-9, 2008 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Chairs of the 2008 Forum are Dr. James Allison (Memorial Sloan Kettering) and Dr. Stanley Riddell (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute). Award recipients will have an unrivaled opportunity to interact with international experts in a particular field of cancer research.

The scholarship covers travel to the meeting and expenses incurred during the event. Nomination must be made by a letter of recommendation from the applicant's director of studies. The letter should include a short synopsis of the applicant's research interest and a brief explanation of why this individual is recommended. The applicant's CV and contact information should be attached to the letter. The nomination packet should be emailed to the William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation, jforbeck@wgfrf.org or jforbeck@att.net.

Therapies for Hematopoietic Syndrome, Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Loss and Vascular Injury Resulting From Acute Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
Biodefense Advance Research & Development Authority (BARDA)
BAA-BARDA-08-08
Deadline: April 17, 2008
Pre-solicitation notice available at FedBizOpps.
It is anticipated that multiple cost-reimbursement, completion type contracts will be awarded for a period of up to three (3) years beginning on or about September 16, 2008. BAA-BARDA-08-08 will be available electronically on or about March 6, 2008 and may be accessed through the Federal Business Opportunities web site.

MN-Mayo Research Infrastructure Proposals
Deadline: May 23, 2008 at 4 p.m.
Funding: Total awards for investments in research infrastructure (equipment or facilities) of up to $5 million.
Awards of any size greater than $50,000 will be considered as long as all criteria are met.
The proposal must be a coordinated project between the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota, building on existing resources and enhancing combined capabilities. It should not duplicate resources already available at either institution, must contribute to the success of existing and future partnership research projects, must build on existing partnership strengths (either adds to an area of competitive advantage or fills gap to yield competitive advantage), and must be applicable for research in an area related to human health and disease

Questions about the application process should be directed to either: Mark S. Paller, M.D., M.S., Assistant Vice President for Research, University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, palle001@umn.edu or Eric D. Wieben, Ph.D., Director, Mayo Genomics Research Center, wieben.eric@mayo.edu.

NIH Announcements:

Comparative Systems Genetics of Cancer (R01)
(RFA-CA-08-017)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): May 14, 2008
Funding: Up to $375,000/yr. (Direct Costs) for up to 5 years
The focus of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is on interdisciplinary projects that use comparative (cross-species) systems genetics to gain significant insights into the genetic and environmental bases for human cancer susceptibility and heterogeneity of human tumors.  The ultimate objective is to provide the knowledge for defining individuals at risk of developing cancer and for individualized clinical decisions.  To address these goals, applicants responding to this FOA are encouraged to assemble appropriate collaborations to provide expertise in such areas as human genetics, molecular epidemiology, statistical genetics, model organism genetics, systems biology, mathematical or computational modeling of biological processes and gene networks, and bioinformatics. 

Tumor Stem Cells in Cancer Biology, Prevention, and Therapy (R01)
(RFA-CA-08-019)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): May 12, 2008
Funding: Up to $400,000 (Direct Costs) over a 5 year period
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is intended to stimulate multidisciplinary integrative and collaborative research on all aspects of tumor stem cell biology with a strong emphasis on translational research. An improved understanding of the biology of tumor stem cells is expected to facilitate the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. The identification of new biomarkers for improved cancer detection, diagnosis, and prognosis is also possible.

Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update.

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Employment Opportunities

Post-Doctoral Associate
The University of Minnesota is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate for the studies of cancer biomarkers within the laboratories of Dr. Simona Ognjanovic and Dr. Heather Nelson. The successful candidate will join an integrated and highly collaborative team engaged in examining novel biomarkers associated with childhood cancer. The projects will focus on the development of Luminex assays to study cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in blood spots and their relationship to cancers in children, leukemia-associated translocations developing during gestation, and other genetic alterations associated with cancer development. Opportunities exist to conduct similar work in adult cancers. Projected start date is March 1, 2008. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, and list of references through the online application system, requisition number 153640. The cover letter should be to the attention of Heather Nelson, M.P.H., Ph.D., Associate Professor.

CDA Manager (professional non-faculty, requisition number 153837) working under the supervision of Charleen Jue.

Community Health Coordinator (technical/paraprofessional, requisition number 153820) working under the supervision of Amy Linabery.

Clinical Data Associate I (professional non-faculty, requisition number 153624) working under the supervision of Erin Kortekaas.

Clinical Data Associate II (professional non-faculty, requisition number 153625) working under the supervision of Erin Kortekaas.

caBIG Deployment Lead (Professional Non-Faculty, requisition number 153577) working under the supervision of Chap Le.

For more information about these positions and additional opportunities visit the Cancer Center's employment Web page.

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