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Researchers and Staff
September 9 , 2008
Update is sent to Masonic 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.
In This Issue
Today's Seminar
News
Education and Events
Funding News and Opportunities
Employment Opportunities
Today's Seminar
Today's Cancer Center Seminar has been cancelled.
A peek at next week's seminar:
Y-family DNA polymerases: facilitators and suppressors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis
Roger Woodgate, Ph.D., Chief, Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
Host: Shana Sturla, Ph.D.
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
News
Members in the news
Douglas Yee, M.D., Masonic Cancer Center director, was quoted in Fitness magazine and the Coloradoan about healthy lifestyle choices to reduce risk of breast cancer.
Mouse Genetics Laboratory announces new gene targeting service
The Masonic Cancer Center Mouse Genetics Laboratory (MGL) announces a new service: mouse embryonic stem cell gene targeting. The Gene Targeting Facility is located in the Molecular and Cellular Biology building and the services are available the University community. The MGL has hired Laura Green Bendzick to provide this new service. The Gene Targeting Facility is available to assist researchers with all stages of their projects including targeting vector design and construction through the generation of germline-competent targeted ES cell lines. The MGL Gene Targeting Facility is then able to generate the ES cell-derived mice using their ES cell injection service. Contact Sandra Wagner (hornx001@umn.edu) or Laura Green Bendzick (green711@umn.edu) for more information.
CompleteTheCure.com: Raise funds for pediatric cancer research without opening your wallet
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the Children's Cancer Research Fund is commemorating it by launching a Web site called Complete the Cure, www.completethecure.com. Six short video clips about childhood cancer are available on the Web site. For each video clip viewed, a corporate sponsor makes a donation to Children's Cancer Research Fund. Masonic Cancer Center members Joe Neglia, M.D., Ashish Kumar, M.D., Ph.D., and Christopher Moertel, M.D., are featured in some of the clips.
Education and Events
Office of Clinical Research Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 12 p.m., Mayo Auditorium
Unhealthy health care: misleading propaganda about drugs and mammography screening
Peter C. Gøtzsche, M.D., M.S., Director, The Nordic Cochrane Centre
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 114 LHI/KE
Monthly Cancer Biology Research Club Seminar
Regulation of breast tumor kinase (Brk/PTK6) downstream of MET receptor signaling in normal and neoplastic contexts
Nancy Castro, Cancer Biology Trainee Grant predoctoral fellow, Lange lab
The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Bergerson (sapl0005@umn.edu).
Norma K.C. Ramsay, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Moos Tower 2-690
The Quality of Survival after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., Professor and Chair, Division of Population Sciences, Associate Director of population research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, Calif.
The third annual Norma K.C. Ramsay M.D., Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship is sponsored by the Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Join Team U of M for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) PurpleRide
September 13, 2008, Elm Creek Regional Park
A strong University of Minnesota presence, including researchers, medical personnel, and Minnesota Medical Foundation staff is being organized for the Twin Cities Purple Ride. Contact Cathy Spicola, development officer in the Masonic Cancer Center, (612-625-5192, spico005@umn.edu) to join the team. Riders can choose from three distances: an 8-mile family ride, 25-mile river route, and 50-mile touring route. No matter which distance you choose, the event promises to be a good time for everyone. If you can't make the ride, you can register as a virtual rider and fundraise using the online tools. Those who don't want to ride can be a volunteer on the day of the event by e-mailing Marilynn Tuchfarber (Marilynn_Tuchfarber@hopkins.k12.mn.us). Visit the Web site for more information.
Silent No More 5K Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer
Saturday, September 13, 2008, Rosland Park, Edina
The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) Silent No More 5K Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer raises funds for ovarian cancer research, education, and support for women with ovarian cancer and their families. In just eight years, MOCA has awarded more than $2 million for ovarian cancer research in Minnesota, thanks in large part to the success of the Silent No More event. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; a survivor photo will be taken at 8:30 a.m.; 5K run begins at 9 a.m.; 2K walk begins at 9:30 a.m.; and a Kids Fun Run begins at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, call 612-822-0500 or visit the Web site.
Cannon Valley Cancer Ride
Saturday, September 20, 2008, Riverside Park, Cannon Falls, Minn.
The Cannon Valley Cancer Ride is a fun, family-oriented 20-mile bike ride on the scenic Cannon Valley Trail. The event is organized by Red Wing Masonic Lodge and Cannon Falls Oriental Lodge to raise money for the Partners for Life Campaign, which was established by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota to help raise funds for the Masonic Cancer Center. Through the help of Minnesota Masonic Charities, every dollar raised from the Cannon Valley Cancer Ride will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
The ride starts in Riverside Park in Cannon Falls and goes to Welch and back. The registration fee is $35 for riders 12 and older and $20 for riders under 12, and includes lunch and a t-shirt. Same-day registration is $30 for riders 12 and older and $15 for riders under 12, and includes lunch, but no t-shirt. Registration and t-shirt handout will start at 8 a.m.; the ride will start at 9 a.m. Visit the Web site for more information and a registration form.
Write Winning Grants Seminar
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Metrodome, Minneapolis
The popular day-long seminar is open to AHC faculty and research staff currently involved in clinical and translational research. Space is limited to 100 participants. Register at the Web site. Non-AHC faculty members may register separately through central administration.
Developmental Biology Center/Lillehei Heart Institute Symposium
Tubes, Branches and Pumps in Development
September 24-25, 2008, McNamara Alumni Center, A.I. Johnson Great Room
Registration is now open for the Developmental Biology Center/Lillehei Heart Institute Symposium. The first 25 graduate students who register and are presenting a poster at the symposium will have their registration and banquet fees waived. All registrants are welcome to present a poster. Visit the Web site for more information and to register.
Women's Cancer: Understanding Research at the Masonic Cancer Center and How It May Benefit You
Sunday, September 28, 2008, 1-4 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center
Bring your daughter, mother, grandmother, or friend to learn from University physicians and researchers about women's cancer studies currently underway; and cancer risk, prevention, and survivorship. Speakers will include Women's Cancer Research Program co-leaders Douglas Yee, M.D., and Levi Downs, M.D., as well as Amy Skubitz, Ph.D., Carolyn Torkelson, M.D., and Beth Virnig, Ph.D. More information and registration
Hormel Institute Symposium "Frontiers in Cancer Research" and the 8th International Skin Carcinogenesis Conference
October 4-7, 2008, Austin, Minn.
The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is hosting a three-day conference in Austin, Minn., as part of the grand opening to celebrate its major expansion. The goal of this joint conference is to provide a scientifically driven symposium involving didactic sessions and facilitating discussions regarding molecular and cellular targets of cancer causation and prevention, and to provide a forum for exchange of the most recent and relevant information on the biological, cellular, and molecular changes that occur during tumor development. Newer technologies such as computer modeling of protein/protein interactions and small-molecular/protein interactions will also be highlighted, and a substantial translational focus will be included. Conference chairs are Zigang Dong, M.D., Dr. P.H., Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program member and executive director of The Hormel Institute, and Susan M. Fischer, Ph.D., professor, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas. Masonic Cancer Center Director Douglas Yee, M.D., and Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program Leader Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., are presenters at the conference. Visit the Hormel Institute Web site for more information and to register.
Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 3-4 p.m., 450 CCRB.
The Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program will feature presentations by leaders from the Women's Cancer Research Program and the Transplant Biology and Therapy Program. Light refreshments will be provided.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Saturday, October 11, 2008, Lake Nokomis North Beach, Minneapolis
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money and spread the word about fighting breast cancer. There is no registration fee and no fundraising minimum. These noncompetitive walks range in distance from three to five miles, and men, women, and children of all ages are encouraged to participate. To sign up visit the American Cancer Society Web site or contact 651-255-8100, email mnstrides@cancer.org.
Program Meetings
Cancer Biology Research Club
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 114 LHI/KE (Please note new date, time and place)
Regulation of breast tumor kinase (Brk/PTK6) downstream of MET receptor signaling in normal and neoplastic contexts
Nancy Castro, Cancer Biology Trainee Grant predoctoral fellow, Lange lab
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
BMT Program Conference
Monday, September 15, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Attending meeting
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Funding News and Opportunities
Non-NIH:
The Hope Funds for Cancer Research 2009 Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Hope Funds for Cancer Research
Application Receipt Date(s): Mandatory pre-application due October 1, 2008
Funding: two-year fellowships with a stipend of $41,000 for the first year and $43,000 for the second year. A travel grant of $1,500 will be awarded each year to each grantee for the purpose of attending conferences and/or scientific training meetings.
The Hope Funds for Cancer Research is offering two-year fellowships to postdoctoral scientists who propose to work on highly innovative research projects that challenge the traditional paradigms of understanding the causes, mechanisms, progression, disease markers or risk factors of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic, lung, liver, sarcomas, esophageal, brain, gastric and ovarian cancers. These cancers are insidiously aggressive illnesses that kill most of their victims within months, even with aggressive chemotherapy. The Trustees of the Hope Funds believe that funding research that could lead to breakthroughs in these areas and increase life expectancy in these types of cancers is at the core of its mission.
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until October 6, 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 contacting LeeAnn Micek, 612-626-1926, micek003@umn.edu.
Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update.
Employment Opportunities
Senior Research Tech (professional non-faculty, requisition number 156412) working in the lab of Jatinder Lamba, Ph.D., Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Medical Genomics, College of Pharmacy.