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Researchers and Staff
October 28, 2008
Update is sent to Masonic Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday morning. Please submit items to Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, by noon the previous Friday.
In This Issue
Funding News and Opportunities
Today's Seminar
Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB
Cell junctions, communication, and migration
Gary S. Goldberg, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Host: Jian-Guo Geng, M.D., Ph.D.
A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB
Molecular target-based drug discovery from bench to the clinic
Ching-Shih Chen, Ph.D., Lucius A. Wing Chair of Cancer Research & Therapy, Kimberly Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Internal Medicine and Urology, Ohio State University
Host: Haojie Huang, Ph.D.
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
News
Members in the news
Daniel Mulrooney, M.D., Prevention and Etiology Program, was interviewed about childhood cancer treatment and survivorship on WCCO Radio's Steele Talkin' program on Sunday.
Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, was featured in news reports by WCCO Radio and FOX 9 News about his study that shows a link between gene variations and cancer survival. His study successfully identified combinations of genes associated with early clinical relapse of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells that produce antibodies. These results raise the possibility that a patient's genetic background exerts an important influence on the patient's prognosis and response to treatment. Read more.
Peter Argenta, M.D., Women's Cancer Program, was quoted in an article about cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment appearing on the Mpls/St. Paul Magazine Web site.
Gregory Vercellotti, M.D., Transplant Biology and Therapy Program, was quoted in a Rochester Post Bulletin article about research advances in development of blood substitutes.
Lawrence An, M.D, was quoted in news reports by Star Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, and WCCO Radio about his research study suggesting that the payment of bonuses to physician offices may be a way to get more smokers referred to quit lines.
Medical Bulletin features leaders in childhood cancer survivorship research and treatment
The cover story of the fall 2008 issue of the Medical School's Medical Bulletin,"Vigilantly ever after," describes how University physicians and researchers are identifying and managing the spectrum of health challenges that survivors of childhood cancer encounter as adults. The article quotes Joseph Neglia, M.D., M.P.H., Daniel Mulrooney, M.D., M.S., K. Scott Baker, M.D., Julie Ross, Ph.D., and Beth Virnig, Ph.D. Copies of this issue are available in the brochure holders on all floors of the Masonic Cancer Research Building.
Robien to study how genetics affect vitamin D metabolization, BMT response
Kim Robien, Ph.D., assistant professor and cancer epidemiologist with the Masonic Cancer Center and School of Public Health, has been awarded a $339,750 grant from the National Cancer Institute. She will use the grant to conduct the first comprehensive investigation of how the genetic makeup of some patients affects the way they metabolize vitamin D and consequently, respond to bone marrow transplantation. Read more.
Yee keynote speaker at EORTC-NCI-AARC Symposium
Douglas Yee, M.D., gave a keynote lecture about his research on "IGF-1 as an emerging target" at the 20th EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer)-NCI (National Cancer Institute)-AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) Symposium last week in Geneva, Switzerland. The symposium focused on molecular targets and cancer therapeutics to define the new potential molecular targets and report on the current status of molecular drugs in clinical trials.
Slavin appointed to USDA and HHS Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., is one of 13 nationally recognized experts appointed to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. This committee will advise the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Heath and Human Services on nutritional and dietary revisions necessary to the existing dietary guidelines. Committee members also will prepare an advisory report that will be submitted to the Secretaries and used in setting the 2010 dietary guidelines for Americans. Slavin is a professor in the University's Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Her research expertise focuses on the impact of whole grain consumption in chronic diseases, such as cancer, and the role of dietary fiber.
Request to Masonic Cancer Center members
Members are invited to schedule meetings with the November 25 Cancer Center Seminar speaker Indrajit Roy, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Biophotonics Division, Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics, SUNY-Buffalo. The title of his talk is "Nanotechnology for advanced diagnosis and therapy of cancer." Dr. Roy's research interests include targeted drug delivery, non-viral gene delivery, photodynamic therapy, and diagnostic imaging. Those interested in meeting with Dr. Roy can e-mail Jayanth Panyam, Ph.D., jpanyam@umn.edu.
Are you presenting your research?
If you are presenting your research at the American Association of Cancer Research's Seventh International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov. 16-19 in Washington, DC, or at any other cancer research conference, let us know so that we can share your achievement with members and staff. E-mail Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, with this information: your name, laboratory, title of presentation, and type of presentation (oral, poster, educational session etc).
Cancer Center Seminar recordings now available on Web site
The Masonic Cancer Center recently began recording Cancer Center Seminar presentations to view on the Web site. The first two recorded presentations are "Understanding basic mechanisms suggests novel therapeutic targets for MLL leukemia" and "Temperature matters: Exploiting immunologic and vascular effects of hyperthermia to improve cancer therapy." Presenters must give their permission in advance for a seminar to be recorded and published. For more information, contact Robin Toy, 612-625-2159, ccsem@umn.edu. View recorded presentations.
Benefits Open Enrollment
November 1-December 1, 2008
This year you may choose a different medical or dental plan, add or change medical/dental coverage, add or cancel dependent coverage, and enroll in flexible spending account or in long term disability (if eligible). You can make your changes in Employee Self Service. The Employee Health and Benefits Fair will be November 5 and 11 (see below).
Education and Events
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 14 LHI/KE
Christy Hagan, PhD, postdoctoral associate in the Lange lab will discuss "Mitochondrial p32 is a critical mediator of ARF-induced apoptosis," Itahana K, Zhang Y, Cancer Cell 2008;13:542-553.
The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Bergerson (sapl0005@umn.edu).
Clinical Research Coordinator Meeting
Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 3-4:30 p.m., 2-520 Moos Tower
Coordinating challenges in HIPPA, recruitment, and the consent process will be discussed at this event open to anyone in the University of Minnesota research community.
Cancer U: Emerging Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecological Cancers
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 6-8 p.m., Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center
University of Minnesota gynecologic oncologist Amy Jonson, M.D., will present information and answer your questions about gynecological cancer. More information and registration.
Special Seminar
Friday, October 31, 2008, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 656 MCRB
Canine hemangioscarcoma: An endothelial cancer with unique opportunities for angiogenesis and tyrosine kinase investigation
Stuart Helfand, D.V.M., Professor of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University
Dawn of a Dream Gala benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund
November 6, 2008, 6 p.m., Historic Milwaukee Road Depot, Minneapolis
The 28th annual "Dawn of a Dream" is a black-tie gala featuring a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres reception; dinner; live auction; unique, interactive game experiences; and entertainment provided by an all-star band of Minnesota musicians, including Mick Sterling, Keri Noble, Adam Levy, Andra Suchy, Tina Schlieske, Martin Zellar, Cynthia Johnson, and Alison Scott. The Gala benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund, which provides funds to the University of Minnesota for research and training relating to the prevention, treatment, and cure of childhood cancer. Tickets are $250 or $500 (V.I.P.). For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.
Employee Health and Benefits Fair 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall
Tuesday November 11, 2008, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., St. Paul Student Center (North Star Ballroom)
Benefits Fair offers information of medical plans, dental plans, flexible spending accounts, life and disability benefits, retirement savings, and employee wellness. Free flu shots, healthy and tasty treats, free massages, prizes and give-aways too!
Medical School celebrates BMT 40th anniversary
The celebration will include a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, in the Great Hall at Coffman Memorial Union. Visit the CME Web site to register. A 40th anniversary celebration is slated from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, also in Coffman Memorial Union. E-mail Melinda Baxter at mbaxter1@Fairview.org, or call (612) 672-7272 to RSVP.
Molecular Targets for Cancer Prevention Symposium
February 4-5, 2009, NIH Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, Maryland
The symposium, sponsored by the Center for Cancer Research and the Division of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute will include discussion and debate on the state-of-the-science, recent advances, and opportunities for discovery using evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies. Interested investigators may register the Web site.
More Upcoming Events
November 6, 2008: Cancer U: Emerging Trends in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
November 7, 2008: Fifth meeting of the Minnesota Chemoprevention Consortium
November 13, 2008: Cancer U: Emerging Trends in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Program Meetings
Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program Meeting
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 4-5 p.m., 3-110 Moos Tower
Dmrt1 in germ cell differentiation and control of pluripotency
David Zarkower, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program Meeting
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 4:15 p.m., 450 MCRB
Genes, diet, drugs, and BMT: A tale of two nutrients (folate and vitamin D)
Kim Robien, Ph.D., Assistant Professor. Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Seminar
Monday, November 3, 2008, 12-1 p.m.,2-118 Moos Tower
Coordination of care for breast cancer survivors
Mary Jo Nissen, Ph.D., M.P.H., Park Nicollet Institute, Oncology Research
RSVP to drei0022@umn.edu by Wednesday, October 29 to reserve a lunch.
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
BMT Program Conference
Monday, November 3, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 MCRB
Attending meeting
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Funding News and Opportunities
Minnesota Partnership announces four infrastructure awards
The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics is awarding $7 million in state-funded infrastructure support to four partnering research teams. The awards will provide equipment and materials for research on congenital heart disease, improved bioinformatics to analyze genomic data, advanced imaging of the brain for numerous diseases, and the creation of a crystallization facility to study hundreds of medical conditions at the molecular level. For more information visit: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/releases/mnpartnership102108/home.html.
FY08 BCRP Postdoctoral Award
Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program
Deadlines: Pre-application submission: November 19, 2008, 5 p.m. EST, Proposal submission: December 3, 2008 11:59 p.m. EST
A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the CDMRP eReceipt website, https://cdmrp.org. All proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov.
NIH Notices
Increased Monitoring of Compliance with NIH Public Access Policy
Beginning this month, PIs will receive emails from their NIH Program Officers if papers included in proposals, applications, or progress reports appear to fall under the policy but their citations do not include PubMed Central reference numbers (PMCID), NIH Manuscript Submission reference numbers, or an indication that the publishing journal submits articles directly to PMC on behalf of their authors ("PMC Journal-in Process").
PIs who receive these e-mails must respond both to NIH and their SPA Grants Administrator with the appropriate citation numbers for each publication, or must include an explanation for why the paper did not need to comply with the policy (e.g., accepted for publication prior to April 7, 2008 or not peer-reviewed.)
NIH issued instructions for the explicit location of such citations in NIH proposals, applications, or progress reports. PIs are also encouraged to review progress reports submitted by their subrecipients to make sure any subaward-funded publications include appropriate citations. For more information, visit the NIH Guide Notice,
Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update.
Employment Opportunities
Junior Scientist (professional non-faculty, requisition number 158714) working in the lab of Fekadu Kassie. This position is available in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.
Medical Writer (executive, administrative, managerial, requisition number 158392) working with Jill Aughey. Please make sure to attach a resume/CV, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references.
Nurse Manager (professional non-faculty, requisition number 156631) working with the Masonic Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office.
Scientist (professional non-faculty, requisition number 158952) working in the lab of Anindya Bagchi.
Sr. Research Nurse (professional non-faculty, requisition number 158628) working with the Masonic Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office.
For more information about these positions and additional opportunities visit the Employment Opportunities Web page.