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Researchers and Staff
April 14 , 2009
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, April 14, 2009, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB
mTOR and autophagy in cancer
Do-Hyung Kim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
A peek at the next seminar:
There is no seminar scheduled for April 21 due to the AACR annual meeting.
For a complete schedule and to watch recorded seminars, visit the Web site.
News
Members in the news
Arkadiusz Dudek, M.D., Ph.D., Tumor Biology and Progression Program, was quoted in news reports by WCCO-Radio, KSTP-TV, and KSAX-TV in Willmar, Minn., about a new drug for advanced kidney cancer tested in clinical trials at the Masonic Cancer Center.
Todd Tuttle, M.D., Women's Cancer Program, was quoted in a Washington Post article about his research finding that more women diagnosed with cancer in one breast are choosing to also have the healthy breast surgically removed. Tuttle also was quoted in news reports about his most recent study that more women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, an early stage breast cancer, are opting for mastectomy surgery. These news reports included Star Tribune, WCCO Radio, FOX 9, Science Daily, AHN/CNN, and WNEM TV in Saginaw, Michigan.
Masonic Cancer Center director participates in forum
Douglas Yee, M.D., director of the Masonic Cancer Center and co-leader of the Women's Cancer Program, participated in a forum about cancer hosted by Rep. Michele Bachmann, April 8, in Stillwater. Yee talked about the Masonic Cancer Center and its research endeavors to advance the understanding and treatment of cancer. Other panelists included representatives from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, HealthEast, and American Cancer Society.
Masonic Cancer Center Science Council formed
The Masonic Cancer Center has formed a Science Council with responsibility for the Cancer Center Seminar Series, the Internal Grants Program, planning for new cancer center space and hires, and enhancing scientific interactions and progress in the cancer center in general. The council is chaired by David Largaespada, Ph.D., and consists of the research program leaders and other selected representatives. The council meets monthly on the first Tuesday of each month, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in 450 MCRB. Cancer center members are welcome to attend and can email agenda item suggestions to Jean Jacoby, jacob016@umn.edu. The council is developing the seminar series for next year. Speaker nominations can be sent to Robin Toy, ccsem@umn.edu and the council will review them.
The council is available to appoint individuals to review cancer center members' grant drafts or grant ideas in a face-to-face setting. Contact Jean Jacoby at jacob016@umn.edu to request a review. They hope to improve upon members' success in obtaining grants funded by the NCI, ACS, and other national cancer research organizations.
Cancer Center researchers to present at American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting
The Masonic Cancer Center will be well represented at the meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research April 18-22 in Denver. The following members and staff are scheduled to give oral or poster presentations:
Oral presentation:
- Jose Gomez Garcia, Polunovsky lab: "Ras-induced autophagic self-destruction of immortalized human cells: A third innate defense against cancer"
Poster presentations:
- Kristin E. Anderson, Ph.D.: "Allergy history and incident cancer risk: The Iowa Women's Health Study"
- Nancy Castro, Lange lab, "Breast Tumor Kinase (Brk/PTK6) is a novel effector of MET receptor signaling in normal and neoplastic contexts"
- Kelvin Choi, M.P.H.: "Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning among men and women in the United States"
- Maki Inoue, Flood lab: "Dietary supplement use among elderly cancer survivors: The Iowa Women's Health Study"
- Kristopher A. Lofgren, Lange lab: "Inducible, mammary gland specific expression of the tyrosine kinase Brk/ptk6 results in delayed involution"
- Anna E. Prizment, Anderson lab, " Survival of elderly women with colon cancer in relation to pre-cancer anthropometric characteristics: the Iowa Women's Health Study (IWHS)"
- Kim Robien, Ph.D.: "WCRF/AICR diet and physical activity guideline adherence associated with quality of life among elderly female cancer survivors"
- Irina Stepanov, Ph.D., Hecht lab: "Endogenous formation of the carcinogen N'-nitrosonornicotine in users of oral nicotine replacement therapy products" and "Mitochondrial DNA adducts in the lung and liver of F344 rats chronically treated with 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and (S)-4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol"
- Jinhui Zhang, Ph.D., Hormel Institute: "Analysis of global protein expression in murine prostate modulated by second-generation selenium compounds using LC-MS/MS coupled with amine-specific isobaric tagging (iTRAQ), " and "Molecular carcinogenesis of TRAMP model and attenuation by second generation selenium compounds, a proteomics approach"
- Yong Zhang, Lu lab, Hormel Institute: "Prostate cancer chemopreventive efficacy and mechanisms of a novel sulindac derivative"
Congratulations to Anna Prizment for winning an AACR-WICR Scholar Award for her abstract; Prizment is an epidemiology doctoral student working with Kristin Anderson.
If you or someone from your laboratory is scheduled to give an oral or poster presentation at the meeting, please e-mail Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, with your name, title and/or lab affiliation, your presentation title, type of presentation (oral or poster) and the session to which you will be presenting. We will publish the presentation information in future issues of Update.
Cancer Center member contributes to hematology textbook
Keith Skubitz, M.D., Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, wrote the chapters on "Neutrophils" and "Neutrophil Dysfunction" in the just published 12th edition of Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott/Williams&Wilkins, publisher, one of the most widely read hematology textbooks. Skubitz has contributed these two chapters since the 10th edition in 1998.
New member
Julia Davydova, M.D., Ph.D.
Research Associate/Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Basic and Translational Research
Program areas of interest: Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer
Clinical focus: Pancreatic cancer
Area of scientific interest: Development of infectivity-enhanced tumor specific conditionally replicative adenoviral vectors to treat cancer. Development of new oncolytic adenoviral vectors with imaging capabilities and in vivo models to study efficacy and safety of oncolytic vectors.
Education and Events
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, April 15, 2009. 12-1 p.m., 114 LHI (KE)
Jon Larson, Largaespada lab, will present "Identification of CD15 as a Marker for Tumor-Propagating Cells in a Mouse Model of Medulloblastoma," Read TA et al., Cancer Cell, 2009;15, 135-147.
The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Bergerson (sapl0005@umn.edu).
Stick It to Cancer Tournament
April 17-19, Schwan Super Rink, National Sports Center, Blaine
Support breast cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center and cheer on 74 girls' and women's hockey teams as they skate in support of family and friends in their fight against breast cancer. The tournament also includes a waffle breakfast on April 18. Last year, the tournament donated $67,500 to the Masonic Cancer Center. Volunteers from the Masonic Cancer Center are needed. Learn more about the tournament and how to volunteer.
NIH sessions at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting
NIH Grant Process and Opportunities for Cancer Research Funding at NIH
Tuesday April 21, 2009, 1:30 p.m., Room 607, Colorado Convention Center
In addition to the National Cancer Institute, many funding opportunities for support of cancer research are available at various NIH Institutes/Centers/Offices (ICOs). An overview of the NIH with emphasis on its grant process will be discussed. A summary of cancer funding sources and contacts at various NIH ICOs will be provided. A limit number of books entitled "Everything You Wanted to Know about the NCI Grants Process but Were Afraid to Ask" will be distributed.Technology Transfer: Financial and Career Opportunities for Researchers
Tuesday, April 21, 2009. 3:30 p.m., Room 607, Colorado Convention Center
Join experts from AstraZeneca Hamilton DeSanctis & Cha LLP and the National Institutes of Health for a discussion on technology transfer and what scientists need to know about intellectual property, including potential financial opportunities and rewards and pitfalls. In addition, IP career opportunities for scientists will be discussed.
Neurofibromatosis (NF): Defining Standards of Care
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 450 MCRB
This free program is designed for physicians and health care providers who take care of patients with NF. The keynote speaker is Nancy Ratner, Ph.D., Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Ratner, who is an international expert on NF, will discuss the newest advances in research and treatment. Other speakers will discuss the science of NF, its genetics, orthopedic and other issues associated with this condition.
From more information and to register, contact Tammie Dahlheimer, CNP, coordinator, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program and Neurofibromatosis Clinic; tdahlheimer@umphysicians.umn.edu; 612-626-2629.
Cancer U: Ask the Experts Programs
Curbing Cancer's Growth in the Body: Advances in Research and Treatment
April 26, 2009, 1-4 p.m., Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota
This seminar will focus on the research being done by the Masonic Cancer Center's Tumor Biology and Progression Research Program and how this research is being put into practice by University of Minnesota physicians to find cancer earlier and to be more successful at preventing its growth and spread. Presenters will include James McCarthy, Ph.D., leader of the Tumor Biology and Progression Research Program; Arkadiusz Dudek, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and Masonic Cancer Center researcher; and Selwyn Vickers, M.D., chief of the Medical School's Department of Surgery and associate director of translational research for the Masonic Cancer Center. More information and registration.Men's Cancer: Advances in Research and Treatment
Thursday, April 30, 2009, 6-8 p.m., Radisson University Hotel, University of Minnesota campus
J. Kyle Anderson, M.D., urologic surgeon, assistant professor of urologic surgery, will present information and answer questions about prostate cancer. More information and registration.Women's Cancer: Advances in Research and Treatment
Thursday, May 7. 2009, 6-8 p.m., President’s Room, Coffman Union, University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota experts will present information and answer questions about breast and gynecologic cancers. Presenters will include hematologist/oncologist David Potter, M.D., Ph.D., and gynecologic oncologist Rahel Ghebre, M.D. More information and registration.
Attendance at each of these community education programs is free but pre-registration is requested.
Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 2 p.m., 7th floor MCRB
Mark your calendars! The monthly Ice Cream Social is returning to the Masonic Cancer Center Ice cream and fixings are $1 at the door.
For a limited time, April 20-24, special discount cards (6 sundaes for $5) are available in MCRB 754. E-mail Sabine at fritz017@umn.edu for more information.
Poster Registration now open for Spring Poster Session and Symposium
Online poster registration is now open for the 10th Annual Spring Poster Session and Symposium sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center Shared Resources on May 14, 2009.
This year, posters will be judged by Masonic Cancer Center leaders in the following categories:
- Best in Each Cancer Center Program
- Best Use of Shared Resources
- Best New Technique
- Best Translational Research
- Best Clinical Research
Visit the Web site for more information and to register.
Save the Date: Living with Lynch Syndrome: An Update for Families with HNPCC
June 27, 2009, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., Mayo Clinic, Rochester
This half-day educational program will offer a variety of topics focusing on Lynch syndrome—also known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)—from the biological basis of the condition and psychological impact of a diagnosis to practical health care tips. The program is designed for people living with Lynch syndrome, their family members, and interested health care professionals. Patients and families will be able to expand their knowledge, network with one another, and share their experiences. Anna Leininger, M.S., C.G.C., Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Initiative coordinator and consultant to the Masonic Cancer Center's William C. Bernstein MD Familial Cancer Registry, will be one of the presenters at the program. The program is hosted by Mayo Clinic; organizing sponsors include the William C. Bernstein MD Familial Cancer Registry, HealthEast Cancer Care, and the Colon Cancer Coalition. Cost is $20 per person; $35 per couple; and $50 per family (up to 5 members). For more information or to register, call 507-284-2241 or e-mail canceredprog@mayo.edu.
Visit the Upcoming Events Web page for more event listings.
Visit the Professional Education Web page for more conference and special lecture listings.
Program Meetings
Women's Cancer Interest Group Seminar
Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 10 a.m., 450 MCRB
Effects of CYP3A4 on proliferation and motility of breast cancer cells
Ranjana Mitra, Ph.D., Instructor, Department of Medicine/HOT
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program Meetings
Thursday, April 16, 2009, 12-2 p.m., 450 MCRB
AACR Dress Rehearsal: Posters and Oral Presentations
Lunch will be provided.
Special Seminar co-sponsored by Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program, Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center and the Center for Lung Science and Health
Thursday, April 16, 2009, 4:15 p.m., 450 MCRB
Airway Gene Expression as a Biomarker of Host Response to Tobacco Smoke
Avrum Spira, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Translational Bioinformatics Program, CTSI, Boston University Medical Center
and
Daniel Brooks, D.Sc., Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
Light refreshments will be available.
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Cancer Epidemiology Interest Group
Friday, April 17, 2009, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-137 Jackson Hall
Genes, diet, drugs and BMT: the vitamin D story
Kim Robien, Ph.D., R.D., C.S.O., F.A.D.A., Assistant Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Member, Masonic Cancer Center
Please RSVP to Logan Spector by 4 p.m. on Tuesday to reserve a lunch.
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
BMT Program Conference
Monday, April 20, 2009, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 MCRB
Sleeping Beauty in BMT: Past, present, and future
Xianzheng Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Funding News and Opportunities
Notices:
Masonic Cancer Center Internal Grants Program
Statement of Intent - Due April 24, 2009
This document is required in order to submit a full proposal. Each applicant must submit an electronic Statement of Intent as part of their submission of a pilot proposal. Submit a Statement of Intent. Directions can be found on the Masonic Cancer Center Web site. Contact Aaron Schilz for questions and more information: 612-624-0650, schil226@umn.edu.
NIH:
Studies of Energy Balance and Cancer in Humans
R01 (PA-09-148)
R21 (PA-09-149)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement
Funding: Standard R01/R21 limits apply
This Funding Opportunity Announcement invites grant applications for studies that focus on research to define factors affecting energy balance and to define mechanisms influencing cancer risk, prognosis, and quality of life. These studies may range from new analyses of existing datasets to additional collection of data and biological specimens in ongoing investigations. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained will provide additional information to better understand the relationships among energy balance, cancer risk, and prognosis.
Pilot and Feasibility Clinical Research Studies in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition (R21)
(PA-09-151)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: Standard R21 limits apply.
This FOA encourages pilot and feasibility clinical and epidemiological research studies of new therapies or means of health promotion and prevention of digestive and liver diseases and nutritional disorders associated with digestive and liver diseases, including cancer.
Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (P01)
(PAR-09-147)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): May 28, 2009; September 29, 2009; January 28, 2010; May 28, 2010; September 28, 2010; January 28, 2011; and May 27, 2011
Funding: Varied. (See Scientific Contacts in PAR)
With this Funding Opportunity Announcement, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites grant applications that: (a) address the etiology and etiologic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); (b) propose development of animal models for HCC; (c) propose novel approaches to prevent HCC malignancy; (d) propose therapeutic or diagnostic tools for reliable prognostic indicators for HCC; and/or (e) develop therapeutic approaches to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with HCC in humans. The primary focus of the proposed projects must be on the basic biology, prevention, and/or treatment of liver cancer. Applications that are exclusively focused on population studies and epidemiology will not be supported in connection with this FOA.
Other:
NBTS Brain Tumor Research Grants
National Brain Tumor Society
Application Receipt Date(s): Letter of Intent - April 30, 2009; July 1, 2009
Funding:
Standard Awards: $100,000-$200,000 (1-2 yrs)
Advanced Awards: $600,000 (3 yrs)
Innovation Awards: $300,000 (2 yrs)
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant
Applications are being accepted until May 11, 2009. 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 612-626-1926 or sending email to micek003@umn.edu.
Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update. Also, a list of organizations that provide funding for cancer research is provided on our Research Funding Resources page.