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.

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In This Issue

Today's Seminar
News
Education and Events
Program Meetings
Funding News and Opportunities

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Today's Seminar

Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB (formerly named CCRB)
The P13K pathway and therapeutic response in mouse models of brain tumors
Eric Holland, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Brain Tumor Center, Emily Tow Jackson Chair in Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Host: David Largaespada, Ph.D.

A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB
Understanding basic mechanisms suggests novel therapeutic targets for MLL leukemia
Nancy Zeleznik-Le, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine

Host: John Kersey, M.D.

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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News

Yee and Wagner to speak at Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program
The Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program will feature presentations by Douglas Yee, M.D., on Women's Cancer Research Program activities and John Wagner, M.D., on research highlights in the Transplant Biology and Therapy Program on Wednesday, October 8, 3-4 p.m., in 450 MCRB. Outstanding contributors within each program will also be recognized. Light refreshments will be available.

Please use MCRB, not CCRB
In last week's Update, you read that the cancer research building at 425 East River Road is now called the "Masonic Cancer Research Building." This name change impacts mail and communications. Specifically,

• MMC code: It will be imperative that the MMC 806 code is correctly and clearly written on all mail sent externally (U.S. postage) and internally (campus mail) to the Masonic Cancer Research Building (MCRB). The University mail room sorts mail by the MMC code. If MMC 806 code is not shown, expect delays in delivery to MCRB. Additionally, emphasize to your external colleagues and vendors that mail they send to you must have the correct MMC code in your address.
• Room reference: Conference rooms, offices, and laboratories will now be referenced as MCRB instead of CCRB (correct: MCRB 450; incorrect: CCRB 450). You will see this change effective right away in Update, Web site, fliers, and announcements. Please use MCRB in your communications.

New members

Laura S. Gammill, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
Program area(s) of interest: Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer; Tumor Biology and Progression
Area of scientific interest: Molecular mechanisms of cell migration and tissue invasion with a specific emphasis on the neural crest, an embryonic stem cell population that undergoes an epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migrates in a manner mechanistically and molecularly similar to metastatic cancer cells

Fekadu Kassie, D.V.M., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
Program area of interest: Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention
Area of scientific interest: Identification of cancer chemopreventive agents and understanding their modes of action; identification of cancer biomarkers

Jatinder K. Lamba, Ph.D.
Assistant Professsor, Department Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy
Program area of interest: Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer
Clinical focus: Hematologic malignancies
Area of scientific interest: 1) Pharmacogenetics/genomics of nucleoside analogs used for treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors 2) Pharmacogenetics of drug metabolism by studying phase I, phase II enzymes, drug transporters, and nuclear hormone receptors

Bronwyn Long, D.N.P.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Fairview Palliative Consult Service, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Program area of interest: Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Women's Cancer Research
Area of scientific interest: Palliative care and its impact on the quality of life of cancer survivors

Jenny N. Poynter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research
Program area(s) of interest: Prevention and Etiology, Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer
Area of scientific interest: Molecular epidemiology; etiology of childhood cancer

Margaret A. Titus, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
Program area(s) of interest: Tumor Biology and Progression, Women's Cancer Research
Area of scientific interest: Application of basic studies of the role of myosins in Dictyostelium cell adhesion and motility to understanding cancer cell migration and metastasis, with an emphasis on ovarian and prostate cancers.

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Education and Events

Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Grand Rounds
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 8-9 a.m., 3-100 Mayo
Matrix Metalloproteinase-Induced Fibrosis and Cancer in Breast and Lung
Dr. Derek Radisky, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Fla.

Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 14 LHI/KE
APOBEC3 proteins simultaneously protect and threaten genomic integrity
Mark Stenglein, Cancer Biology Training Grant graduate student,
Harris 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).

Synthetic Genomics: Risks and Benefits for Science & Society
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union Theater
Robert Friedman, Ph.D., Deputy Director, J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, Calif.; Director, JCVI Policy Center; Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Commentators:
Jeffrey P. Kahn, Ph.D., M.P.H., Director, Center for Bioethics, Maas Family Chair in Bioethics; Professor, Department of Medicine, Public Health, and Philosophy, University of Minnesota

Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., Department Head and Professor, Department of Genetic, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota

Presented by Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment, and Life Sciences. For more information, contact 612-626-5624.

Fourth Annual Skeletal Biology Symposium
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 12 p.m., 450 MCRB
Fracture healing and aging: Improved management through therapies to improve healing
Regis O'Keefe, M.D., Ph.D., Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Director, Center for Musculoskeletal Research

Hosted by Denis Clohisy, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Call 612-273-8032 for more information.

Quilted Treasures
Friday, October 10, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Washington County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 5, Lake Elmo
The River Valley Quilters will be selling a quilt (view a photo of the quilt) to benefit the Masonic Cancer Center during its "Quilted Treasures" event, which will also feature a small-quilt silent auction, a raffle quilt, baskets, quilts on display, and refreshments. Admission is $3. For more information, contact Deb Archer, 651-714-0751.

Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Conference: Living with Breast Cancer
Saturday, October 11, 2008, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center
The Breast Cancer Awareness Association's seventh annual Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Conference, "Living with Breast Cancer," is an educational conference dedicated to learning, supporting, sharing, encouraging, and communicating with others in the community whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Among the presenters at the conference are Masonic Cancer Center members Barbara Bowers, M.D., who will present "Knowledge is Power: Updates in Oncology," and Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., who will present "Potentials and Possibilities: Stem Cell Therapy." Visit the conference Web site for more information and to register.

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.

Safety Show for Research Labs
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cargill Building, St. Paul campus
DEHS, Fisher Scientific, and UStores are sponsoring a display of the newest safety equipment and disposables to make working safely easier. Free samples, pizza lunch, prizes, and safety seminars fill the day. Short 15-30 minute seminars will address some of the most frequent questions research labs have: DEHS review process of IACUC protocols' Disinfection ; Biological risk assessment; Dry ice update training (register online); Bloodborne Pathogen annual refresher training (register online). For more information contact 612-626-2145.

Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series on Health Disparities
Thursday, October 16, 1-2 p.m., Room 105, 717 Delaware St., S.E., MinneapolisThe ATECAR-ASIAN Community Cancer Network: Sharing Common Goals to Reduce Cancer Disparities in Underserved Asian Communities
Grace Ma, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Public Health; Director, Center for Asian Health, College of Health Professions, Temple University.
Sandwiches and beverages will be provided for the first 50 attendees. The Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series is sponsored by the Program in Health Disparities Research in the University of Minnesota Medical School. For more information e-mail phdr@umn.edu.

Lymphoma Workshop: Understanding Lymphoma Basics and Current Treatment Options
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport, 7901 34th Avenue S., Bloomington
Lymphoma patients, survivors, and their loved ones are invited to the Lymphoma Research Foundation's 5th Annual Minnesota Lymphoma Workshop, the premier patient education and networking forum in the region. The workshop will provide the latest information about lymphoma, current treatment options, and patient support topics. The Masonic Cancer Center is a program partner for the workshop. Speakers at the event from the Masonic Cancer Center include Michael Burke, M.D., Linda Burns, M.D., and Daniel Weisdorf, M.D. The program is free, but registration is required. More information and registration.

Cancer U: Ask the Experts
6-8 p.m., Thursdays, October 23 and 30, Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center; and November 6 and 13, Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis
Cancer U: Ask the Experts events are offered as a community service for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about cancer. The events provide an opportunity to get accurate information about emerging trends in cancer diagnosis and treatment from University researchers and physicians. This fall, the topics and experts include:

• Prostate cancer, Joseph Lee, M.D. (October 23 and November 6)
• Gynecological cancers, Amy Jonson, M.D. (October 30)
• Lung cancer, Robert Kratzke, M.D. (November 13)

Visit the Web site for more information and to register

Cancer Benefit Fund Couture for a Cure
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 10:30 a.m., North Oaks Country Club, 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks
The Cancer Benefit Fund's "Couture for a Cure" luncheon and style show will feature Twin Cities radio and TV personalities, as well as cancer survivors, modeling the latest fall, winter, and holiday fashions from Sonnie's. The social hour with cash bar begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes exciting raffles and auction items, followed by a delicious luncheon at noon, entertainment by the Grace Notes, and the style show. Proceeds from the event will go toward cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center and to help provide wigs for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at HealthEast Cancer Care at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. The cost is $60 per person. To reserve your table places, please call Carol Baumgartner, 651-464-6049.

Dawn of a Dream Gala: Has It Dawned on You?
Saturday, November 1, 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.

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Program Meetings

BMT Program Conference
Monday, October 13, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 MCRB
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in MDS: Ongoing controversies
Erica Warlick, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/HOT

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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Funding News and Opportunities

2008 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Funding Opportunities
Department of Defense
FY08 BCRP Program Announcements are expected to be released mid-October 2008. The announcements will describe opportunities for funding by the following award mechanisms:

1. Concept Award
2. Postdoctoral Traineeship Award

Brief descriptions of each of these mechanisms are being released in the news release on the CDMRP Web site, Requests for e-mail notification when Program Announcements are released may be sent to help@cdmrp.org.

2008 Prostate Cancer Foundation Creativity Awards
The Prostate Cancer Foundation
Deadline: November 21, 2008, 11:59 p.m. PST
Funding: $50,000-$150,000/yr

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is now accepting applications for the 2008 PCF Creativity Awards. This new funding mechanism provides one year of support for highly creative prostate cancer research proposals that are not fundable by other existing mechanisms. For more information please visit our Web site.

Pancreatic Cancer Network-AACR Grant Announcements
Deadline: November 10, 2008

Pilot Grants
Funding: $100,000-$200,000/2 yr
This is a two-year grant for independent investigators to support new ideas and innovative models that have direct application and demonstrate direct relevance to pancreatic cancer. In addition to pancreatic cancer researchers, investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising and realistic research approaches that can be applied to pancreatic cancer are also invited to apply.

Career Development Award
Funding: $100,000/2 yr
A two-year grant for junior faculty to support meritorious research in basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological research with direct applicability to pancreatic cancer.

Research Fellowship
Funding: $45,000/yr
A one-year grant for postdoctoral and clinical research fellows in the first, second, and third year of their postdoctoral training. The grant will support salary and benefits. Research must have direct applicability to pancreatic research.

Langdon Foundation-AACR Grant Announcements
Deadline: November 20, 2008

INNOVATOR Award for International Collaboration
Funding: $100,000/2 yr
This two-year grant will support an established international research collaboration by investigators in different countries around the world.

INNOVATOR Award for Cancer Prevention Research
Funding: $100,000/2 yr
This is a two-year grant for junior faculty to support meritorious research and presentation of scientific data related to cancer prevention research.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Request for Proposals
Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute, University of Minnesota
Deadline: November 21, 2008
Funding: Up to three $100,000 research grants in the area of food policy and seed grants of $25,000-$50,000 each in the areas of food policy, prevention of obesity and chronic disease.
The purpose of this grant program is to fund faculty research teams or faculty-community collaborations to advance interdisciplinary research related to food and health. The grants to be funded through this program must utilize novel and innovative approaches to answer potentially high impact research questions. The proposal should be highly interdisciplinary, including members from at least three distinct disciplines. The research should have a high potential for growth and for becoming self-supporting over time. The most important criteria for funding are interdisciplinarity, innovation, significance (potential impact), utilization of new collaborations, quality of the research proposal, and potential for future external funding.

To see the RFPs please go to the institute's Web site. For more information, contact 612-625-8693, hfhl@umn.edu.

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

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