DISCOVERIES
June 2020
FIGHTING COVID-19
Joining forces with Lilly to advance COVID-19 antibodies

Sanford Burnham Prebys and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) have teamed up to evaluate Lilly’s next-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The antibodies have the potential for both prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and may be particularly important for groups hardest hit by the disease, such as the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Dinah Conyers Ruch: The power of investing in human health

We spoke to longtime Institute supporter Dinah Conyers Ruch about what compels her to give to biomedical research. Dinah is accelerating our COVID-19 efforts with a generous matching gift that doubles all donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000. For more information, contact Andrea Davidson at adavidson@sbpdiscovery.org or make a gift online.

DISCOVERIES
Destruction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV virus by silver nanoparticles
New drug candidate reawakens sleeping HIV in hopes of a cure

Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists have designed a next-generation drug called Ciapavir that is effective at reactivating dormant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, aims to create a functional HIV cure using a “shock and kill” approach that first activates and then eliminates all pockets of dormant HIV.

Preventing pancreatic cancer metastasis by keeping cells "sheltered in place"

Cosimo Commisso, Ph.D., has shown that pancreatic cancer metastasis—when tumor cells gain the ability to migrate to new parts of the body—can be suppressed by inhibiting a protein that regulates cell movement, called Slug. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, also revealed two druggable targets that could lead to treatments that stop the spread of pancreatic cancer.

Research uncovers genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorder

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands have identified mutations in a gene called CNOT1 that affect brain development and impair memory and learning. The research, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, also revealed that CNOT1 interacts with several known autism spectrum disorder genes, opening new research avenues for the condition.

Potential drug target for type 2 diabetes revealed by mapping proinsulin’s “social network”

For the first time, Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists have mapped the vast network of proteins that interact with proinsulin, the protein the body normally processes into insulin. The study, published in Diabetes, revealed one protein—called PRDX4—that may be essential for proinsulin folding and insulin production. The research suggests that boosting PRDX4 levels may improve the health of people with diabetes.

New test for rare disease identifies children who may benefit from simple supplement

Hudson Freeze, Ph.D., teamed with scientists at the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa in Spain to create a test that determines which children with CAD deficiency—a rare metabolic disease—are likely to benefit from receiving uridine, a nutritional supplement that can dramatically improve the lives of children with the condition. The study was published in Genetics in Medicine .

UPCOMING EVENT
Learn the secrets of cellular aging

Aging is a biological reality with which we are all familiar. But how do organisms age at the molecular level? Understanding the genes and processes that affect aging could help us prevent age-related conditions such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Join us virtually on Monday, July 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. to learn how Malene Hansen, Ph.D., and her team are unraveling the secrets of aging. This event is part of the Fleet Science Center's Sharp Minds lecture series.

IN THE NEWS
Read about Cosimo Commisso's work to stop pancreatic cancer from spreading throughout the body.

Learn about Robert Wechsler-Reya's discovery of a novel immunotherapy combination that holds promise for pediatric brain cancer.

PHILANTHROPY
Please Donate
Double your COVID-19 donation

Only research will allow scientists to understand and stop COVID-19. We are hopeful that our work will emerge as part of the larger solution to this global health crisis, and we invite you to accelerate our progress and impact. If you donate today, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $500,000—thanks to the generosity of Dinah Conyers Ruch.