Dear colleagues and friends,
This month, our scientists' discoveries provide insights into how to inhibit one of cancer’s notoriously “undruggable” targets, treat a deadly blood cancer and regulate a receptor that plays a role in numerous diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Our annual game-show style fundraiser, Bring It!, drew a record number of supporters. Thank you to all who attended and especially the event’s co-chairs, Juli Oh and Matt Browne, and Sarah and David Szekeres, whose dedicated work ensured the evening was a success.
In June, please join us for our Cancer Center Open House and our next Insights event, which will feature a scientist, a doctor and a patient discussing autoimmune disease.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.
President
Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair
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Conquering cancer’s infamous KRAS mutation
KRAS is one of the most challenging targets in cancer. Despite its discovery more than sixty years ago, researchers still struggle to inhibit its mutated form. Yet, the hunt for an Achilles’ heel continues, as cancers driven by KRAS mutations are both common and deadly.
Now, in a study published in
Cancer Research, Garth Powis, D. Phil., and scientists from PHusis Therapeutics show that a compound called PHT-7.3 shrinks KRAS-driven tumors in mice. In contrast to directly targeting mutant KRAS, the potential drug candidate targets the protein’s partner in crime: the cellular scaffold to which mutated KRAS attaches.
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Potential targeted treatment for AML identified
Scientists are on the hunt for effective treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer. In a new
Experimental Hematology paper, Ani Deshpande, Ph.D., shows that a BMI1-inhibiting drug currently in clinical development for solid tumors also holds promise as a treatment for a specific AML subtype.
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Long-sought EphA2 receptor becomes crystal clear
Elena Pasquale, Ph.D., has engineered powerful compounds that activate or inactivate the long-sought EphA2 receptor, paving the way for new therapies for cancer, inflammatory conditions, neurological disorders and infectious diseases. The discovery was published in the
Journal of Biological Chemistry.
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Getting groovy for a good cause at Bring It!
The 70s-themed fundraiser, held on May 2, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, drew a crowd of more than 400 attendees—the largest yet—a testament to the hard work and dedication of co-chairs Juli Oh and Matt Browne, and Sarah and David Szekeres. While fun was had by all, the night’s mission was never far from anyone’s mind: fundraising for our Institute’s work to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more.
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Attend our annual Cancer Center Open House
Join us for a guided tour of our National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center and learn about the science, business and advocacy behind the pursuit of new cancer therapies. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with cancer scientists, survivors and research advocates during an informal reception. The event will be held on June 13, 2019, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Sanford Burnham Prebys Insights: Immunology
The Insights series brings together a scientist, a physician and a patient to share their unique perspectives on current treatments and promising research. Our goal is to inspire ideas, discussions and connections that may ultimately improve patients’ lives. We hope you can attend this interactive panel discussion about autoimmune diseases on June 20, 2019.
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Karen Ocorr, Ph.D., discussed the importance of treating the heart rhythm disorder AFib in a TV segment filmed by production company Ivanhoe that aired around the nation.
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Scrip wrote about our recent partnership with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) to advance discoveries made at the University of Wisconsin.
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Our Bring It! fundraiser was featured in the
San Diego Union-Tribune, including photos of attendees in their groovy gear.
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Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., joined Bring It! emcee John Weisbarth for a fun-filled KUSI segment discussing the event.
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Catalyst Club
Become part of a special community of Sanford Burnham Prebys supporters by joining our new monthly giving club. You will also receive a beautiful and sleek black Sanford Burnham Prebys Catalyst Club tote bag, perfect for your everyday needs.
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