Dear colleagues and friends,
This month I’m proud to report that a compound discovered at SBP has advanced to a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with pancreatic cancer. This is a major accomplishment that offers the potential for novel and effective therapy for one of the deadliest cancers. Congratulations to Dr. Erkki Ruoslahti and his collaborators for achieving this important milestone.
I’m also pleased to share news of faculty research advances in melanoma, neurodegenerative disorders—and even hair growth, a concern for many cancer patients and survivors. SBP is also the recipient of a new NIH training grant that will provide some of our early-career scientists the opportunity to explore cancer research in the biotech industry.
Finally, we are looking forward to several events coming up this fall: The Fishman Fund Award Ceremony; SBP Insights: Breast Cancer; and our annual gala. Please consider joining us to learn more about the discoveries we are making to advance science and improve human health.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.
President
Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair
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Compound discovered at SBP advances to Phase 1 clinical trial for pancreatic cancer
Solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer, are difficult to treat. The tumors are often surrounded by thick fibrotic walls, making it hard for treatments to access cancer cells. A compound that overcomes this barrier, allowing cancer treatments to penetrate farther into the tumor, was discovered in the laboratory of Erkki Ruoslahti, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor at SBP. Now, this compound has entered clinical trials.
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Taking out a microRNA to thwart melanoma
Melanoma is a deadly disease with limited treatment options. Ranjan Perera, Ph.D., led research showing that a small molecule found in melanoma cells called miR-211 may be an effective new drug target to treat the disease.
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Protecting aging motor neurons
Laszlo Nagy, M.D., Ph.D., has shown that the enzyme PRMT8 can protect aging motor neurons from stress. This makes it a compelling drug target for neurodegenerative conditions, such as ALS.
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Hair growth research advances
Three years ago, Alexey Terskikh, Ph.D., published a groundbreaking study showing that stem cells can be used to grow hair. We caught up with him to learn about his progress—and how far away the research remains from human studies. More than 80 million men, women and children in the United States experience hair loss.
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Surprising science: Not all our cells have the same DNA
Scientists have learned that brain cells have radically different genetic blueprints. Called genomic mosaicism, this phenomenon could explain medical mysteries such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. SBP’s Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., renowned expert on the topic, provides an overview of the latest research in this field.
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BrightFocus grant advances Alzheimer’s research
The BrightFocus Foundation will be supporting the research of Yingjun Zhao, Ph.D., who studies a protein associated with memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease, called appoptosin. This research could yield new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s—valuable insights for scientists on the hunt for new treatments.
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SBP receives NIH training grant
A growing number of biologists are pursuing careers outside of traditional academic settings, particularly in biotech-rich San Diego. Garth Powis, D. Phil., professor and director of SBP’s NCI-designated Cancer Center, has secured NIH funding to establish a new training program to help graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at SBP explore potential careers in cancer research in the biotech industry.
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SBP Insights: Breast Cancer
SBP Insights brings together a scientist, physician and caregiver to share their unique perspectives on current disease treatments and promising research. This event is designed to inspire ideas, discussions and connections that may ultimately improve patients lives. We hope you can attend this interactive panel discussion on October 25, 2018.
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Celebrate postdoctoral scholars
SBP’s prestigious Fishman Fund Awards are presented annually to outstanding postdoctoral scholars. The awards support recipients’ professional development and are made possible by gifts from our generous donors. Please join us for the award ceremony on September 20, 2018, where we will honor this year’s winners.
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SBP's Annual Gala
This year’s annual gala, themed “The Copacabana,” will take place on November 3, 2018. Honorary Co-Chairs Roberta Burnham, Jeanne Herberger and Debbie Turner are planning an unforgettable evening, featuring delicious food, phenomenal drinks and, of course, incredible music and dancing—all in support of groundbreaking biomedical research at SBP.
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Catalyst Club
Become part of a special community of SBP supporters by joining our new monthly giving club. You will also receive a beautiful, sleek black SBP Catalyst Club tote bag, perfect for your everyday needs.
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