SBP July Discoveries

DISCOVERIES

July 2018

Dear colleagues and friends,

In this edition of Discoveries we highlight biomedical research and science-themed events that inspire collaboration and knowledge sharing—locally and across the globe.

SBP’s collaborative spirit can be seen in our partnership with scientists in Rome to investigate neuromuscular disease—yielding a discovery that offers hope to nearly 15,000 Americans living with ALS. Other SBP scientists have joined the race to develop new antibiotics to fight drug-resistant infections in the U.S. and abroad.

Closer to home, people from diverse backgrounds visited our La Jolla campus to experience biomedical research firsthand. We opened our Cancer Center to SBP supporters interested in learning more about our cancer research and we hosted high school student interns, with the goal of inspiring future generations of scientists.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.

President

Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair

SBP study reveals new potential avenue for treating ALS

When a muscle is acutely injured, special repair cells called fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) rush to the rescue. Now, scientists from SBP and Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS in Rome have discovered that these same cells morph and destroy muscles in models of spinal cord injury, ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.

New study is a tribute to SBP scientist Marcia Dawson

Professor Marcia Dawson was a fixture at SBP for more than 15 years. The Stanford-educated biochemist was particularly interested in synthesizing compounds that induce cell death in tumors.

Harnessing nanoparticles to fight drug-resistant infections

The race against time to develop new antibiotics is more important than ever. A recent study predicts the present rate of emerging new virulent bacterial strains will outstrip the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval rate for new antimicrobial agents by 2050.

PEOPLE

SBP faculty member honored by Alagille Syndrome Alliance

Associate Professor Duc Dong, Ph.D., (center) was honored as a trailblazer in the field of Alagille syndrome research—he is working toward a cure for the rare genetic condition that affects approximately one in 30,000 births.

SBP scientist featured on NPR

Carl Ware, Ph.D., discussed viruses, cancer and autoimmune diseases on NPR’s weekly public radio program, Tech Nation. The program is heard on nearly 200 public radio stations nationwide and in 177 countries via Armed Forces Radio International.

Listen here >>

EVENTS

Seeing is believing: cancer imaging

SBP’s recent Cancer Center Open House gave guests a unique opportunity to see cancer in a different light—through the eyes of scientists. Laboratory tours gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look into our scientists’ approach to finding new pathways to combat cancer.

Students conduct real-world research at SBP

High school students from The Preuss School UC San Diego—a distinguished charter school for students who would be the first of their families to graduate from college—added real-world biomedical research to their list of high school memories.

SBP researchers awarded Padres Pedal the Cause grants

SBP is pleased to announce that it has been awarded four Padres Pedal the Cause grants with UCSD Moores Cancer Center. The awards stem from the 2017 cycling fundraiser to support collaboration among San Diego’s cancer research organizations.

PHILANTHROPY

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.

Learn more >>

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