Dear colleagues and friends,
This month, our scientific highlights come from the laboratories of Drs. Huaxi Xu, Rolf Bodmer and Sumit Chanda. Their discoveries range from advances in Alzheimer’s disease research, a cause of a heart disease, to a new genomic platform that may dramatically change the drug discovery landscape.
SBP scientists benefit greatly from the diversity of research at our Institute. It creates a collaborative community that approaches problems in creative ways and helps generate fresh ideas to overcome challenging hurdles.
To further encourage diversity of thought and collaborations on biomedical topics, SBP invited scientists and families to share knowledge and life experiences at our 9th annual Rare Disease Day Symposium, chaired by Dr. Hudson Freeze. And, we launched SBP Insights, an interactive speaker series featuring a panel of scientists, doctors and patients who discuss clinical needs and research paths to better treatments. Our next SBP Insights will focus on Alzheimer’s disease and is scheduled for June 5th.
Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.
President
Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair
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The brain’s immune system may be key to new Alzheimer’s treatments
Two new studies by Huaxi Xu, Ph.D., describe how TREM2, a receptor found on immune cells in the brain, interacts with toxic amyloid beta proteins to restore neurological function. The research, performed on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, suggests boosting TREM2 levels in the brain may prevent or reduce the severity of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.
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“Toxic fat” directly linked to heart dysfunction
A study by Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D., is the first to provide direct evidence linking the accumulation of a type of lipid (fat) called ceramides to lipotoxic cardiomyopathy—a heart condition that often occurs in patients with diabetes and obesity. The research suggests that ceramide levels need to stay within a well-balanced range to ensure robust heart function, and identifies several new potential therapeutic targets that could prevent or reverse the effects of the condition.
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Novel genome platform will help target “undruggable” disease-causing proteins
A new technology termed Global Arrayed Protein Stability Analysis (GASPA) may help researchers screen for and develop drugs that eliminate disease-causing proteins that are currently deemed “undruggable”. The study was led by Sumit Chanda, Ph.D. GASPA may dramatically expand drug development in the most difficult-to-treat diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and more.
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SBP brings science to San Diego community at STEM Expo Day
On March 3, about 40 volunteers, including faculty, post docs, staff and graduate students, hosted an exhibit at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Expo Day—one of the largest STEM festivals in the U.S. Karen Ocorr, Ph.D., and Adam Godzik, Ph.D., rallied their labs to arrange hands-on learning activities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as adults and families. Many thanks to all who participated!
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SBP Rare Disease Day Symposium: We can’t do it alone
The 9th annual Rare Disease Day Symposium once again opened its doors to the global community with a genuine interest in CDG—rare inherited disorders that affect a mere 1,200 patients worldwide. The conference attracted more than 175 attendees from North America, Europe and Australia—the largest ever in the history of the event.
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Inaugural SBP Insights speaker series highlights prostate cancer
In the first SBP Insights speaker series, we hosted a doctor, scientist and patient to take a 360-degree look at prostate cancer. Prostate cancer impacts one in nine men, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, but the panel experts said the statistic rises dramatically as men get older.
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Cancer immunology symposium highlights hot area in cancer research
Today, immunotherapy is one of the most exciting areas of new discoveries and treatments for many types of cancer. SBP’s Cancer Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment Symposium held March 8, 2018 attracted a full house of experts in the fields of cancer and immunology, promoting scientific exchange and collaboration.
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Bring It!
Thursday, April 19
Del Mar Fairgrounds
You’re invited to a fast-paced, game-show fundraiser where you can raise money to translate research to cures. Tables are going at light speed.
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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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