Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute mourns the loss of T. Denny Sanford, whose visionary philanthropy helped shape our Institute and advance biomedical research.



Denny believed deeply in the power of science to improve lives and in investing in the people who make discovery possible. His transformational support established pioneering research programs and, most recently, launched an ambitious effort to recruit exceptional new faculty whose discoveries will improve human health for decades to come.

"Denny was a visionary committed to making a better world," said David Brenner, MD, president and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Alzheimer's disease and many other neurodegenerative disorders share a common hallmark: Tau proteins that normally help support healthy brain cells instead form harmful tangles that disrupt communication between neurons. In a study published in Science Advances, the Huang lab showed that a different protein, called SORLA, offers protection against the effects of these toxic tangles.

The Boutros lab published findings in BMJ Oncology demonstrating differences in protein levels in tumor samples from male and female patients. The study found that lung cancer exhibited more sex-based differences in protein expression than any other cancer type with available data.

In a study published in Cancer Discovery, the Boutros lab uncovered an epigenetic mechanism that helps explain why some prostate cancers remain slow-growing while others become aggressive and spread. The work also showcases the power of international collaboration, with researchers from 22 institutions contributing to the study.

Sanford Burnham Prebys recently welcomed Jill Mesirov, PhD, to the faculty as Distinguished Professor and Senior Vice President for Computational Science.

A pioneer in computational biology, Mesirov will help drive computational science across the Institute, strengthen collaboration among our research centers and guide the integration of AI into biomedical research.

Denny Sanford's generosity helped advance groundbreaking discoveries at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, reflecting his belief in the power of science to transform lives. As we honor his vision, we are reminded that tomorrow's medical breakthroughs depend on continued philanthropic partnership. At a time when research funding faces growing challenges, your support is more important than ever. Your gift will help our scientists pursue bold ideas, accelerate lifesaving discoveries, and bring hope to patients and families for generations to come.

Thank you for your partnership. Through philanthropy, we translate science into health.

Our Discovery Series offers a behind-the-scenes look at groundbreaking research at the Institute. Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists and a clinician as they explore how research into rare diseases is revealing new insights and driving advances in treatments for more common conditions. Following the discussion, guests are invited to continue the conversation with the speakers at a reception.

Join us in celebrating 50 years at our Illumination Gala. Together, we'll honor five decades of groundbreaking discoveries and the visionary scientists, philanthropists and partners who have made them possible. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we also look ahead to igniting the future of discovery and accelerating breakthroughs that will transform human health.

With generous support from the Prebys Foundation, the LEAP program was designed to bridge the gap between college graduation and graduate school. It provides recent graduates with hands-on biomedical research experience, career development opportunities and mentorship.

The San Diego Union-Tribune discussed two studies led by scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and the UC San Diego School of Medicine, including the Emerling lab’s study of a strategy for turning the table on certain tumors by subverting their cholesterol cravings.

A recent Newsweek article featured Sanford Burnham Prebys research uncovering how a brain-protective factor may help shield against Alzheimer's disease, underscoring the significance of the latest findings from the Huang lab.