Headlines April
News + Updates
Cancer Research News
In his toxicology lab, Chris Vulpe, M.D., Ph.D. uses CRISPR knockout libraries to determine which genes are important for resistance to toxicant exposure.
The CRISPR Revolution: A new technology is changing the face and pace of cell science
“…Licht is getting ready to collaborate with Chris Vulpe, M.D., Ph.D., who has developed a ‘druggable genome library’ of CRISPR sequences. The library allows every protein for which there is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug to be eliminated from the cell. Using the library, Licht says, he can determine which proteins are critical for the growth of NSD2 mutant leukemia cells, then conduct experiments using drugs that work against the proteins…. Back in his toxicology lab, Vulpe hopes the druggable genome library will lead to an explosion of much-needed knowledge on chemicals and toxicants.” READ MORE
Nancy P. Mendenhall, M.D., named 2018 Clinical Science Researcher of the Year
Nancy P. Mendenhall, M.D.,medical director of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, and Michael Good, M.D., dean of the UF College of Medicine
Nancy P. Mendenhall, M.D., has been named the 2018 Clinical Science Researcher of the Year by the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. The recognition comes, in part, for her recent research success in securing an $11.9 million grant for a national prostate cancer study comparing proton therapy to standard radiation treatment. Each year, the college presents the award to a faculty member for outstanding achievement, productivity and research discovery. Mendenhall is a professor and associate chair of the UF department of radiation oncology. As the medical director of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, she leads the clinical care and research program for the advanced form of radiation treatment – proton therapy. READ MORE
Announcements
Drs. Jonathan Licht, Parker Gibbs, Sue DiNatale and Dr. Joanne Lagmay
Danny’s Dream Recap
Dan DiNatale died in October 2016 at the age of 25, four-and-a-half years after his diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. To honor his memory and aid in cancer research, Chuck and Sue DiNatale started the Danny Fund at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center where their son was treated.
To help that fund, the couple organized the first ever Danny’s Dream event on March 24. Hosted by the DiNatales in partnership with UFHCC Development staff, the event was attended by more than 200 people and raised more than $90,000 to fund research on Ewing’s Sarcoma — under the direction of Dr. Joanne Lagmay.
Drs. Licht, Gibbs, and Lagmay all spoke at the event.
UFHCC on Social Media
Have you heard? The UF Health Cancer Center is on Facebook, and we recently launched a Twitter account. If you use social media — either personally or professionally — please consider following one or both accounts! These platforms reach both internal and external audiences and are a great way to stay up-to-date with events and research news. If you have something to share on our Facebook or Twitter pages, please send to communications@cancer.ufl.edu.
Need to Update Your Professional Portrait?
UF Health Creative Services offers open studio hours at Communicore C2-20 every month. Simply stop by during one of the time slots listed on the bottom of their webpage — there’s no need to sign up beforehand, and it only takes five minutes! Here are some of the upcoming sessions:
04/26 9-10 a.m.
05/07 9-10 a.m.
05/09 3-4 p.m.
05/22 3-4 p.m.
05/24 9-10 a.m.
