A new research paper published in Nature Cell Biology from the lab of MCB Assistant Professor Roberto Zoncu reveals surprising new observations on the mechanism of activation of the master growth regulator mTORC1, a protein kinase implicated in cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration.
Department News
Below are articles from various sources about members of MCB and their research.
July 28, 2018
Research from the labs of MCB Professors Chris Chang and Ehud Isacoff reveals new information on the role of copper in the brain on regulating circadian patterns. Zebrafish with lowered levels of copper in the brain exhibited symptoms of poorer sleep quality due to disrupted circadian patterns.
These findings may lead to improvements in the treatment of neurological and sleep-related disorders in humans.
July 20, 2018
MCB Assistant Professor of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Michel DuPage, is the recipient of a Hope with Hazel St. Baldrick's Scholar grant. His funded project aims to target regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a novel method to enhance immune responses to Neuroblastoma (NB) - the third most common form of childhood cancer, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in children 1-4 years of age.
They will investigate the role of Tregs and the capacity to target them by modulating the function of the epiginetic regulator Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) to simultaneously target neoplastic cells and Tregs as a novel method to enhance immune responses to NB.
July 12, 2018
MCB Professor & HHMI Investigator Eva Nogales has been awarded the 2018 Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award by the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). The award recognizes an outstanding scientist with "a record of active leadership in mentoring both men and women in scientific careers," and is one of the ASCB's three Women in Cell Biology awards.
Nogales will be awarded a plaque and a $1,000 prize at the ASCB Annual Meeting in December 2018.
July 10, 2018
Nicolas C. Pégard, postdoctoral scholar in the Adesnik lab, is one of eleven awardees (chosen from almost 300 applicants) to receive a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at the Scientific Interface (CASI). The award recognizes scientific excellence and innovation, depth and quality of training, and the potential to establish an independent research career.
The CASI will fund his advanced postdoctoral training at MCB, where he currently works on methods for 3D in vivo holographic optogenetic photostimulation and optical tracking of neural activity, and his transition into a faculty position. Congratulations, Nico!
June 29, 2018
Congratulations to MCB Professor Jeremy Thorner, the 2019 recipient of ASBMB's Herbert Tabor Research Award! This award recognizes scientists who have made outstanding contributions in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Thorner will receive a $30,000 research award, a plaque, and present a lecture on his research at ASBMB's annual meeting in April 2019 in Orlando, FL.
June 28, 2018
MCB Professor of the Graudate School Hiroshi Nikaido is the 2018 recipient of the American Society for Microbiology's Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors scientists who have made sustained contributions to microbiological sciences, of which Nikaido has made many throughout his extensive career.
June 27, 2018
A new research paper published in Science, from the labs of MCB Professor Robert Tjian and Assistant Professor Xavier Darzacq, reveals surprising new observations on the mechanics of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) during protein-coding gene transcription.
June 26, 2018
MCB Assistant Adjunct Professor Karen Davies has been selected as one of the Early Career Research Award recipients by the US Department of Energy for her work on protein structures and bioenergetics. Davies' research focuses on electron flow in photosynthesis, and may improve cyanobacteria engineering for biofuels and bioplastics.
June 22, 2018
HHMI Investigator and MCB Professor Barbara Meyer was awarded the American Society for Cell Biology's (ASCB) highest honor for science, the E.B. Wilson Medal, for her significant and far-reaching contributions to cell biology over a lifetime in science.
Dr. Meyer's lecture and the medal presentation will take place on Tuesday, December 11th from 3:15-4:00pm during the ASCB|EMBO Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA (Dec 8-12, 2018).
Read her ASCB Award Essay here.