Communications On increasing Research Efforts
CORE Initiative – Series Three

A monthly discussion series of interest to USP faculty and students.

May 15, 2008
Wilson 205-208, 12:30 -2:30pm

“Academic & Industry Collaborations: Beneficial relationship facilitated through Technology Transfer”

It is in the transfer of knowledge that its true value is realized. An academic institution’s primary responsibility is to educate students and publish new discoveries. In recent years, the success of the life science industry to discovery and development novel therapeutics can often be traced to collaborations with academic scientists. AstraZeneca’s externalization strategy seeks to augments our own internal R&D efforts with value-enhancing partnerships which transform cutting-edge science into meaningful medicines for the benefit of society.

Presented by:
Chris Yochim, Associate Director, External Relations, SPBD

April 8, 2008
Wilson 205-208, 4:00 to 5:00 pm

“Insomnia and Its Causes”

Insomnia affects up to 45% of the U.S. population, yet little is known about its underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Three different approaches I am using to study these mechanisms will be described. First, the overlap between known stress response systems and insomnia will be examined using an experimental stress-reactivity paradigm. Second, the underlying genetics of insomnia will be explored by establishing the heritability of the disorder and with an initial genome-wide association study. Lastly, a collaboration between USP and the University of Pennsylvania is being established in order to use animal models to study the links between stress, sleep, and anxiety.

Presented by: Dr. Philip Gehrman

March 11, 2008
Wilson 205-208, 4:00 to 5:00 pm

“Application of Bioinformatics and Bio-Computational Tools for Protein Structural and Function Prediction in Biomedical Research”

The blooming of the bioinformatics and bio-computational science over the past twenty years helps to transform the biology into a quantitative science. Integrating bioinformatics and bio-computational tools into every aspect of the biomedical research represents a growing trend. It’s hard to underestimate the significance and impact of such an integrated approach. This is especially true for structural and functional studies of transmembrane (TM) proteins. TM proteins are estimated to represent ~20-30% of the genome and account for the target for ~50% of drugs currently available in the market. In disparity to their biological significance, the structure of most membrane proteins remains unknown, comprising less than 1% of structures in the Protein Data Bank. This is mainly due to the challenge of experimentally studying TM proteins. Computational structure and function predictions have long played an important role in their studies, as well as in structure-based drug design efforts targeting these proteins.
In this presentation, we’ll first give some introductions on the available bio-computational tools for protein structure and function prediction. Next, we will present recent results from our research group in developing such a tool for modeling TM protein structures. Finally, the application of various prediction tools in biomedical research will be illustrated through collaborative projects carried out between our group and others.

Presented by Dr. Zhijun Li

March 27, 2008
Wilson 205-208, 4:00 to 5:00 pm

“Light-Based Tumor Targeting and Imaging”

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based modality involving the administration of photosensitizer followed by laser light activation, which leads to the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. We are especially interested in using PDT to target tumor blood vessels. We currently focus on studying the mechanism of vascular-targeting PDT and its therapeutic optimization. Light-based imaging is an indispensable part of our research. The integration of intravital fluorescence microscopic imaging and snap-shot ex vivo imaging has been used in our lab to study the biodistribution of various fluorescent compounds, tumor cell metastasis and changes of vascular functions after PDT. In this presentation, I will talk about our recent results of photodynamic tumor vascular targeting and imaging.

Presented by Dr. Bin Chen

Faculty, Staff and Students are encouraged to attend all sessions!
Snacks and drinks are provided.

All CORE Sessions are 4:00-5:00pm in Wilson 205 (Refreshments are served)