MUSCMedical LinksCharleston LinksArchivesMedical EducatorSpeakers BureauSeminars and EventsResearch StudiesResearch GrantsCatalyst PDF FileCommunity HappeningsCampus News

Return to Main Menu

Research symposium focuses on gene regulation

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
More than 100 basic scientists, cancer researchers, post-graduate students and fellows from statewide institutions and beyond gathered at MUSC on March 12 to discuss basic research and progress in cancer gene regulation, a hot topic in cancer research. The event was part of a Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) Annual Research Symposium held at the Basic Science Building auditorium. MUSC hosted the event for the second time.

MUSC welcomed the country's top cancer researchers during Hollings Cancer Center's Second Annual Research Symposium on March 12. Joining HCC deputy director Dr. Yusuf Hannun, left to right, is the HCC Research Committee's Dr. Steven Rosenzweig; Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry, University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Morag Park, McGill University; HCC's Dr. Dennis Watson and Dr. Philip N. Tsichlis, Tufts Cancer Center. 

Three guest speakers, all respected scientists and cancer researchers from various institutions, participated in this year’s event. Philip N. Tsichlis, M.D., Tufts Cancer Center; Morag Park, Ph.D., McGill University; and Wafik S. El-Deiry, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania were this year’s symposium speakers.

HCC Research Committee members Steven Rosenzweig, Ph.D., associate center director for HCC Basic Research, and Dennis Watson, Ph.D., leader of HCC’s Functional Genetics Program, chose the speakers.

The meeting’s first speaker, Tsichlis, spoke about gene regulation in the Tp12 gene and its effects in lymphoma. Canadian researcher Park spoke about tumor genesis and its effects with breast, head and neck cancers. The event ended with El-Deiry’s presentation on drug resistance in cancer and its effects and the role of tumor suppressors.

“This event offered a great opportunity for researchers, graduate students, post-graduate fellows, and others to promote discussion and draw feedback from each other on their research interests,” Rosenzweig said. “It fits with our current plans to expand Hollings Cancer Center and support MUSC as a collegial environment for science and research.”

In addition to collaboration, Rosenzweig said, the annual meetings help establish Hollings as a regional center for cancer education and research as it moves forward toward the goal of NCI-designation. 

“Science is an interactive process,” said Tsichlis about his participation in this year’s symposium. “Everyone gains from the progress of others. Having such rapid access to information and research findings through this event, plus listening and understanding how other researchers think is inspiring. Using this new information influences how all of us think. It is the only way science can progress.”

MUSC Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost John Raymond, M.D., and HCC deputy director Yusuf Hannun, M.D., welcomed participants and opened the event. Hollings Cancer Center’s Brenda Nickerson and Gwen Bowers planned the symposium. 

Friday, March 19, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.