JCRC launches Cancer Research Collaboration of Excellence in Tumor Microenvironment Studies
The Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University has launched a Cancer Research Collaboration of Excellence in Tumor Microenvironment Studies. The multidisciplinary collaboration will examine how environmental conditions within tumors impact their development, growth and aggressiveness, and apply the findings to improve cancer therapies.
The collaboration is made possible with a two-year $100,000 award from the Johnson Cancer Research Center. Brad Behnke, professor of kinesiology and associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Health and Human Sciences, leads the collaboration. The members are investigating changes in the tumor microenvironment due to exposure to different levels of radiation, oxygen pressures and vitamin D.
Other researchers involved are Amir Bahadori, associate professor in mechanical and nuclear engineering; Carl Ade, associate professor in kinesiology; David Poole, university distinguished professor of anatomy and physiology and kinesiology; Chieko Azuma, clinical associate professor of radiation oncology; and Wei-Wen Hsu, associate professor in statistics.
Wallace and team publish in Cancers
Nick Wallace, biology, and colleagues published a study in the journal Cancers in December 2021. They study proteins involved in the development of HPV-caused cervical cancers. They were able to define some gene expression profiles across cervical precancer and cancer stages, identify genes correlating with disease progression, assess patient survival, and validate findings in cell models. View publication in Cancer.
Weiss delivers keynote presentation
Mark Weiss, anatomy & physiology, was a keynote speaker at the fourth International Caparica Christmas Conference on Translational Chemistry held in Caparica, Portugal, on Dec. 6. His presentation was titled “Using Extracellular Vesicles for Cancer Detection”
From College of Veterinary Medicine’s December 2021 Lifelines newsletter
DeLong collaborates on COVID-19 vaccine improvement
Rob DeLong, anatomy & physiology, and team are expanding on an industry partnership to increase stability of mRNA vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, using RNA nanotechnology. DeLong applies RNA nanotechnology in his cancer studies as well, correcting changes that occur in cancer cells to help stop metastasis. read more
Higginbotham receives funding to study special food for dogs with cancer
Mary Lynn Higginbotham, clinical sciences, and Gabrielle Rands received $41,611 from Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their collaborative investigation, “Evaluate a highly palatable, new food in dogs with different types of malignant cancer that are currently undergoing any conventional anti-cancer therapy.”
Welcome to our new faculty members!
Tendai Gadzikwa, chemistry, studies the use of the scaffold of crystalline, multifunctional, nanoporous framework materials to construct multi-tasking drug delivery systems that target cancer cells.
Kate Digby, dance, studies the use of breath and body awareness techniques in the context of simple and fun, low-impact, aerobic dance-exercise to enhance well-being for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.
(Photo credit: John Chapple | Collegian Media Group)
Student Achievements
Upreti awarded K-State fellowship
Deepa Upreti, a two-time graduate cancer research awardee working with Dr. Masaaki Tamura, was awarded the Dr. Jane A. Westfall Graduate Fellowship for Women, which provides financial assistance to female graduate students in the Anatomy & Physiology department.
From College of Veterinary Medicine’s December 2021 Lifelines newsletter
Students present at Undergraduate Research Showcase
Future cancer researchers, medical professionals and other problem solvers and leaders presented research posters at the Undergraduate Research Showcase hosted by K-State’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Dec 1.
Gido selected to present at state and national events
Carson Gido, a junior who works with Dr. Brian Geisbrecht in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, will present his research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting in Philadelphia. The Johnson Cancer Research Center will provide a $500 Travel Award to help cover expenses.
Gido studies enzymes that play a role in damaging healthy cells and may promote tumor development. His presentation is titled, “Structural Basis for Nanomolar-Affinity Inhibition of Neutrophil Serine Protease Activity by the Staphylococcus aureus EAP Domain Protein, Eap1.”
Gido was also one of five K-State students selected to participate in Kansas Undergraduate Research Days March 1-3. The annual event, held virtually this year, provides a forum for students throughout Kansas to present their research to state legislators and other guests. His presentation was titled, “Inhibition of Neutrophil Serine Proteases by Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Adherence Protein Domains.” read more
Alumni Achievement
Velazhahan awarded prestigious Cambridge University prize
Vaithish Velazhahan, a 2018 K-State graduate in microbiology, medical biochemistry and pre-medicine, has been awarded the most prestigious prize for students at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. The former Cancer Research Awardee worked with Dr. Kathrin Schrick in biology.
The Perutz Student Prize, awarded annually by the Max Perutz Fund, recognizes outstanding work performed at the LMB prior to receiving a Ph.D. The 2021 prize was awarded to Velazhahan and two other students.
Velazhahan was awarded the prize for his work determining the structure of fungal G protein-coupled receptors, which could someday help combat deadly fungal infections.
JCRC awards $84,852 and 26 Undergraduate Cancer Research Awards
Twenty-six undergraduate students were selected for our Cancer Research Award program last fall. They receive faculty-mentored research training and $1,500 awards. Faculty mentors receive $1,000 per student for research expenses. The funding allows the students to devote more time to research and less to non-academic jobs.
The awardees will be recognized at the annual Cancer Research Awards Banquet April 22. Read news release
The center also awarded $10,200 for faculty research and travel. More information is on our Faculty Awardees page.
