UC Cancer Institute Gaining Traction, Making Progress

In order to effectively battle cancer, you must have a well-organized army made up of compassionate oncology professionals who fight the frontline battles alongside cancer patients and diligent scientists gathering intelligence reports in the hope of developing better treatment strategies. In between lies the next generation of motivated clinicians and researchers in training, compelled to join the fight against cancer soon. See the rest of the story here: (UCHealthNews)

CCB Interim Chair is Awarded AAAS Fellowship

Jerry Lingrel, PhD, CCB interim chair, has been awarded AAAS fellowship status. Lingrel was granted this distinction for research in the fields of globin gene regulation (the first isolation of an mRNA), ion transport, and vascular biology. Two other members of the University of Cincinnati faculty are also among the 2011 awardees: Marepalli Rao, PhD, of environmental health; and Andrew Steckl, PhD, of electrical and computer engineering. (UCHealthNews)

Lingrel Appointed Interim Chair of Cancer and Cell Biology

Jerry Lingrel, PhD, has been appointed interim chair of cancer and cell biology following the resignation of Jorge Moscat, PhD, who will be leaving the College of Medicine for a new position in San Diego. A UC faculty member since 1962, Lingrel chaired the department of molecular genetics from 1981 until stepping down in 2008. He is the recipient of many awards including the George Rieveschl Award for Distinguished Scientific Research in 1978, the Drake Medal-the medical college's highest honor-in 2002 and UC's Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring Award in 2008, recognizing his efforts in molding future scientists and researchers. He also serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the largest and most cited biomedical journal in the world.

With $443 Million, UC Hits Record Research Total

The University of Cincinnati and its affiliates topped $443 million in research funding for fiscal year 2010-a rise of more than $65 million over last year's total. (more) (Cincinnati Enquirer) (Business Courier)

Diabetes Drug May Treat Cancer

University of Cincinnati researchers, led by CCB's George Thomas, PhD, have learned that a widely prescribed diabetes drug doesn't work the way they thought. The discovery, published in the May 5 edition of Cell Metabolism, could open the door to using metformin to treat cancer, tuberous sclerosis complex, and other diseases. (more) (Cincinnati Enquirer) (Diabetes PubMed)

Genetic Variant Increases Lung Cancer Risk for Light Smokers

A study by a research team including CCB's Marshall Anderson, PhD concluded that individuals with a certain type of genetic susceptibility to lung cancer face a greatly increased risk for the deadly disease with even a small exposure to cigarette smoke. (more) (BusinessWeek)