Salk Institute - April Discoveries and Upcoming Events

April 2018

Tony Hunter receives prestigious award for cancer research, simultaneously publishes new discovery

Salk Professor Tony Hunter has received the 2018 Pezcoller --- AACR International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research, one of the most prestigious honors in the field of cancer research. Hunter is known for his 1979 discovery of a mechanism called tyrosine phosphorylation, which is a molecular switch that turns normal cells cancerous. The breakthrough led to a new type of cancer pharmaceutical, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Mere days after the award was announced, Hunter and collaborators in Switzerland published a paper in Nature describing their discovery of a protein called LHPP that acts as a molecular switch to turn off the uncontrolled growth of cells in liver cancer. The tumor suppressor, which could be useful as a biomarker to help diagnose and monitor treatment for liver cancer, could also be relevant for other cancer types. The work adds to the growing body of knowledge about cellular processes that either promote or prevent cancer.

Early life experiences influence DNA in the adult brain

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In the perennial question of nature versus nurture, a new study by the lab of Rusty Gage suggests an intriguing connection between the two. The researchers report in the journal Science that the type of mothering a female mouse provides her pups actually changes their DNA. The work lends support to studies about how childhood environments affect brain development in humans and could provide insights into neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

Decoding the chemistry of fear

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The lab of Sreekanth Chalasani uncovered new clues about the mechanisms of fear and anxiety through an unlikely creature: the tiny nematode worm. By studying molecular pathways underlying the responses of worms exposed to chemicals secreted by its natural predator, the team uncovered a rudimentary fear-like response that has parallels to human anxiety. Such insights may eventually enable the development of new drugs for conditions like PTSD and panic disorder. The work was published in Nature Communications.

Prominent academics, including Salk's Thomas Albright, call for more science in forensic science

With forensic science facing mounting scrutiny as it plays an increasingly prominent role in the administration of justice, six scientists --- including Salk neuroscientist Thomas Albright --- who recently served on the National Commission on Forensic Science, are calling for the larger scientific community to support the advancement of the field. Their paper appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Salk promotes two dynamic scientists who study neuroscience and structural biology

The Salk Institute has promoted Xin Jin, an innovative scientist and member of the Institute's world-renowned neuroscience faculty, to the rank of associate professor, as his research is providing significant insights into neurological and psychiatric diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's.

Salk has also promoted structural biologist and former Salk Fellow Dmitry Lyumkis, a dynamic scientist with a vision for collaborative and cutting-edge microscopy. Lyumkis, now an assistant professor, has made significant contributions to the up-and-coming field of electron microscopy known as cryo-EM.

Each promotion was based on recommendations by Salk faculty and nonresident fellows, and approved by Interim President Rusty Gage and the Institute's Board of Trustees.

Xin Jin