June 2011

Center for Clinical and Translational Science

e-Newsletter

Center News Awards & Honors New Rockefeller Early Phase Physician-Scientists Michel C. Nussenzweig, MD, PhD was (REPPS) Program Initiated elected to the National Academy of Sciences. By Neil Renwick Agata Smogorzewska, MD, PhD received a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Clinical Scientist Development Award. http://www.ddcf.org/Medical-Research/ Program-Strategies/Clinical-Research/ Clinical-Scientist-Development-Award/ Announcements Chief Clinical Scholar Announcement Dr. Iddo Ben-Dov will be the Chief Clinical Scholar for the academic year 2011 - 2012. Dr. Ben-Dov is a member of the Tuschl Lab and his research focuses on micro, RNA binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation in kidney disease. Drs. Michelle Lowes, Neil Renwick, Teresa Evering, Sandy Vasan, Marina Caskey, Manish Ponda and Edgar Charles Administrative Supplement Awards The RU Center for Clinical and Translational challenge, given the striking and poorly The Rockefeller CTSA was awarded two Science is firmly committed to educating understood low rate of R01 attainment for Administrative Supplements. The first the next generation of physician- new investigators at the national level. supplement, led by Dr. Agata Smogorzewska scientists. In recent years, a number of the To provide maximal support at this critical and Mr. Ed Barbour, will bring advanced RU Clinical Scholars Program graduates bioinformatics tools to maximize the have successfully obtained highly career juncture, the RU CCTS has initiated the Rockefeller Early Phase Physician- information scientists can obtain by carefully competitive, peer-reviewed NIH K08 studying patients with the rare disease, or K23 Mentored Career Development Scientists (REPPS) program, through which participants will obtain encouragement, Fanconi anemia. The Bioinformatics team Awards to transition to academic and developed a sophisticated electronic version scientific independence. Despite the resources, and institutional commitment required to achieve scientific autonomy. of the International Fanconi Anemia Registry significance of these achievements, these (IFAR) and created an ontology to describe junior physician-scientists face a daunting continued on Page 3 the relationships between the signs and symptoms of the disease and the laboratory The Rockefeller University Receives AAHRPP Accreditation and genetic findings in the patients. Data on By Rhonda G. Kost more than 1,700 patients have been entered into the system. To enhance the value of the On March 16th, 2011, the Association for system, Shamin Mollah has led the creation of the Accreditation of Human Research a prototype program to automatically extract Protection Programs (AAHRPP) announced terms from the ontology and map them to the accreditation of The Rockefeller concepts in a standardized vocabulary. This University human research protection will allow investigators the ability to new gain program (HRPP). In accordance with the the Clinical Research Support Office, the insights into the disease and more broadly into AAHRPP model, The Rockefeller program investigators, and others concerned with diseases that predispose patients to cancer. integrates three components, each human research protections report. Dr. The second supplement, led by Drs. Rhonda playing a role to integrate leadership and Michael Young is the University official Kost, Jonathan Tobin and Alexander Tomasz practice for the protection of the rights and ultimately responsible for human research in the category of Community Engagement, safety of research participants. The three protections at Rockefeller University. will focus on building a community health levels are the University, the Institutional center-based system for the surveillance Review Board, and investigators Research on human subjects has been and treatment of community-acquired themselves. The Rockefeller HRPP is led ongoing at the university since 1910, when Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas by Dr. Thomas Sakmar, to whom the IRB, the Rockefeller Hospital was established. (CA-MRSA). The project is outlined in greater continued on Page 3 detail in Dr. Tobin’s article on page 4. 1 3rd Annual Yale-Rockefeller Research Collaboration Day Highlights Genetic Research,

By Michelle Romanick Mentoring, and Academic Drug Development

On March 17, 2011, 17 members of the Rockefeller Center for Clinical and Translational Science and 23 members of the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation and Investigation (YCCI) Medicine Program attended the Third Annual Rockefeller University and Yale University Research Collaboration Day. The event was hosted by Yale and held on the West Campus of the university, which is situated on the former site of Bayer Laboratory.

The CTSA programs at Rockefeller The Rockefeller Center for Clinical and Translational Science participants University and Yale University have partnered to provide a mechanism for Clinical Scholars, faculty, and staff from both institutions to meet and share scientific ideas and identify opportunities for collaborations. The agenda for common mission that includes innovation described the ways in which these findings the day reflected well the goals for in translational research. Dr. Coller also offer insights into molecular mechanisms networking and research alliances. noted that the event was taking place on underlying autism. Simultaneously his what was formerly the Bayer Laboratory, data challenged the current diagnostic Dr. Robert Sherwin, Director of YCCI and which reflects the major changes nosology in psychiatry. Both talks were Dr. Barry Coller, Director of CCTS warmly occurring in the pharmaceutical industry extremely well-received by the audience welcomed the attendees. Dr. Sherwin and the increasing role of academic and generated much discussion. indicated that in order for the CTSA investigators in drug development. programs “to take maximal advantage of The afternoon was dedicated to panel the explosion of knowledge in the basic Dr. Jean-Laurent Casanova, Senior discussions with representatives from biomedical sciences, we need to attract Attending Physician at The Rockefeller each CTSA site. The topics were Mentor- the best and brightest students and University and head of the St. Giles Mentee Relationships; Developing Bench- young physicians to careers in clinical Laboratory of Human Genetics of to-Bedside Collaborative Relationship; and translational research, give them Infectious Diseases and Dr. Matthew and Drug Development in Academia. the training and mentoring required State, Donald J. Cohen Associate Professor Each of the panels’ topics invoked a to master a daunting array of research in the Child Study Center and Associate lively and stimulating discussion with approaches and technologies, and the Professor of Genetics at Yale University the panel members and the audience. skills to work effectively within complex led off the day with exciting scientific Lunch provided another opportunity interdisciplinary teams, often beyond presentations. Dr. Casanova’s talk, for members from each university to the walls of their own institutions. The “Life-threatening Infectious Disease of network, discuss their research and annual CTSA scholar retreat between Childhood: Single-gene Inborn Errors of inquire about their colleague’s work. Yale and Rockefeller University was Immunity?” highlighted his laboratory’s created to support this goal. We’re research, which focuses on trying to Drs. Coller and Sherwin closed the event asking our young trainees to look at understand why some children develop with acknowledgements of everyone’s problems in a new, more collaborative a severe clinical illness during the course participation in creating a successful way and therefore I believe it’s important of an infection while others exposed to collaborative event. Rockefeller will host for them to make connections with the same microbe do not. Dr. State’s the next Research Collaboration Day in colleagues doing the same. The informal presentation on “Recent Advances in the 2012. and formal relationships established by Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders,” such an approach provides our Scholars addressed the fundamental properties with an inside look at an institution of genetic variation, described the with a different, yet closely aligned logic underlying the common variant- culture and serves to make the Scholar common disease and the rare variant- program at each institution better.” common disease hypotheses, discussed the importance of structural as well as Dr. Coller reflected on the rich scientific sequence variation, highlighted recent heritage between Rockefeller University results in the genetics of autism, and and Yale University; the institutions share a

2 Rockefeller University Hospital Achieves Full Accreditation from The Joint Commission By Cynthia Seidman plant and all of the equipment in the hos- On Feb. 26 2011, The Joint Commission but unlike past surveys that lasted 2 – 2 pital building. Based on the extensive re- (TJC) arrived at the Rockefeller Univer- ½ days, this inspection lasted 3 full days. view, Rockefeller University Hospital was sity Hospital for an unannounced three Two inspectors were assigned to conduct awarded accreditation for another three day survey. TJC is a nonprofit organiza- the accreditation evaluation; a nurse, who years. This successful outcome is due to tion that inspects hospitals every three meticulously examined medical records, the superb efforts of the hospital staff co- years to ensure they meet the highest interviewed the nursing staff, and thor- ordinated by Ms. Cynthia Seidman, Direc- standards of patient care and safety. This oughly reviewed hospital policies, and tor of Regulatory Affairs. is the second unannounced survey RUH a Life Safety Specialist, an expert in fire has undergone in the past three years, safety issues, who inspected the physical New Rockefeller Early Phase Physician-Scientists (REPPS) Program Initiated continued from Page 1 In addition to their scientific activities, The REPPS program currently has 6 translational medicine and assay design, REPPS participants are clinically active, participants*, including Drs. Marina grant writing skills, laboratory leadership, with combined expertise in dermatology, Caskey (NIAID K23 award: HIV-1 vaccine mentoring, protection of human subjects, infectious diseases, internal medicine, strategies), Edgar Charles (NIAID K08 regulatory issues, research ethics, nephrology, and pathology. Each award: HCV-related autoimmunity), Teresa teaching and course design, technology participant is highly dedicated with an Evering (NIMH K08 award: Cognitive transfer and therapeutic strategies. The exceptional training record, has advanced decline in HIV-1 infection), Michelle Lowes group has been charged with identifying medical knowledge in their field, has (NIAMS K23 award: inflammatory dendritic experts on and off campus to participate worked nationally and internationally, cells), Manish Ponda (NIDDK K08 award: in these discussions and is grateful to the and is highly adept at articulating medical atherosclerosis in renal disease), and Neil CCTS leadership, particularly Drs. Barry needs and advocating for their patient Renwick (NINDS K08 award: TDP43-related Coller, Jim Krueger, and Sarah Schlesinger, populations. The personal (program neurodegeneration); for further details for committing their time and expertise members come from Australia, Brazil, please see repps.rockefeller.edu. to these discussions. The RU Hospital has New Zealand, and the United States) an exceptional century-long track record The REPPS group has a significant and scientific diversity of the REPPS in producing creative and innovative advantage due to mentorship from group fosters a collegial, respectful, physician-scientists and the REPPS distinguished scientists at the RU and enthusiastic atmosphere for group program continues this proud tradition. CCTS; currently Profs. Jan Breslow, Lynn activities. Dustin, Jim Krueger, David Ho, Marty *Dr. Sandy Vasan, first chairperson of the The REPPS group will meet monthly Markowitz, Ralph Steinman, and Tom REPPS program, has recently accepted a to discuss relevant topics in academic Tuschl are generously committing time position as project manager overseeing medicine and develop expertise while and laboratory resources to these junior HIV-1 vaccine trials for USAMRIID in attaining independence. Topics will physician-scientists. Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Neil Renwick was include: emerging techniques for selected as her successor.

The Rockefeller University Receives AAHRPP Accreditation continued from Page 1 The university later formed an institutional for profit organization that undertakes multiple departments provide services review board (IRB), in accordance with the the systematic review of human that are integrated to support the National Research Act of 1974, charged research protection programs with protection of human subjects, including with ensuring the safety of the hospital’s a view toward sound organizational the Clinical Research Support Office, the patients. structure, accountability throughout Office of Research Facilitation, Research the governance of human protections, Nursing, Bioinformatics, and Clinical The IRB formalized informal procedures three-armed involvement of institution, Facilities and Research Resources. already in place to assure the protection IRB and investigators, and incorporation Rockefeller completed a 6 month long, of human subjects and has revised its of best practices. There are currently 229 two stage process of preparation, procedures continually in response organizations accredited by AAHRPP of culminating in a 3 day site visit in January to the evolution of best practices in which 34 are institutions with Clinical 2011, a review by the AAHRPP council, protecting human subjects. Among and Translational Science Awards. The and the final conferring of accreditation its responsibilities, the IRB ensures AAHRPP seal has become a gold standard in March 2011. The first renewal period researchers have been educated in for human research protection programs, for AAHRPP accreditation will occur after the regulations dealing with human signifying high standards, quality, three years. Subsequent renewals renew subjects, research protocols are designed organization and efficiency. on a 5 year cycle. to incorporate the highest ethical and scientific principles, and research teams The Rockefeller University began the In the near future, as part of its conduct their work accordingly. accreditation process in early 2010, led assessment, the IRB will elicit feedback on primarily by IRB chair Dr. Emil Gotschlich, its performance in the form of a survey to Founded in 2001, AAHRPP (http://www. and assisted by expert consultants. At investigators aahrpp.org/www.aspx) is a private, not Rockefeller, in addition to the IRB, the 3 Rockefeller Scientists Team Up with Community Health Center Network to Track and Treat Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections By Jonanthan N. Tobin

In order to foster the bi-directional Dr. Tomasz is joined by Dr. Jonathan N. engagement of community-based Tobin, President/CEO of CDN, who was primary care clinicians with academic appointed in January 2011 as Co-Director researchers, the Rockefeller Center for for Community Engaged Research at Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), the CCTS, and he serves as the Principal Clinical Directors Network (CDN), and Investigator for the pilot project. The CA- six metropolitan NYC-area Community MRSA Project (CAMP) was initiated in May Health Centers (CHCs) are collaborating 2010 and consists of two phases. During on a CCTS-funded pilot project on phase I, CDN has identified, engaged, and Community Acquired-Methicillin- recruited six CHCs located in Manhattan, Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA- Bronx, Brooklyn, and Westchester, MRSA). Clinical Directors Network (CDN adjacent to the hospitals in Dr. Tomasz’s – see www.CDNetwork.org ) is a primary hospital network. CAMP will create care Practice-Based Research Network the infrastructure to assess the of CA- Jonathan N. Tobin, PhD, FACE, FAHA (PBRN) that works with CHCs funded MRSA prevalence and the best practices by the Health Resources and Services associated with identifying, diagnosing, microbiology lab will undergo further Administration (HRSA – see www.hrsa. preventing and managing CA-MRSA in confirmatory testing, including antibiotic gov) and other healthcare safety-net the CHC primary care settings. sensitivity and molecular typing in Dr. providers to conduct research and Tomasz’s laboratory at Rockefeller. training activities in collaboration with The project activities include providing academic health centers. HRSA-funded ongoing interactive continuing medical In order to confirm the isolates as CA- CHCs provided comprehensive primary education (CME) sessions both onsite and MRSA and to identify the particular CA- care and preventive services to over 16 online for CHC clinicians that builds on the MRSA clone responsible for the antibiotic million low-income, minority and other current Rockefeller-CDN CME program. resistance, the Tomasz lab will employ the medically underserved patients in 2010 Most of these educational programs following typing techniques: multi locus at over 8000 delivery sites across the USA. will be provided online via webcast sequence typing (MLST), determination of and then stored for future reference the nature of the surface determinant spa According to the CDC’s estimates in (see www.CDNetwork.org/Rockefeller). (spa typing), determination of the unique 2005, the number of MRSA infections Other activities involve a bioinformatics SCCmec cassettes carrying the resistance has doubled nationwide, and may be component to evaluate the feasibility determinant mec A, and pulse field gel responsible for more deaths each year of harvesting information from CHC electrophoresis (PFGE). than HIV/AIDS. CA-MRSA infections, as electronic information systems, including opposed to healthcare acquired MRSA electronic health records (EHRs), electronic Educational and community engagement (HA-MRSA), are defined as bacteriologic prescribing records (ePrescribing) and activities carried out to date have included confirmed cases where the infection onset clinical laboratory test ordering and test an initial Advisory Committee Meeting is in the community and the patient has results reporting. This information may held at Rockefeller on December 16th, no prior health care facility exposure. The be useful for enhancing the phenotyping 2010, where the medical directors and true incidence and causes of CA-MRSA of CA-MRSA. primary care clinicians from each of the six are unknown and there is no existing CHCs came together to meet with faculty, nationwide surveillance system for CA- Finally, for phase II, the pilot project scientists and Clinical Scholars from MRSA. Networks of primary care practices will explore the use of social network Rockefeller. CHC Participants included such as Community Health Centers, may analysis to understand potential risk Samual Deleon, MD, Claude Parola, represent an existing infrastructure that factors for CA-MRSA transmission and MD, and Sara Palamino, NP from Urban could be strengthened to create a sentinel infection, and will establish the feasibility Health Plan (Bronx NY), Daren Wu, MD network for observing and intervening in of obtaining biological specimens from and Onyinye Okpukpara, MD from Open CA-MRSA infections. community-based sites and transporting Door Family Health Center (Ossining NY), them to Dr. Tomasz’s lab, where molecular Christine Kerr, MD and Chinea Carmen, The CCTS-funded CA-MRSA Project characterization can be carried out beyond MD from Hudson River HealthCare (CAMP) arose out of conversations begun the routine culture and sensitivity testing (Peekskill NY), Sharon Smith MD, Judith in the Action Committee for Community- that is provided as part of primary care. Buck NP and Jotir Ramnarine MD from Engaged Research (ACCER), co-chaired Aerobic bacterial cultures will be sent to Manhattan Physicians Group (NYC) and by Drs. Rhonda Kost and Peter Holt, and the CHC’s local clinical microbiology lab Fouzia Syed, MD from Brookdale Family builds upon and extends the work of for species identification (routine isolation Care Center (Brooklyn NY). Dr. Barry Coller, Drs. Alexander Tomasz and Herminia and identification procedures) and where CCTS Director, welcomed the participants de Lencastre, whose research has appropriate, antibiotic susceptibility and gave an introduction to the CCTS. included characterizing the molecular testing will be performed using either Dr. Coller’s introductory remarks were epidemiology and evolution of MRSA the minimum inhibitory concentration followed by presentations on CA-MRSA infections and building a surveillance or the disk agar diffusion method. by Drs. Alexander Tomasz, Herminia de network of NYC-area hospitals. Staphylococcal isolates from the clinical Lencastre, and Mina Pastagia. The CHC

continued on Page 8

4 Meet the Scholar: Shen-Ying Zhang, MD, PhD By Michelle Romanick HSE and they later went on to discover a cellular mechanisms of the pathogenesis second genetic abnormality associate with of HSE by using CNS cells that have been the disease, namely autosomal dominant differentiated from induced pluripotent Toll-like Receptor 3 (TLR3) deficiency. Her stem cells (iPSCs) derived from dermal work has had major medical implications fibroblasts of HSE patients with known since affected children can now be genetic etiologies. She has already offered a molecular diagnosis, families achieved a model to investigate the can receive genetic counseling, and molecular and cellular dissection of the more importantly, a treatment based on pathogenesis of HSE by using human giving recombinant IFN-α to overcome patient’s in vitro differentiated CNS cells the defects in the pathway leading to from the dermal fibroblasts-derived iPSCs. Shen-Ying Zhang, MD, PhD its production in these patients is now available. This research also has additional During her two years in Dr. Casanova’s Dr. Shen-Ying Zhang joined the Clinical fundamental implications, as it is the laboratory at Rockefeller University, Dr. Scholars Program at Rockefeller University first demonstration that a TLR can play a Zhang has also begun to co-supervise in 2008. She received her MD from non-redundant role in host defense in a younger trainees. This has led to the Shanghai Fudan University in China in naturally occurring infection. identification of an autosomal recessive 1994 and her PhD from Paris Descartes form of TLR3 deficiency and two University in Human Genetics and Upon completing her PhD, Dr. Zhang was invited join Dr. Casanova’s lab in novel genetic etiologies of HSE due to Immunology in 2007. The clinical training deficiencies in TNF receptor-associated in the field of Infectious Diseases she Paris as a postdoctoral fellow, and later she accompanied Dr. Casanova to the factor 3 (TRAF3) and TANK-binding kinase obtained in China awakened her interest 1 (TBK1). These findings further support in medical research of infectious diseases. Rockefeller University as a Clinical Scholar and Instructor in Clinical Investigation. Dr. the hypothesis that HSE can result from Her interest in genetic predisposition to inborn errors of the TLR3-interferon infectious diseases was triggered by Dr. Zhang’s current primary research focus is to exploring the molecular and cellular pathway. Dr. Zhang has decided to Jean-Laurent Casanova’s visit to Shanghai continue her research efforts on the in 2002. Dr. Casanova subsequently invited mechanisms of the pathogenesis of HSE by studying the TLR3-interferon circuit and genetic and molecular dissection of viral her to join his Laboratory of Human diseases. Genetics of Infectious Diseases (HGID) as a anti-HSV-1 immunity in central nervous post-doctoral fellow at the Necker Medical system (CNS)-specific cells. In 2009, Dr. Dr. Zhang has enjoyed the great School, Paris Descartes University, where Zhang was awarded a CCTS pilot project opportunity offered by the Clinical she studied the genetic susceptibility for a study titled “Cellular dissection of Scholar program at Rockefeller, and she to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in herpes simplex encephalitis in human hopes more clinician scientists could children under the joint supervision of Dr. neural cells.” Under the mentorship of benefit from the Clinical Scholar program, Casanova and Dr. Laurent Abel. Dr. Casanova and in collaboration with which provides excellent guidance to the Dr. Luigi D. Notarangelo at Harvard clinician scientists on how to transient to Dr. Zhang and her colleagues were the Medical School and Dr. Lorenz Studer at an independent medical research career. first to identify autosomal recessive UNC- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 93B deficiency associated with childhood she is investigating the molecular and Where Are They Now? Kristine Nograles, MD, Clinical Scholars Graduate 2010 By Michelle Romanick and implementing Phase II to Phase III particularly psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. clinical trials to support worldwide drug It is the clear understanding of disease development. Dr. Nograles’s principal pathogenesis that is key to identifying goal is to discover and develop safe and potential drug targets. In addition to this effective novel medicines that may save positive experience, the Clinical Scholars and improve lives around the world. Program provided me with essential tools for the proper conduct of patient-oriented When asked how the Clinical Scholars clinical research, including clinical trial Program prepared her for her current design, biostatistics, and the protection of position, Dr. Nograles stated, “The human subjects. I highly recommend the hands-on experience of conducting a Program!” translational or clinical research project Kristine Nograles, MD under the supervision of a scientific leader Dr. Kruger started, “Kristine was a model Dr. Kristine Nograles, a 2010 graduate of is an invaluable learning experience student of what it means to do translational Rockefeller University Center for Clinical for anyone seeking a career in patient- research. She was outstanding in taking and Transitional Science Master’s degree in oriented research. I had the privilege of basic science discoveries generated during Clinical and Translational Science Program working with Dr. Jim Krueger, who is a research in the laboratory, and applying joined the Merck Research Laboratories in trailblazer in translational Dermatology them to the development of trials and fall 2010 as Associate Director of Clinical research. With his supervision, I was studies in humans. It was a privilege to Research in Immunology. As part of able to conduct research projects that mentor such an outstanding clinician the Late Stage Clinical Development, addressed important questions on the scientist who will utilize this knowledge in her responsibilities include designing pathogenesis of common skin diseases, the next steps of her career.” 5 2011 Clinical Scholar’s Master Degree Program Graduates By Michelle Romanick

• Dr. Batya Davidovici accepted a faculty position as a Senior Dermatologist in the Department of Dermatology at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel. • Dr. Patricia Maningat will continue on in Dr. Jan Breslow’s laboratory to complete her studies of statin-induced myopathy. • Dr. Andreas Mauer is returning to medical training as a cardiology fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital. • Dr. Jan Davidson-Moncada is returning to medical training as an oncology fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda. • Dr. Mina Pastagia will be continuing her studies to develop a lysin antibiotic for clinical use in MRSA infection in Dr. Fischetti’s laboratory. • Dr. Shen-Ying Zhang will continue in the laboratory of Jean-Laurent Casanova at Rockefeller studying the Mendelian genetic basis of rare infectious diseases.

Bionutritionists at Rockefeller University Develop Training Programs For Dietetic Interns and Students By Andrea Ronning As part of the Rockefeller University the auspices of the Education Two highly valuable, user friendly tools Center for Clinical and Translational Subcommittee of the National developed in the program that benefits Science educational programs, Association of Bionutrionists (NAB), the intern is the calendar function, Dianne Meehan, RD and Andrea they polled Bionutrionists at CTSAs which establishes a working schedule Ronning, RD have created a core across the country about their training for the user and a competency checklist training program for the New York- programs and preceptors tools. From that ensures regulatory compliance. The Presbyterian Hospital dietetic interns this experience, they organized projects, Board of Directors of NAB reviewed the and New York University graduate selected research articles and developed template and approved it. As a result, and undergraduate dietetic students hands-on-training that resulted in the Dietetic Intern/Dietetic Student who rotate through the Rockefeller a template that can be modified by “Preceptor Tool Kit” is now available to Metabolic kitchen in the Department each Department of Bionutrition. The all CTSA Bionutrition Departments via of Nutrition each year. template allows the preceptor to select In their quest to support education the learning objectives specific to their in bionutrition nationwide, under organization and their dietetic interns.

The Bionutrition Department

6 Meet CCTS Year-Off Medical Student Training Program Graduate: Dr. Austin Pantel By Austin Pantel opportunity to engage in research in Dr. to a similar career, though still unsure of Ralph Steinman's Laboratory of Cellular my medical specialty. Physiology and Immunology. With tremendous support from Dr. After I completed my year as a Medical Steinman and many other generous lab Student Scholar, I returned to medical members, I investigated the response school searching for a specialty that would of dendritic cells to vaccine adjuvants. I enable me to combine patient care and began to understand the process by which research. I quickly discovered the field new discoveries are made and I enjoyed of diagnostic radiology and was drawn working through complex problems to residency programs that integrated alongside other laboratory members research into the clinical residency. With and collaborators. I quickly realized how great support from Rockefeller, I was able much I enjoyed such challenges and to match into my first choice, the research Austin Pantel knew I wanted to engage in research in track of the radiology training program my future career. at the Hospital of the University of After completing my third year of medical Pennsylvania. This five-year track includes school at New York University School of My laboratory experience was at least one year of devoted research time. Medicine, I had the privilege of spending complemented by a formal curriculum a year as a visiting medical scholar in in clinical and translational investigation. My year at Rockefeller enriched my time the Center for Clinical and Translational I enjoyed the weekly tutorials in Clinical in medical school and helped me realize Science Year-off Training Program for and Translational Science where KL2 that research is important to my ultimate Graduate and Medical Students. As a Clinical Scholars presented selected topics career satisfaction. I am truly grateful to medical student taking care of patients and often discussed their own research. I have had the opportunity to have worked in the hospital, I witnessed the profound particularly appreciated interacting with at such a special place. effect that new advances in medicine can the KL2 Clinical Scholars who have chosen have on patient care. As a Medical Student a career as a physician-scientist. As the Scholar at Rockefeller University, I had the year progressed, I found myself aspiring

Team Rockefeller Walks to Cure Psoriasis By Caroline Melendez and Rhonda G. Kost

On May 1st, Recruitment Staff and Support Office and the Clinical Research as 7.5 million Americans. Worldwide up members of the research community Recruitment Outreach and Support to 125 million people are affected by from The Rockefeller University, and Service (CRROSS) spoke to patients and psoriasis (www.psoriasis.org). The purpose the Center for Clinical and Translational family members about opportunities for of the Walk is to increase awareness while Science (CCTS) joined hundreds of others participation in translational research. raising money for education, advocacy, at the New York Botanical Gardens to raise The Rockefeller University CCTS is a proud and research. awareness for the fight to treat and cure sponsor of the Walk to Cure Psoriasis, which Researchers at the CCTS conducting Psoriasis. serves as a major fundraising effort for the research into psoriasis and other skin For the third consecutive year, Team National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis is disorders include Dr. James Krueger, Dr. Rockefeller walked in the Gardens the most prevalent autoimmune disorder Michelle Lowes, and Dr. Batya Davidovici. while staff from the Clinical Research in the United States, affecting as many

Caroline Melendez, Stephanie Tigor and Diane Meehan 7 Rockefeller Scientists Team Up with Community Health Center Network to Track and Treat Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections continued from Page 4 clinicians shared their experiences in infection site is an effective treatment, and outcomes for CA-MRSA, and will help identifying, diagnosing and managing the importance of community hygiene to build the infrastructure to conduct CA-MRSA in their CHCs, and the in preventing relapses of CA-MRSA comparative effectiveness research (CER) challenges associated with providing care infections. RU scientists learned about the studies comparing different approaches for uninsured patients who lack access to difficulties of tracking infected patients, to diagnosis, treatment and prevention laboratory services for diagnosis, surgical and the treatments commonly used for of CA-MRSA, while understanding the consult for treatment, and pharmacies for CA-MRSA in the CHC setting. The extensive molecular mechanisms of antibiotic antibiotic prescriptions. information exchange during the CME resistance in community-based settings. session strongly demonstrated the value The ultimate goals of the program are to Following the December kick-off meeting of bridging the scientific advances and insure that affect patients receive optimal at Rockefeller, three of the CHCs have improvements in healthcare delivery. medical care and to develop effective hosted onsite CME sessions arranged strategies to prevent the spread of the by CDN’s Project Manager, Chamanara RU and CDN have applied for a infection based on the epidemiologic Khalida, MD, MPH and CCTS Community supplement grant from the NIH Clinical data. Engagement Specialist, Bernice Rumala, and Translational Science Award (CTSA – MA. These CMEs have been presented by www.ctsaweb.org) Program for expanding Jonathan N. Tobin, PhD, FACE, FAHA is Drs. Mina Pastagia and Teresa Evering. the CA-MRSA Pilot Project to further the President/CEO of Clinical Directors Three CME sessions have been held to facilitate community engagement and Network (CDN) and Co-Director for date at Open Door Family Health Center interaction among research institutions Community Engaged Research in The (Ossining NY), Hudson River Health Care and community partners, including CHCs. Rockefeller University Center for Clinical (Peekskill NY), and Urban Health Plan and Translational Science (CCTS), and (Bronx NY), with a total of 57 clinicians In phase II of the CA-MRSA project, CDN is also a Professor in the Department of participating (53% physicians, 30% will assess the prevalence and risk factors Epidemiology and Population Health at nurses) of CA-MRSA by collecting and analyzing the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of samples from patients and performing Yeshiva University. The CHC clinicians, Tomasz Lab members detailed chart reviews. Ultimately, the and CCTS staff all actively participated in data from the pilot study will provide a the discussions. CHC clinicians learned range of prevalence estimates associated that incision and drainage of the skin with the diagnosis, treatments and

8 Discoveries Advancing Medicine Vignette Creating the “Heart-Attack Mouse”: A Model for Atherosclerosis By Elizabeth (Betsy) Hanson

About one-third of all deaths in the United also was the first to demonstrate that a States each year are due to heart disease, mutation in one of these genes could most of it caused by atherosclerosis. In lead to atherosclerosis at a young age this disease process, there is build-up of in humans. Breslow investigated what cholesterol and other materials that alter would happen by removing the gene for the inner linings of arteries supplying apolipoprotein E (apo E) in mice because blood to the heart, leading to blood clots he knew that apoE on lipoproteins was and death of heart muscle tissue (heart a signal for their removal from plasma attack). Research on atherosclerosis was and that human variations in this gene long hampered by the lack of a small could alter blood levels of low density animal model in which to study how lipoprotein (LDL)—the "bad" cholesterol plaques of cholesterol form; to unravel that contributes to plaques in arteries. the genetic basis for susceptibility to atherosclerosis; and to test new therapies. Today more than 95 percent of Mice—among the most convenient experimental pathology research in laboratory animals—are in fact highly atherosclerosis is carried out using the resistant to developing atherosclerosis. apo E knockout mouse. Not only has But in the early 1990s, Dr. Jan L. Breslow it provided a system for studying how (1943 - ) used new genetic techniques to lesions form in arteries, it also has given Dr. Breslow (right) with his student Andrew Plump engineer mice lacking a gene called apo scientists a way to test the effects of other who made the apo E knockout mouse as part of his E. The mice developed plaques similar to genes on how atherosclerosis develops, by thesis work those in humans—and the lesions were breeding so-called candidate genes onto exacerbated when the mice ate a high- the apo E knockout mouse background. Professor in 1986. He is a senior physician at cholesterol, high-fat Western-type diet. In addition, when Breslow crossed the The Rockefeller University Hospital, where This "heart-attack mouse" transformed apo E knockout trait onto different inbred he also served as physician-in-chief in the scientific research on atherosclerosis. mouse strains, he found a wide range in early 1990s. Among many honors, Breslow the size of the lesions that formed. This has received the American Academy Dr. Breslow had already pioneered the indicated modifier genes, and through of Pediatrics E. Mead Johnson Award discovery of human genes that play a role genetic crosses he has found additional (1984), Germany's Heinrich Wieland Prize in atherosclerosis. These genes code for genes involved in atherosclerosis in Lipid Research (1991), the American molecules called apolipoproteins, which susceptibility. The apo E knockout mouse Heart Association's Basic Research carry cholesterol through the blood. He is also widely used in the pharmaceutical Prize (1994), the Bristol-Myers Squibb industry to test compounds for treating Award for Distinguished Achievement in atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular Research (2000), the New York City Mayor's Award for Excellence Dr. Breslow received the AB from in Science and Technology (2005), Columbia College (1963), the MA from and the American Heart Association's Columbia University (1964), and the MD Distinguished Scientist Award (2006). He from Harvard Medical School (1968). After is a past president of the American Heart an internship and residency in pediatrics Association and has been elected to the at Boston Children's Hospital and a post U.S. National Academy of Sciences (1995), as staff associate at the Molecular Disease the Institute of Medicine (1997), and the Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and German National Academy of Sciences Blood Institute, National Institutes of (1996). Health, Bethesda. In 1973 he returned to Boston Children's Hospital as chief of the metabolism division and assistant and then associate professor of pediatrics Scientists inject DNA into mouse embryos. at Harvard Medical School. He joined Jan Breslow has developed several such Rockefeller University as professor in 1984 mouse models for reseach on heart disease and was named Frederick Henry Leonhardt

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