Breast Cancer Research at CSP by Nathan Lechband
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October 16, 2006 Volume 42 Issue 2 Breast Cancer Research At CSP by Nathan Lechband "My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer last spring," said Kyle Warren. "My sister was 23 and had a lumpectomy (a removal of a be- nign tumor in the breast) right before. M y whole family was dealing with breast cancer issues at once." Two years ago Kyle attended a topics sem- inar in which Concordia biology professor Amy Gort introduced him to the possibilit y of breast cancer research. Kyle will be helping with breast cancer research that has already been taking place at Concordia for the past two years. "This semester we're writing the proposal and next semester well delve into the actual research," he said.z Most studies of cancer cell lines are done at large research institutions or privately funded labs. According to the National Cancer Institute cancer research projects received a total of $4.83 billion in 2005. Of those funds $560.1 million went to breast cancer projects. Concordia's can- cer research project has moved forward without Research team obserVing cells in the back room of a classroom in the Science building. the benefit of any direct federal funds. photo by Hannah Dorow Concordia's breast cancer cell lines were cul- tured from breast cancer tumor cells from five for comment. million times. The DNA is then placed on an different patients. These cell lines, along with The researchers here at Concordia are attempt- electrically charged gel in which the different several different cervical cancer cell lines, were ing to identify and characterize human papillo- DNA sequences are separated by size and tested obtained from Dr. Benjamin Leung, a retired ma virus (HPV) genes in breast cancer cell lines. for the presence of HPV. DNA from cervical The research utilizes Polymerase chain reaction professor and researcher from the University of cells already known to be infected with HPV (PCR) to determine whether or not HPV is pres- Minnesota. According to professor Amy Gort, serve as the control. Leung also arranged for Concordia to inherit ent in the breast cancer cell lines. Gort describes According to Gort, "[Researchers] find HPV PCR as a "genetic photocopier," able to make several lab instruments from the University of between 25 to 50 percent of the time in breast Minnesota after his retirement. These instru- many copies of specific DNA segments. The cancer cells, but there have not been any reports ments were purchased for the University of Min- PCR reaction is combined with DNA from the about the cell lines. And really to be able to ask nesota with federal grant money. Since retiring, breast cancer cells inside a small lab instrument the questions that you would want to ask about known as a thermal cy Leung is keeping busy with a variety of projects, cler. The PCR reaction is how does HPV lead to breast cancer develop- including work with the department of defense designed to replicate a specific section of HPV ment. you would really need a cell line in order and with a variety of research funding agencies. DNA. If that section of HPV DNA is present to be able to study that." Due to his busy schedule, Leung was unavailable then the PCR reaction will amplify it up to 100 RESEARCH continued on page 2 Concordia to Host Celebration Of 100 Years Of Chemistry CIEs Tetra Delta Science Club contributes to National celebration nearly 2000 are Minnesota members. by Dean Erickson Twenty letters inviting college and universities were sent out, and 10 responded. Each of the 10 Concordia University will be hosting the will be having its own booth, each representing a American Chemical Society' celebration of 100 decade. The theme for this event is "Your home: years of Chemistry in Minnesota on Saturday It's built on Chemistry." Each booth will be com- October 28 from 12 to 4 p.m.—an event that peting for four $ 100 prizes: most educational, has been in the works since February. best costume, most creative, and best activity. 'Homecoming photos, Concordia and nine other college and univer- This event will be a conclusion to National sities throughout Minnesota, and Wisconsin Chemistry Week. „,page 12 will be participating. The event is being held at Other campus events planned during the week Concordia because it's centrall y located. are a Sunday October 22 trip to the Concordia's In 1906, the Minnesota section of the A.C.S. research center in Lindstrom and explosions on was chartered. Currently, the A.C.S. is the larg- the Knoll on Monday. • est professional scientific organization in the Additional events are to be scheduled by the world, with over 150,000 members. Of those Tetra Delta Science Club. 2 RESEARCH continued from page 1 ence for lots of reasons. They forensic DNA testing. Besides tion of this breast cancer re- Disease Control and Prevention, really have to think more about PCR's other applications there is search. "I think it's possible that human papillomavirus is a sexu- scientific questions, designing also a confidence that comes with this research will lead to grants ally transmitted viral infection experiments and analyzing data. 1, knowing that if you can master for the university," said Kieke. that usually affects the "We view this research as reproductive organs. an educational tool. It's a Currently there is great opportunity for our no cure for HPV, science students." _ but there is a vac- Both Kieke and Gort cine out that protects believe publication of against four types of Concordia's breast can- HPV that are most cer research project may often responsible for be a big step forward in cervical cancer. Gort Concordia's ability to points out that it is receive funding. "We're possible that HPV one more solid result away may act in a similar from publishing," Gort way in breast cancer said. "Universities usually as it does in cervical need to have some research cancer. If that is the background before they are case, then establishing considered for funding." the presence of HPV Salewski says, "We're right in these cell lines is on the cusp of the research very significant. in this field. We have been Kieke and Gort able to actually isolate [the came up with this Amy Gort watches as one of her students observes a petri dish through the microsco pe. HPV genes]." Gort and project two years ago. photo by Hannah Dorow Kieke point out that there Tr. Leung approached us about Dane Maxfield, a 2004 Con- one technique you can master are no significant studies on the setting up a research institute at cordia graduate, earned an other techniques as well," said presence of HPV in these breast a small school," said Kieke. "He IRGET fellowship at the Uni- Gort. cancer cell lines. Concordia's saw the opportunity for other versity of Utah, partially based Gort and Kieke's students publication small schools to work together." on his research experience at agree. "I'm a big fan of getting would be the Eight Concordia students have Concordia. Other Concordia outside the text book. It really first. For Kyle already had the opportunity students have mastered the PCR helped working one on one with Warren and to work on this breast cancer technique as well. "We set up this the professor," said Kelsey Walt, others whose research and three more will project from start to finish," said who has also worked extensively lives have been start work on the project this Matt Salewski, a student who has with the project. "[The research touched by breast spring. Professor Shellie Kieke done extensive research on this project] is another level of learn- cancer, Concordia's has worked one on one with each project. ing for me." research could be a of these students. "In the fall they Gort also pointed out other Although Concordia has not stepping stone on write their research proposal and applications for PCR in the received any grants from the the path for better in the spring they do the actual scientific community. "PCR is federal government or other treatment and pre- research," Kieke said. "Research used in the study of hereditary outside funding agencies, that vention of breast with the students is a key experi- diseases, paternity testing and could change with the publica- cancer. C the woru, Editor In Chief Writers Erin Anderson Kaitlin Hartnett Stephen Batcher Beverly Edhlund Executive Editor Dean Erickson Erin Anderson Kaitlin Hartnett Rachel Kuhnle Senior Editor Nathan Leckband Amy Blom Lance Meyer Steven Namanny Amy Wolter Art Editor Hannah Dorow Photographers Stephen Batcher Advisor Hannah Dorow Professor Matt Mauch Kaitlin Hartnett Rachel Kuhnle Colby Reinking Amy Wolter 3 LETTERS heads in the quickly drying sand cane Katrina. Let's send teams of ment, and consider the IDEAS Alternative and pretend that we see noth- people down to vohmteer to clean at hand—ideas that can exist in fuels subsidiz- ing. We can continue to mind- up in New Orleans." and of themselves without being ing our hopes, lessly consume and consume But I, as a bigoted, big-headed stigmatized by those who support idiot, am forced to HATE and or oppose them. When it comes dreams and and consume and take away any PROTEST this idea because a down to it—all of us, whether procreation chance of life that our great-great grandchildren might have. In the Christian thought of it. There's a more left/right, liberal/conserva- meantime, we will have things as problem (Katrina), it needs a so- tive, apathetic/passionate, liber- they've always been, and perhaps lution (volunteering to help out), tarian/green, etc., etc.