Anderson Center for Cancer Research Established Through the Generosity of Mrs

NEWS FOR BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY • FALL 2007

ANDERSON CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH ESTABLISHED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF MRS. MARJORIE MATHESON

hanks to an extraordinary leadership izing more fully on Rockefeller’s outstanding re- The center also sponsors Anderson Graduate gift from Mrs. Marjorie Anderson sources in cancer research. Now, through Mardi Fellowships and Anderson Postdoctoral Fellowships Matheson, The Rockefeller University Matheson’s magnanimous gift, we are extremely well that ensure support for outstanding scientists-in- has launched a major new interdisci- positioned to do so.” training. In addition, Dr. de Lange is overseeing the plinary science initiative, development of a seminar series, symposia, and re- Tthe Anderson Center for Cancer treats to bring Anderson Center researchers together. Research. Directed by Paul Nurse, These programs are designed to foster scientific inter- whose 2001 Nobel Prize recognized action and collaborations among cancer biologists. his scientific contributions to the “The dialogue between laboratories and across dis- understanding of cancer, the Ander- ciplinary boundaries,” says Dr. Nurse, “is vital to son Center is the largest of the Univer- advancing our knowledge of cancer or any of the sity’s interdisciplinary research other major diseases where critical problems remain centers. Dr. Nurse has appointed to be solved.” Dr. Titia de Lange as associate direc- The Anderson Center’s core investigators work in tor of the Anderson Center. (See story a wide range of basic and clinical fields, including on Dr. de Lange, page 4.) molecular and cell biology, immunology, genetics, Marjorie Matheson—known to developmental biology, stem cell biology, neuro- her friends as Mardi—was introduced oncology, biophysics, and investigative dermatology. to the University in 2005 and joined Several of the center’s clinical scientists are seeking to The Rockefeller University Council in David Rockefeller joined Marjorie Matheson, her daughter Holly Bard, and develop forms of immunotherapy known as cancer President Paul Nurse at a luncheon celebrating the creation of the new 2006. She comments, “Although I am vaccines, including Dr. Ralph Steinman, who was Anderson Center for Cancer Research. a relative newcomer to Rockefeller, recently awarded the prestigious Lasker Award for I sensed from my first visit the uniqueness of this Mrs. Matheson is contributing a generous perma- Basic Medical Research (see page 5). Another center institution and its potential to address the challenges nent endowment to support the Anderson Center’s member, Dr. James Krueger, directs the new Milstein posed by cancer. Nothing could please me more than activities in perpetuity, as to help Rockefeller’s superb cancer biologists, led by well as expendable funds to Paul Nurse, advance the understanding and treat- be directed to a variety of “Nothing could please me more than to help ment of cancer.” center initiatives. These ini- Rockefeller’s superb cancer biologists…advance the More than a third of the University’s laboratories tiatives include a seed fund conduct research related to cancer, including fifteen for innovative new cancer understanding and treatment of cancer.” of the twenty new laboratories headed by scientists research programs and recruited to the University since 2000. The creation start-up funding for the re- { } of the Anderson Center for Cancer Research fulfills cruitment of new cancer biologists, as well as support Medical Research Program (see page 2). Dr. Krueger, a key priority of the University’s Strategic Plan. for shared resources, especially new technologies and a physician-scientist and skin biologist, recently Dr. Nurse says, “After becoming Rockefeller’s presi- instrumentation essential to advancing the center’s launched a major study aimed at improved under- dent in 2003, I made a strong commitment to capital- research programs. standing and treatment of melanoma.

WILSON, BLOOMBERG RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREES ROCKEFELLER RECOGNIZES NATURALIST AND NEW YORK MAYOR

Harvard University professor Edward O. Wilson and levels of our culture. He spoke about New York City’s New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg received investment in improving science education in the pub- honorary doctor of science degrees at Rockefeller’s lic schools, as well as the enormous potential of the 2007 Convocation ceremony on June 21. A noted growing biosciences industry for the city’s economic author, Dr. Wilson is an evolutionary biologist widely future. Turning to U.S. national policy, he called for a regarded as one of the world’s most eminent natural- revision of immigration regulations that, he said, ists. He is perhaps best known for launching the field severely handicap international students studying at of sociobiology and promoting awareness of bio- Rockefeller and other universities. Certain restrictions, diversity, a term he created. As mayor of New York he explained, “needlessly hold back the advance of City, Mr. Bloomberg has demonstrated a commitment scientific knowledge” and “ultimately hamper our to improving public health and an advocacy of science nation’s ability to compete in a global economy.” that are unmatched in the history of the city. More broadly, Mr. Bloomberg argued that our duty In addressing the University’s twenty-eight Ph.D. to promote scientific excellence in the U.S. entails recipients and their guests, Mayor Bloomberg stressed working “for a political environment that truly respects the importance of nurturing scientific excellence at all science and scientists.” Noting America’s long tradi- tion “of actively nurturing free scientific investigations, Above left, honorary degree recipients Michael Bloomberg wherever they might lead,” he remarked that when and E. O. Wilson chat with Paul Nurse. Left, Mayor Bloom- berg addresses graduates and their guests at Convocation in basic research is thwarted or intellectual freedom is Caspary Auditorium. hindered, our entire society suffers. THE PAUL MILSTEIN FAMILY CREATES A NEW PROGRAM IN MELANOMA RESEARCH AT RU elanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, KRUEGER RESEARCH M has been on the rise worldwide for decades, but the biology of the COMBINES MOLECULAR disease remains poorly understood. Now, a $5.5 million gift from busi- AND CLINICAL SCIENCE ness leader and philanthropist Howard P. Milstein and the entire Paul Milstein family has created a major new melanoma research initiative at Rockefeller aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The Milstein Medical Research Program at The Rockefeller University is led by James G. Krueger, M.D., Ph.D., the University’s D. Martin Carter Professor and head of the Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology. Melanoma, which accounts for three-quarters of Dr. Krueger serves as Medical Director of The all skin cancer deaths, occurs when pigment cells in Rockefeller University Hospital, where the new the skin, called melanocytes, become malignant. Cur- Milstein program will be based. “Melanoma is per- rent treatments for melanoma include surgery, che- haps the most important disease treated by derma- motherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a tologists, especially because early recognition and combination of these treatments. Treatment success surgical excision may be curative,” says Dr. Krueger. depends on many factors, including the patient’s gen- “It is our intention to obtain a much deeper under- Dr. James Krueger (right), a physician-scientist eral health and whether the cancer has spread to the standing of disease pathogenesis, including disease at The Rockefeller University Hospital, directs the lymph nodes or other organs. genomics, and to use this information in the very new Milstein Medical Research Program focusing near future to begin to engineer new on melanoma. At a July 18 campus press confer- therapies for melanoma.” ence announcing the creation of the program, In expressing the University’s grat- Dr. Krueger commented, “We want to improve itude to the Paul Milstein family, the way in which melanoma is understood, start- President Paul Nurse remarked, “This ing at the skin surface but going much deeper to generous Milstein family gift will en- the underlying cell biology and genetics of the able Rockefeller University physician- scientists to better understand the disease, so we can try to put the whole puzzle basic biology of melanoma in people, together and come up with new therapeutics.” a crucial step in the fight against this The time is ripe for this kind of effort, he said, devastating disease.” because recent scientific and technological ad- Members of the Paul Milstein fam- vances have provided extraordinary new tools for ily have been leading supporters of the study of melanoma. medical research since the 1960s, In the first stage of investigation, Dr. Krueger when they provided initial funding and his colleagues will undertake laboratory re- for interferon studies. They have been search aimed at elucidating the basic biology of Howard Milstein, his wife, Abby, and his parents, Irma and Paul Milstein, melanoma. The information they gain about the pause in front of the University’s donor recognition wall. active with many major institutions, including New York-Presbyterian molecular pathology of the disease will help them Speaking on behalf of the family of Paul Milstein, Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, and select appropriate cellular and molecular targets Howard Milstein, who is Chairman of the American the New York Blood Center, which is chaired by for new treatments to be developed and tested in Skin Association, said, “Last year, more than 60,000 Howard Milstein. Howard Milstein also serves on subsequent clinical studies. In addition, the basic people in the United States learned they have mela- the Board of the United Hospital Fund, and has for research findings may affect the selection of pa- noma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Early more than twenty years served on the Board of Weill tients for several types of experimental therapies detection can cure many of these people. Dr. Krueger’s Cornell Medical College. already being tested for advanced melanomas. research will combine imaginative basic science with In addition to their long-standing commitment to At the press conference, Dr. Krueger also em- experienced patient-oriented studies in a new pro- medical research institutions, the members of the phasized the collaborative nature of the research gram devoted to developing a fundamental under- Paul Milstein family have provided major support enterprise. Reaching the program’s goals will re- standing of tumor progression in melanoma, which for the American Museum of Natural History, the quire team effort, he said, and the new program will lead to more effective approaches in diagnosing New York Public Library, and Cornell and Columbia will involve scientists and physicians worldwide. and treating this disease.” universities.

LONGTIME UNIVERSITY VOLUNTEER HONORED TED TERRY RECEIVES THE DAVID ROCKEFELLER AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE

In June, at Rockefeller’s 2007 Convocation ceremony, Ted Terry (center) and members of his Frederick A. Terry, Jr., a longtime Trustee and Chair of family gather at a celebratory dinner the Committee on Trust and Estate Gift Plans, received following Convocation. From left, William DeMeo, Barbara Anderson one of the University’s highest recognitions, the David Terry, Barbara Jean Casey, and John Rockefeller Award for Extraordinary Service. This award Casey. honors an individual from the University community who exemplifies David Rockefeller’s commitment to In the spring, Dr. Paul Nurse the institution. The award recognizes Mr. Terry, who is hosted a reception at the Presi- known as Ted, for twenty-five years of outstanding dent’s House in honor of Ted Terry. dedication, service, friendship, and generosity. Guests included the Terry family, Ted Terry’s association with Rockefeller began in members of the T&E Committee, 1982, when he joined the Committee on Trust and faculty, and senior administrators. Estate Gift Plans. That Committee is a group of attor- Dr. Barry S. Coller, Physician-in- neys, trust officers, and financial advisors who act as Chief of The Rockefeller University ambassadors for the University. Mr. Terry chaired the Hospital, presented Mr. Terry with T&E Committee from 1984 until June. Under his lead- was elected to the University’s Board of Trustees in a monogrammed Rockefeller lab coat, signifying “the ership, its efforts resulted in more than $125 million in 1992, and over the years many University initiatives substantial contributions that Ted Terry has made to gifts, grants, and bequests to Rockefeller. Ted Terry have benefited from his guidance and wise counsel. advancing research at the University.”

2 TENTH ANNUAL WOMEN & SCIENCE SPRING LECTURE AND LUNCHEON Celebrating Progress While Looking Toward the Future n May 17, 2007, the University’s WOMEN & SCIENCE Oinitiative welcomed more than 500 volunteers and guests to campus for a symposium and luncheon that celebrated the program’s tenth anniversary. To mark this milestone year, three Rockefeller scientists— Drs. Titia de Lange, Mary Jeanne Kreek, and Leslie Vosshall—addressed the topic “Women in Science: Pioneers, Progress, and the Unfinished Agenda.” A presentation by Dr. de Lange was followed by a discussion 1 in which all three spoke more informally about the challenges faced by 1. Dr. Mary Jeanne Kreek women pursuing scientific careers. and Alexis Clark 2. New York Stem Cell In her talk, Dr. de Lange noted that for many cen- Foundation Postdoctoral turies women were excluded from education and the Fellow Elena Ezhkova scientific endeavor. “One wonders,” she asked, and Sarah Fielding “what would have happened if women as a group 3. Trustee Karen Levy had been allowed to pursue science.” Today, half of 4. W&S Chairs Samantha the graduating Ph.D. scientists in the United States Boardman Rosen, Sydney Shuman, Judy Berkowitz, are women, but the proportion of female scientists Lulu Wang, and who attain senior rank in academia is far lower. Corinne Greenberg Thus, research institutions must still work hard, ac- 5. Tory Burch cording to Dr. de Lange, to counteract unconscious biases against women scientists and to enhance aca- 2 3 demic opportunities for them. Launched in 1997 to provide a forum for women to learn about current scientific research,Women & Science has become a force for encouraging and sup- porting women scientists at Rockefeller. The generosity of Women & Science participants has established a thriving program of graduate and postdoctoral fellowships and endowed the Rebecca C. Lancefield Professorship at Rockefeller. The 2007 Women & Science Tenth Anniversary Fund raised more than $2.6 million to provide enhanced resources for the 4 5 University’s women scientists, including twenty new Women & Science Fellowships. This brings to ninety- one the total number of graduate and postdoctoral awards funded by the W&S initiative. (See page 4 for comments from Women & Science Fellows.)

6. Trustees Marlene Hess and Sydney Shuman 7. Celerie Kemble and Cristina Greeven Cuomo 8. W&S Founding Chair Nancy Kissinger and Henry Kissinger 9. Trustee Marnie Pillsbury 10. Caryn Zucker and Melania Trump

6 9

10 13 7

11. RU Council member Wendy Evans Joseph 12. RU Council member Cynthia Hazen Polsky 13. Trustees Patricia Rosenwald and Lulu Wang with Susan Falk 14. Penny Babel and Dr. Titia de Lange 14 15. Evelyn Lauder 16. Amy Griffin and RU Council 16 member Frances Beatty Adler

11 15 TITIA DE LANGE AT THE CHROMOSOME’S END WOMEN & SCIENCE RESEARCH ON TELOMERES YIELDS CLUES TO CANCER, AGING FELLOWS uch has changed since COMMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE AWARD 1990, when Dr. Titia de Lange joined Rocke- feller University to head a small research group Mstudying telomeres, special structures that cap and protect chromosome ends. Com- posed of both DNA and proteins, telomeres help to prevent our chromosomes from fus- ing together or degenerating. In addition to maintaining the integrity of genes along the chromosomes, telomeres act as cellular “clocks” that count down a cell’s lifespan. Each time a cell replicates and divides, a bit of the chromosome end is lost. When the Titia de Lange, above with Gradu- DONNA TSCHERNE, PH.D., WOMEN & SCIENCE ate Fellow Megan Van Overbeek, is GRADUATE FELLOW, 2001-2002 telomere becomes too short, the cell dies. an expert on human telomeres, This progressive telomere loss seems to “I was awarded a Women & Science Fellow- structures that protect chromosome determine the mortality of most normal ends and safeguard the genome. At ship at the beginning of my graduate career. cells, which die after dividing a finite num- right, chromosome pairs with their I had little experience in the lab, and receiv- ber of times—a characteristic that may have telomeres highlighted green. Below, ing this prestigious fellowship gave me the evolved to protect against the accumulation a telomere loop, found at the very pride and confidence to handle the many of harmful genetic mutations. Many cancer tip of the chromosome. challenges a young scientist faces. Now I cells, though, have acquired the ability to can honestly say that my W&S Fellowship stabilize their telomeres by activating an enzyme tually every facet of telomere biology, including the helped shape the researcher that I am today called telomerase, which maintains telomere length. roles telomeres play in cancer and aging. Ongoing and motivated me to continue in biomedi- “Telomerase endows tumor cells with the ability to investigations in the de Lange laboratory continue to cal science as my career.” divide indefinitely,” says Dr. de Lange. “Eventually elucidate how the shelterin complex works to shape this enzyme may provide a target for safer, more and maintain the telomere end. effective cancer drugs.” A major function of telomere loops is to help cells As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cali- distinguish between natural chromosome ends and fornia, San Francisco, in the late 1980s, Dr. de Lange broken strands of DNA. Human cells have elaborate had made some of the earliest discoveries about the repair mechanisms for fixing breaks along the chro- molecular features of human telomeres. When she mosomes, and it would be genetically devastating if interviewed for the job at chromosome ends were mis- Rockefeller, telomere re- taken for broken DNA and search was still in its infan- fused inappropriately to cy, and she found herself other chromosomes. Telo- explaining simple funda- meres offer an ideal model mentals to distinguished system for studying the molecular and cell biolo- mechanisms of DNA repair gists. “Though the field was and detecting abnormalities unproven, the University in these processes that can decided to take a chance,” lead to cancer. VALERIE LAMOUR, PH.D., W&S POSTDOCTORAL she notes, “and the invest- In recent years, Titia FELLOW, 2003-2004, WITH PROFESSOR SETH DARST ment it made in my new de Lange’s fundamental dis- “In academic research, awards, grants, and laboratory was a calculated coveries about telomeres fellowships like the W&S Postdoctoral Fel- risk.” It wasn’t long before and DNA repair have led lowship are as important in one’s curriculum the risk paid off. her to launch new studies vitae as publications in scientific journals. “By the mid-1990s,” with direct relevance for the They acknowledge your past achievements says Dr. de Lange, “it was understanding and treat- and efforts and allow you to grow as an in- clear that in cancer cells, ment of breast and ovarian dependent scientist. On a personal level, I which are frequently de- cancer. This work is being was particularly proud to be a W&S Fellow scribed as ‘immortal,’ the conducted with the help of since the award recognizes that a woman telomeres always remain in- support from The Breast must overcome many difficulties to reach tact—this is a hallmark of cancer. Suddenly the whole Cancer Research Foundation, the Fannie E. Rippel this level as a scientist.” cancer research community was looking at us in the Foundation, the Gerry Foundation, Mrs. Marjorie telomere field—as were people studying aging.” Matheson, Ms. Connie Marks, and Women & Early in her career, Dr. de Lange had succeeded in Science Partners in Discovery. Dr. de Lange’s many determining the short DNA sequence that, repeated accolades include a 2005 Director’s Pioneer Award many times over, serves as the central thread of hu- from the National Institutes of Health and 2006 man telomere strands. election to the National At Rockefeller, it was Academy of Sciences. the protein components In addition to head- of the DNA–protein “Suddenly the whole cancer ing the Laboratory of telomere complex that research community was looking Cell Biology and Genet- were her scientific quar- ics at the University, at the telomere field—as were ry. Over more than a Dr. de Lange is associate SANDRA HAKE, PH.D., W&S POSTDOCTORAL decade, Dr. de Lange’s people studying aging.” director of the new FELLOW, 2005-2006, WITH PROFESSOR DAVID ALLIS work resulted in the Anderson Center for “My Women & Science Postdoctoral Fellow- identification of many Cancer Research. She ship has enabled me to publish several key telomere-associated applauds the Women & { } research papers, establish valuable collabo- proteins, including six that make up a molecular Science initiative and, in particular, the opportunities rations, and attend many excellent meet- assembly she recently named shelterin, reflecting its it provides for young women, for whom the situation ings, where I was able to present my ideas critical role in protecting the chromosome end. in science is “better than it was, but still not good One unexpected breakthrough came in 1999, enough.” Progress, though, is measurable. In 1990, and data and network with leading scientists when she and a colleague at the University of North when Dr. de Lange arrived at Rockefeller, there were in my field. In addition, I recently applied Carolina showed that the very tips of human telo- no women among the senior professors, nor had successfully for an Independent Group meres are not string-like, as had been assumed, but there been for many years. Today, she is the Univer- Leader position at the University of Munich, rather end in neatly finished loops. The discovery of sity’s Leon Hess Professor and one of six women on Germany. These things would not have hap- this lariat structure sparked a reconsideration of vir- the tenured faculty. pened without the W&S Fellowship.”

4 DISCOVERER OF THE DENDRITIC CELL RECOGNIZED ROCKEFELLER SCIENTISTS HONORED During academic year 2006-2007, Rockefeller RALPH STEINMAN RECEIVES LASKER AWARD University faculty and alumni received numer- ous distinguished awards and honors. Among alph Steinman, the University’s immune response against HIV and other infectious these scientists were the following: Henry G. Kunkel Professor and agents, as well as against cancer cells. The Steinman the head of the Laboratory of laboratory is also studying the role that dendritic C. David Allis, Ph.D., Cellular Physiology and Immu- cells play in immune silencing, or tolerance—work Joy and Jack Fishman nology, received the 2007 Albert that may contribute to improved therapies for auto- Professor, was named RLasker Award for Basic Medical Research at the immune conditions, including juvenile diabetes, the recipient of a 2007 annual Lasker awards luncheon in September. which occur when the immune system misguidedly Gairdner Foundation Dr. Steinman is the twentieth scientist associated attacks the body’s own tissues. International Award for with Rockefeller to be honored with the Lasker, discoveries in the field of a highly coveted award that has come to be epigenetics that have had known as the “American Nobel.” a major impact on the understanding of cancer The award honors Dr. Steinman for his dis- and other disorders. The Gairdner Awards are covery, made at Rockefeller in the early 1970s, among the most significant international awards of a previously unknown class of immune cells for medical research. called dendritic cells. “When Ralph Steinman first identified this key immune system cell, there Jeffrey V. Ravetch, M.D., was considerable skepticism about its function Ph.D., Theresa and Eu- and significance,” says President Paul Nurse. gene M. Lang Professor, “Fortunately, Ralph believed his data. He was was honored by the Can- convinced that dendritic cells were essential sen- cer Research Institute tinels of the immune system, and he was proved with the 2007 William B. right.” Today, investigators in more than forty Coley Award for Distin- countries are pursuing dendritic cell research. guished Research in Dendritic cells are necessary for the initiation Basic and Tumor Immunology. Dr. Ravetch of the immune system’s response to invading was selected for his work on Fc receptors. These Thanks to Dr. Ralph Steinman’s research, dendritic cells are microorganisms. They perform this function by the subject of study by immunologists worldwide. These cells investigations, says President Paul Nurse, “have presenting fragments of the infectious agents to show promise for the development of new treatments for opened new windows on our understanding of the T cells responsible for orchestrating an diseases such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, and malaria. immunotherapy.” attack against the invaders. In the case of HIV/ AIDS, however, Dr. Steinman and his colleagues In addition to the Lasker Award, Dr. Steinman has Torsten N. Wiesel, M.D., have shown that dendritic cells can actually received many other honors, including a 2003 Gaird- President Emeritus and assist the human immunodeficiency virus in ner Foundation International Award. He is a senior Vincent and Brooke infecting T cells. physician at The Rockefeller University Hospital and Astor Professor Emeritus, In recent years, the Steinman laboratory has also serves as founding director of the University’s was awarded the Nation- explored the use of specially treated dendritic Christopher H. Browne Center for Immunology and al Medal of Science, the cells as a novel type of vaccine to increase an Immune Diseases. nation’s highest scientific honor. Dr. Wiesel shared the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for studies of how visual information is pro- cessed. He is director of the University’s Shelby THE ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY COUNCIL RU COUNCIL MEMBER White and Leon Levy Center for Mind, Brain WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS ARTHUR ROSS—IN MEMORIAM and Behavior. Created in 1973, The Rockefeller University Albert J. Libchaber, Council is an international advisory group of Ph.D., Detlev W. Bronk individuals committed to the advancement of Professor, and Michael science. Council members help to broaden the W. Young, Ph.D., Rich- University’s circle of friends, and provide vital ard and Jeanne Fisher financial support for Rockefeller’s research pro- Professor and the Uni- grams. The University thanks the following versity’s Vice President friends who have accepted invitations to join for Academic Affairs, the Council since January 2007: were elected to the U.S. Patricia Denner Cayne National Academy of Sciences. Membership in Melinda and C. Steven Duncker the Academy is one of Chandler and Oliver A. Evans the most prestigious hon- The Rockefeller University mourns the loss of Nancy and Gerard Manolovici ors for a scientist in this longtime benefactor and volunteer Arthur Ross, country. Dr. Libchaber, Meera and Marc Mayer who died on September 10. A member of The an internationally re- Jane H. and Walter Maynard Rockefeller University Council for fifteen years, he nowned condensed-matter physicist, is noted had served on the Council’s Executive Commit- Pamela and William Michaelcheck for experimental work in biological systems. tee since 1998. Deeply committed to advancing Rodney W. Nichols Dr. Young is a geneticist whose research has shed research and education, Mr. Ross and his wife, Joshua Ruch light on the cellular and molecular machinery of Janet, endowed the Arthur and Janet Ross Profes- biological clocks. Mary Sommers and Jay Sandak sorship in neuroscience research. That chair is Denie and Frank Weil held by Charles D. Gilbert, M.D., Ph.D., head of Nina V. Fedoroff, Ph.D., Londa Weisman and Sidney R. Knafel the Laboratory of Neurobiology, who was photo- a 1972 graduate of the graphed with Mr. and Mrs. Ross when they University, was honored visited campus in April 2007. with the National Medal Mrs. Ross is a member of the RU Council and of Science at a White The Rockefeller University Now is published by the Women & Science Committee, and the Rosses’ House Ceremony. The the University’s Development Office. generous support of Rockefeller has included award recognized her Paul Nurse, President leadership gifts to Women & Science. pioneering work on plant Marnie Imhoff, Vice President for Development Mr. Ross served as an ambassador on behalf of molecular biology and her contributions to edu- Diane Bonds, Editor many nonprofit institutions. His civic involvement cation and public policy. Over the summer, Amber Traven, Designer was international in scope, but his fellow New Dr. Fedoroff, who is the Verne M. Willaman Yorkers particularly benefited from his For further information about Chair in Life Sciences and Evan Pugh Professor The Rockefeller University, please visit our Web site: philanthropy. The Arthur Ross Pinetum in Central at Pennsylvania State University, was named www.rockefeller.edu or call (212) 327-7168 Park, which he created in 1971, has been called Science and Technology Advisor to Secretary of “a little bit of Maine in Manhattan.” State Condoleezza Rice.

5 SIDNEY STRICKLAND EXPLORES STEM CELL TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

Neurological disorders such of the mouse legs treated with stem cells. This im- as Alzheimer’s disease, mul- provement is long-lived, lasting at least six months. tiple sclerosis, stroke, and The Strickland group is currently studying the de- traumatic nerve injury affect tails of this rescue and ascertaining its potential for millions of people and have clinical application. This work on neural regenera- severe physical, psychologi- tion has received support from the Dr. Miriam and cal, and financial conse- Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation quences for patients and and the Starr Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Initiative. their families. In a wide range of investigations, ALZHEIMER’S, STROKE, AND BEYOND Sidney Strickland and his The Strickland lab also relies on mouse models to research group in the Labo- examine the features of other neurological disorders, At far left, a glial cell (green) sheathes a ratory of Neurobiology and including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. In their nerve cell axon (red), providing myelin Alzheimer’s studies, the scientists have revealed that Genetics are studying the essential for efficient neural transmis- formation of blood clots in the brain may be a major causes and possible treat- sion. To its right, a defective glial cell is contributor to Alzheimer’s pathology, including the ments of neurological dis- unable to ensheathe a nearby axon. eases. Recently, in mouse loss of short-term memory. In regard to stroke, ex- studies, the Strickland team has had striking results or removed, as it is in multiple sclerosis or the rare periments have identified new proteins that promote in their explorations of ways to improve nerve func- leukodystrophies, movement and other functions are cell death after loss of blood flow. Both results have tion in diseases associated with the loss of myelin, a severely impaired. implications for the development of therapies. fatty material that is critical for the proper function- The Strickland laboratory’s ongoing areas of ing of the nervous system. WHEN GOOD NERVES GO BAD research also include anxiety and depression, fetal Researchers in the Strickland laboratory have been alcohol syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, cocaine MYELIN AND NERVE FUNCTION studying mutant mice whose glial cells do not make addiction and withdrawal, and seizure disorders. The nervous system controls our bodies via cells a critical protein necessary for myelination, the for- called neurons. These neurons have extensions, mation of the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. As In addition to heading his laboratory, Dr. Strickland known as axons, that reach from one part of the a consequence of this deficiency, the mice cannot serves as the University’s Dean of Graduate and body to another and conduct electrical signals that myelinate their peripheral nerves (the nerves that Postgraduate Studies and Vice President for Educa- regulate our movements, physiology, and thoughts. control the body but not the brain). Without my- tional Affairs. He first came to The Rockefeller Uni- These axons can be very long; the axon that connects elination, these nerves do not function normally, and versity in 1973 as a research associate, ultimately the big toe to the spinal cord can be longer than three the mice have paralyzed hind limbs. becoming an associate professor before he left in feet. Bundled together, axons make up nerves. These mice provide an opportunity to study how 1983 for an appointment at the State University of In conducting electrical signals over long distances, nerve function may be improved in diseases related New York at Stony Brook. There he served as direc- axons, says Dr. Strickland, “are analogous to electri- to myelin loss. One approach is to use stem cells to tor of the program in genetics, as well as associate cal wires. And, like wires, they work much better if restore normal function to the demyelinated nerves. director of the Institute of Cell and Developmental they are insulated.” For axons, this insulation is pro- When adult stem cells derived from fat are injected Biology. He returned to Rockefeller in 2000. Last vided by support cells called glia that extend along around the nerves, the mice exhibit a rapid and dra- year, with his daughter Eliza Strickland, he pub- the axons and wrap them in an essential layer of non- matic improvement in their ability to walk. “There is lished The Illustrated Timeline of Science: A Crash conductive, fatty myelin. If the myelin is damaged tremendous ‘rescue’ of function,” says Dr. Strickland Course in Words & Pictures.

LIFE TRUSTEE BROOKE ASTOR, 1902-2007

Brooke Russell Astor, a Trustee of The Rockefeller reach Program for pre-college students and teachers. University for thirty-five years, died on August 13 in She helped ensure the success of Women & Science by Briarcliff Manor, New York. Mrs. Astor joined the Board serving as the initiative’s honorary chair. The Universi- of Trustees in 1972 and was elected the University’s ty’s Brooke Astor Student Life Center is named in rec- first Life Trustee in 1983. Throughout her trusteeship, ognition of her generosity. she took a warm personal interest in the accomplish- Mrs. Astor was the recipient of an honorary degree ments of Rockefeller scientists, from investigators in in 1984, the David Rockefeller Award for Extraordinary the prime of their careers to graduate students taking Service to The Rockefeller University in 1996, and the their first steps in independent research. Brooke Astor Award for Outstanding Contributions to Mrs. Astor’s philanthropy touched every aspect of Science—created in her honor—in 1998. A New York the University. She endowed three distinguished City legend and a beloved presence on campus, she chairs, currently held by Drs. James Darnell, Paul was the embodiment of progressive ideals, keen intel- Greengard, and Torsten Wiesel. She created a fund for ligence, creativity, and boundless energy, all of which research on the brain and supported the University’s defied conventional notions about the effect of time’s Mrs. Astor with Trustee Annette de la Renta at the 2000 Child and Family Center as well as the Science Out- passage on the human mind and spirit. Women & Science Spring Lecture and Luncheon.

THE ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY PRESORTED 1230 YORK AVENUE, BOX 164 FIRST-CLASS MAIL US POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10065 UTICA, NY PERMIT NO. 566 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED