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Spring 2017

Center for Clinical and Translational Science

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Center News Rockefeller Tops Ranking of 1,300 Universities in Measures of Scientific Impact and Productivity By Alexander MacWade productivity. The results, which were citation rate of its publications. released last month by the European Rockefeller also came in first place Commission–funded organization for the second year in a row in a size- U-Multirank survey, incorporate data normalized ranking of the number of on more than 1,300 institutions in over patents awarded, and it came in second 90 countries. place for the number of its publications For the third consecutive year, cited in patents. Rockefeller took the survey’s top spot for Established by the European scientific impact, based on the proportion Commission in 2014, U-Multirank of publications in the top 10 percent of compares international universities across those most frequently cited worldwide. five broad dimensions: teaching and The ranking, which placed Rockefeller learning, research, knowledge transfer, above much larger institutions compares international orientation, and regional Rockefeller’s publications to those of engagement. The data included in the other institutions published in the same rankings are drawn from a number of field and in the same year. When the data sources, including information supplied In an international comparison of were adjusted to reflect institutional size, by international bibliometric and patent universities, Rockefeller University Rockefeller also ranked first in research databases. ranked first place in categories related productivity, both in terms of the overall to scientific impact and research number of publications per year, and the

The Center for Clinical Translation Science 2017 External Advisory Board Meeting By Editorial Staff The Center for Clinical Translation & Translational Science Institute; Dr. EAB members as they arose. The EAB Science (CCTS) External Advisory Board Mark Alan Musen, Professor of Medicine then split into smaller working groups (EAB) Meeting was held on February (Medical Informatics) and of Biomedical to focus on specific topics. During the 16, 2017. The EAB is led by Dr. Edward Data Science and Director of Stanford working lunch, Dr. Manish Ponda and Benz, President and CEO, Dana Farber Center for Biomedical Informatics Dr. Louis Cohen, both graduates of the Cancer Institute, and is composed of and Research at Stanford University; CCTS KL2 Clinical Scholars program, Tesheia H. Johnson, MBA, MHS, Chief Muredach P. Reilly, MB, MS, Director, presented data from their research Operations Officer, Yale Center for Herbert and Florence Irving Professor for projects and described the role the Clinical Clinical Investigation, and Associate Medicine at Columbia University Irving Scholars Program played in their career Director of Clinical Research for Yale Institute for Clinical and Translational development. The meeting closed with School of Medicine; Margaret McCabe, Research; and Dr. Roger Vaughn, Vice the EAB summarizing its findings, and PhD, RN, PNP, Director, Nursing Dean for Academic Advancement making a number of extremely valuable Research, Medicine Patient Services at Professor, Department of Biostatistics at suggestions to further strengthen the Boston Children’s Hospital; Dr. Emma Columbia University. CCTS programs. The Senior Staff of the Anne Meagher, Vice Dean & Chief During the morning session, the CCTS has already begun implementing Clinical Research Officer at University the EAB’s recommendations. of Pennsylvania Perelman School of EAB members heard a presentation Medicine; Dr. Lloyd Michener, Professor from Dr. Barry Coller, Director of the Overall, the EAB congratulated the and Chairman, Duke Department of CCTS detailing the history of the Center, CCTS on its “exemplary program” that Community and Family Medicine and the current scientific and educational “has impacted a broad community of Director of Duke Center for Community programs, and the plans for the future. clinical and translational scientists both Research; Rebecca Moen, MBA, Chief The other leaders of the CCTS were locally and nationally.” The committee Administrative Officer at Duke Clinical present and answered questions from identified key commendable features continued on Page 6 1 Dr. Gwenyth Wallen Delivers the 2017 Beatrice Renfield Lectureship in Research Nursing By Rita Devine, RN, MPA The Rockefeller University Hospital Research Nursing and Nursing and the Heilbrunn Family Center for Science: A Perfect Partnership” Research Nursing hosted the annual focused on the specific objectives Beatrice Renfield Lecture in Research of the National Institutes of Health Nursing on March 7, 2017 in the Carson Clinical Center, as well as the distinct Family Auditorium. Dr. Barry Coller, yet interdependent roles that nurse Physician-in-Chief of the Rockefeller scientists and clinical research nurses University Hospital began the event play in advancing healthcare throughout with a short tribute to Nancy Ellicott, the continuum from bench to bedside. Rockefeller University Hospital’s Dr. Wallen is the acting Chief Nurse first Superintendent of Nursing, who Officer and Chief of Nursing Research established the standards for the and Translational Science for the NIH practice of clinical research nursing and Clinical Center, a 200 bed research invented several novel devices to improve hospital that supports the clinical nursing care. Dr. Patricia Eckardt, activities of the 27 NIH Institutes and Director of the Heilbrunn Family Centers. Dr. Wallen directs all patient Center for Research Nursing, hosted care units at the NIH Clinical Center, the program and introduced this year’s managing a staff of approximately 600 speaker, Gwenyth Wallen, PhD., R.N. clinical research nurses and healthcare Gwenyth Wallen, PhD., R.N. Dr. Wallen’s presentation, “Clinical workers. As a member of the Center’s continued on Page 6 A Community- Academic Partnership to Understand the Correlates of Successful Aging By Kimberly S. Vasquez, MPH and Rhonda G. Kost, MD

RU-CCTS, Clinical Directors Network, and RU-CCTS, Clinical Directors Network, and Carter Burden Network stakeholders Carter Burden Network stakeholders at Metro East 99th St at the 2017 Association for Clinical and Translational Science Conference Food generally brings people the correlates of successful aging in this nutritionists Andrea Ronning and Glenis together, and the new community- population and in building a partnership George-Alexander hosted a nutritional academic partnership between Theand infrastructure to enable translational information table, and RU-CCTS Rockefeller University Center for Clinical research to advance the health of Community Engagement Specialist, and Translational Science (RU-CCTS), seniors. RU-CCTS is committed to Ms. Kimberly Vasquez, discussed RU- Clinical Directors Network (CDN), and engaging populations across the life CCTS’s collaborative research goals with Carter Burden Network (CBN) is no span, including hard-to-reach and leaders from several senior services exception. Carter Burden Network is a underserved populations, such as low- organizations, including CBN. Nutrition non-profit multi-site senior community income and minority seniors. To that is an important issue for seniors, many services organization on the Upper East end, the new RU/CDN/CBN partners of whom have health challenges, and Side of Manhattan and East Harlem are currently conducting a RU-CCTS- often subsist on limited budgets that limit that serves primarily low-income and funded Pilot Project to characterize food choices. In fact, food insecurity is vulnerable racial/ethnic minority seniors. the health status and health challenges among the greatest concerns of CBN In addition to a large day program at of the CBN population in preparation seniors. In March 2016, the bionutrition the 109th Street Leonard Covello Senior for future comparative effectiveness team proposed conducting outreach Center, it also serves individuals who and mechanistic research studies. to senior groups to conduct cooking were in long-term institutional settings The relationship between RU-CCTS demonstrations of affordable, easy-to- before they moved into the beautiful and and CBN started in October 2015 at the prepare, nutrient-dense recipes. CBN modern Metro East 99th Street facility. annual Lenox Hill Senior Health Fair leadership immediately expressed interest RU-CCTS, CDN, and CBN share organized by NYC Council member and in the ensuing months, Ms. Ronning a common interest in understanding Ben Kallos, where the RU-CCTS bio- and Ms. George-Alexander conducted continued on Page 7 2 Discovery of a Zika antibody Offers Hope for A Vaccine

By Wynne Parry strategy for developing a vaccine. A target: a part of Zikas envelope protein mosquito-borne virus, Zika usually that the virus needs to infect cells. causes mild symptoms in those who To get a closer look at the interaction contract it. However, dramatic effects between the antibody and a fragment can appear in the next generation. of the virus’ envelope protein, scientists Babies born to women infected during in Pamela J. Bjorkman’s lab at Caltech pregnancy are at risk of devastating determined the molecular structure neurodevelopmental abnormalities. formed as the two units interacted. The The only way to prevent Zika is to avoid structure identified a ridge on the viral mosquito bites; there are currently no protein to which the antibody attaches. vaccines or other medical measures. While some efforts to develop a vaccine Researchers have found natural antibodies that prevent Through collaborators working in use all or most of the virus to stimulate Zika infection by latching onto a part of the virus. Cred- Pau da Lima, Brazil, and Santa Maria the immune system, the researchers it: Jennifer R. Keeffe, Anthony P. West, Jr., and Pamela J. Mixtequilla, Mexico, they obtained believe it could be safer to employ only Bjorkman blood samples from more than 400 a tiny fragment containing this ridge. A recent study from Dr. Michel people, collected shortly after Zika was Zika isn’t the only virus with this Nussenzweig’s and Dr. Charles Rice’s circulating. Individual responses to the ridge, as it is also present in the envelope laboratories found neutralizing same pathogen can vary greatly. Yet a proteins of other viruses in the same antibodies to the Zika virus in blood deeper analysis of samples from six of family. The dengue 1 virus, a close samples from subjects in Mexico the volunteers with the most promising relative of Zika and one of four types of and Brazil. The antibodies appeared antibodies revealed a surprise: five of them dengue, has a similar ridge and the Z004 to have been initially generated in contained nearly identical antibodies. antibody neutralized this virus as well. When the team examined these closely response to an earlier infection by A look back at samples from the a related virus that causes dengue. related antibodies’ performance against Zika, one, obtained from a Mexican Brazilians, collected six months before “In the near future, these antibodies volunteer’s blood, stood out. When this Zika arrived by a team led by Albert Ko could be very useful. One could envision, antibody, called Z004, was given to mice of Yale University, revealed evidence of for example, administering them to safely rendered vulnerable to Zika, it protected prior dengue 1 infections in some—and prevent Zika among pregnant women or them from developing serious infections. a potential explanation as to why certain others at risk of contracting the disease,” people’s immune systems fared better says Davide F. Robbiani, a research An infection begins when the virus, against Zika. “Even before Zika, their associate professor in the Nussenzweig traveling in a spherical particle studded blood samples likely had antibodies lab. He and Leonia Bozzacco, a with the viral envelope protein, latches that could interact with this same spot research affiliate in Rice lab, led the onto a host cell and gains entry into the on the envelope protein,” says Margaret study, which appeared in Cell in May. cell. Faced with a viral threat, the human R. MacDonald, a research associate immune system generates antibodies professor in Rice’s lab. “It appears that, The team’s detailed examination of the that recognize the virus and stop it much like a vaccine, dengue 1 can prime interaction between this antibody and from invading cells. The team set out the immune system to respond to Zika.” the virus also revealed a new potential to find antibodies tuned to a particular

Study Identifies “Night Owl” Gene Variant By Wynne Parry Dr. Young commented that, Their 24 hour sleep-wake cycle is “Compared to other mutations that delayed, making them energetic long have been linked to sleep disorders after most people have fallen asleep. in just single families worldwide, this Going to bed late has its downsides is a fairly impactful genetic change.” however, since most people with DSPD are According to the new research, the forced to wake up before their bodies tell mutation may be present in as many as them to in order to get to work or school one in 75 people in some populations. on time, leading to fatigue during the day. Diagnosing night owls Free-running sleep cycles Illustration by Jasu Hu The Centers for Disease Control Researchers in Dr. Michael Young’s Young’s lab has studied the circadian and Prevention estimate that between clock for more than three decades, laboratory reported in Cell in April 50 and 70 million adults in the US that a variant of the gene CRY1 slows identifying a number of the genes have a sleep or wakefulness disorder. involved in keeping flies, humans, the internal biological clock—called These conditions—ranging from the circadian clock—that normally and other animals on schedule when insomnia to narcolepsy—can predispose it comes to eating and sleeping. dictates when you feel sleepy each night people to chronic diseases including and when you’re ready to wake. People diabetes, obesity, and depression. To find out whether mutations in with the “night owl” variant of this People who self-categorize as any known circadian genes were linked gene have a longer circadian cycle than night owls are often diagnosed with to DSPD, Young—along with research most, making them stay awake later. delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD). continued on Page 7 3 RUH Achieves Full Accreditation from The Joint Commission (TJC) By Riva Gottesman, MPH

On November 9, 2016, two Joint safe and high quality care. An organization of Care documentation and conducted Commission surveyors arrived at undergoes an onsite survey every three a Life Safety tour of the hospital. After Rockefeller University Hospital for an years to maintain its accreditation. addressing all of the issues identified by the unannounced 2-day survey. The Joint TJC assigned two surveyors to reviewers, Rockefeller University Hospital Commission (TJC) is an independent conduct the accreditation evaluation, one was awarded accreditation for another not for profit organization that accredits a nurse and the other an engineer. The three years. This achievement reflects and certifies more than 21,000 health nurse meticulously examined medical the entire staff’s absolute commitment care organizations and programs in the records, interviewed the nursing staff, to patient safety and the highest quality US. TJC accreditation and certification and thoroughly reviewed hospital medical care, as well as the commitment is recognized nationwide as a symbol policies. In addition, she reviewed the of the support departments that insure of quality that reflects an organization’s Medical Staff’s credentialing process, that the Hospital is structurally sound commitment to meeting high competencies assessment, and Human and has all systems needed to prevent performance standards. The standards Resources documentation. The engineer and respond to events that challenge focus on important patient organization reviewed Life Safety and Environment the safety of the Hospital environment. functions that are essential to providing

Town Hall Meeting On “Living with Face Blindness” By Christina Pressl, MD, Rhonda Kost, MD, and Kimberly S. Vasquez, MPH On December 13th, 2016, more than Dr. Joe DeGutis, Ph.D., Investigator 150 members of the public gathered and Instructor at Harvard Medical in person and virtually to join the first School, and Co-director of the Boston town hall meeting on “Living with Face Attention and Learning Laboratory, Blindness” hosted by The Rockefeller spoke about his studies to improve face University. The meeting’s primary recognition skills of face blind individuals. intent was to bring patients, friends, Dr. Heather Sellers, author of You families, doctors, communities, and Don’t Look Like Anyone I Know, and all other stakeholders together for Professor of English Literature at the an evening filled with informative broad variety of clinical settings. A University of South Florida has shared discussion and exchange about face link to this archive can be found below. her life-experience of face blindness blindness (also known as prosopagnosia). Dr. Freiwald took the audience on a through writing and public presentations. The gathering was initiated by Dr. lively and fascinating journey through As the keynote speaker at the town hall Christina Pressl, Clinical Scholar in Dr. the history of perception neuroscience meeting, Dr. Sellers spoke about her Winrich Freiwald’s Laboratory of Neural up to current developments in the struggle to recognize people by their face, Systems. Dr. Pressl studies the neuronal field of vision neuroscience, with an and her detective-like efforts to find the underpinnings of face perception in the lab emphasis on face perception research. causes of her difficulty. Dr. Sellers vividly and also conducts clinical research studies The next speaker was Dr. Duchaine, an described the relief she felt when her face involving individuals with face blindness. associate professor in the Department recognition challenges were diagnosed The program was designed to include of Psychological and Brain Sciences at as face blindness. In fact, as it turned both scientific and lay presentations, and Dartmouth College, Dr. Duchaine has out, it was Dr. Duchaine who tested Dr. to incorporate questions and feedback worked with prosopagnosic individuals Seller’s and confirmed her inability to from patients and other participants. for many years at Harvard University. recognize other people’s faces. Dr. Sellers Supported in part by a Pilot Award Together with Dr. Ken Nakayama, he said that she hopes that by sharing her to Dr. Pressl from The Rockefeller developed today’s most widely used test story, and through efforts like the town University Center for Clinical and in research for the assessment of face hall meeting, others will find out how Translational Science (CCTS), the event perception abilities - the Cambridge Face to get tested, get the help they seek, and was coordinated in close collaboration Memory Test. This tool has helped many obtain answers to their questions. The with the CCTS Community Engagement individuals who are troubled by day-to- evening ended with a panel discussion, Core under the guidance of Drs. Rhonda day face recognition difficulties document during which questions from the on-site Kost and Jonathan Tobin, the Community their impairment. Dr. Duchaine provided and the online audiences were addressed. Engagement Specialist Kimberly S. detailed insights into various aspects of If you would like to find out more, Vasquez MPH, and the staff from prosopagnosia research and the current please visit http://www.faceweb.me. The Clinical Directors Network. Through a state of knowledge on the condition. recorded, three-hour long webcast video live CCTS-supported webcast, the event In one form termed developmental and more information can be found via the was accessible to a large virtual audience, prosopagnosia, individuals experience websites’ blog page or via the eLearning including interested individuals from face recognition difficulties from an library. Furthermore, more information the U.S., Canada, Germany, Austria, early age. Another form, known as about Dr. Pressl’s currently ongoing and other countries. The webcast was acquired prosopagnosia occurs when clinical research studies can be found here. later archived as part of an eLearning face perception difficulties arise after library accessed by clinicians from a damage to certain areas of the brain.

4 New CTSA Program Initiative: Trial Innovation Network By Donna Brassil, MA, RN, CCRC

The Trial Innovation Network is Neville-Williams, Teresa Solomon, Consultation, the next step may be a CTSA program that leverages the Vanessa Smith, and Donna Brassil. a Comprehensive Consultation. A expertise, skills, and knowledge of the Trial Innovation Center (TIC) and Comprehensive Consultation cannot entire CTSA Consortium. It is composed Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC) be selected by an investigator, but is of three key organizational partners – the The TICs are located at Duke/ a decision that is reached by the TIN CTSA Program Hubs, the Trial Innovation Vanderbilt, University of Utah, and after the Initial Consultation and after Centers (TICs), and the Recruitment Johns Hopkins/Tufts. They are charged approval by the Proposal Assessment Innovation Center (RIC). Each partner with streamlining the TIN’s procedures. Team and NCATS. plays a unique and essential role. • A Comprehensive Consultation involves There is one Recruitment Innovation The vision for the TIN is to creatively mutual agreement and commitment Center (RIC) at Vanderbilt and address critical roadblocks in clinical by the investigator and the TIC/RIC to it specializes in the development trial development and conduct, and collaboratively develop the proposal into and consolidation of electronic thus accelerate the translation of novel a protocol. In addition, one of the goals in methods for facilitating recruitment. interventions into life-saving therapies. the Comprehensive Consultation process The TIN focuses on operational is to obtain input from the CTSA Hubs TRIAL INNOVATION NETWORK on the protocol. The estimated number innovation, operational excellence, and PROPOSAL PROCESS collaboration. It features a single IRB of hours of consultation time for a system, master contracting agreements, Investigators can request Comprehensive Consultation has not yet quality by design approaches, and consultations and services for multi- been determined. evidence-based strategies to recruitment center clinical trials and studies from • A Comprehensive Consultation and patient engagement. The TINthe TIN from a menu of choices. Some could include an array of enhanced will also be a national laboratory to consultations may lead to further consultations such as in-depth protocol study, understand, and innovate the development into full clinical protocols development, statistics, recruitment process of conducting clinical trials. that may be implemented in the TIN. feasibility, recruitment plans, study budgets, and other key elements. Services Offered The Rockefeller University Trial • After a Comprehensive Consultation, Innovation Network (TIN) Hub Liaison The TIN first offers an initial an investigator prepares a clinical trial Team consultation or specific serviceapplication for submission to an NIH At Rockefeller University, we have depending on the funding status of the Institute for funding or to an industry or a TIN Hub Liaison Team. The goal proposal. Investigators are invited to philanthropic partner. The TICs and RIC of the team is to help investigators submit proposals to the TIN at any time. would serve as the Coordinating Centers develop and implement clinical for the study and the CTSA Hubs would For Studies that Already Have Funding be potential sites. trials in the most efficient manner. or Have Already Applied for Funding: • Providing input/Navigation before For detailed information on Trial Innovation Network Services: the TIN process and guidelines, protocols are submitted to the TIN. Service requests are prioritized based • Recognizing the essential contributions log onto the toolbox at https:// on resource availability. Specific services trialinnovationnetwork.org/elements/ and efforts of local teams in executing include Standard Agreement and Central multi-center clinical trials. trial-innovation-network-proposal- IRB Operationalization, Recruitment process/ • Creating a culture in which key Materials and a Recruitment Plan, a stakeholders play unique and important Community Engagement Studio, and Prior to submitting a TIN Project roles, and help to build a national system an EHR -Based Cohort Assessment. Proposal, investigators must discuss the to conduct clinical trials better, faster, and proposal with his/her CTSA Program more cost-effectively. For Studies that are Still Under Hub Principal Investigator and the Development and Have Not Yet Been TIN Liaison Team, so feel free to The CTSA Program Hubs are the Funded: frontline of the TIN. They use their speak to any of us about your interest. experience and knowledge of the Trial Innovation Network Initial local environment to innovatively Consultation operationalize the Network at their • An initial consultation may include, Institutions, tailoring general Network for example, study design, budget plans into more specific actionrecommendations, a proposed timeline, plans best suited for their Hubs. recruitment assessment, and study The Rockefeller University TINfeasibility assessment. Hub Liaison Team is comprised of Trial Innovation Network Comprehensive Barry Coller, James Krueger, Barbara Consultation O’Sullivan, Rhonda Kost, Maija • Based on the outcome of an Initial

5 The Center for Clinical Translation Science 2017 External Advisory Board Meeting continued from Page 1 of the CCTS, including “the spectrum and efforts that engage scientistsnext gen sequencing; and the approach of subject recruitment initiatives, the with their communities to accelerate to implementing a navigation service to incorporation of patients’ preferences translation.” The committee also noted PhD scientists to facilitate translation. into protocol development, the that CCTS has been very effective in The number of publications on the Translational Navigation Program that actively disseminating its innovations science of innovation is commendable.” supports the trainees as they design, plan – these included “the graduate tracking and execute their research protocols, survey system; informed consent for

Dr. Gwenyth Wallen Delivers the 2017 Beatrice Renfield Lectureship in Research Nursing continued from Page 2 executive team and a widely respected Research Nurses. 73 guests registered to view Dr. Wallen’s presentation via a authority in nursing science, Dr. Wallen webcast provided through the Clinical Director’s Network (CDN). The webcast also plays a central role in setting is available through the CDN website under the CCTS Webcast Series section. national standards for patient care in the clinical setting, and for defining how nursing research can be integrated into the biomedical research infrastructure. In her presentation, Dr. Wallen described the process by which nurse-led research projects are proposed, evaluated, funded, and conducted at the NIH Clinical Center. She provided several examples of successful projects in which the data obtained were immediately put to excellent use in enhancing patient care and clinical research quality. The lecture was attended by 103 guests, including 24 representatives from the Rockefeller University Hospital nursing department, the Clinical Research Office, and the Facilitation Office, as well as several representatives from Rockefeller Laboratories. Also in attendance were the current and past presidents of the International Association of Clinical Drs. Barry Coller, Gwenyth Wallen, and Patricia Eckardt

Seminars in Clinical Research upcoming 2017 dates

September 6, 2017 November 1, 2017 September 13, 2017 November 8, 2017 September 27, 2017 November 15, 2017 October 4, 2017 November 29, 2017 October 11, 2017 December 6, 2017 October 25, 2017 December 13, 2017

6 A Community- Academic Partnership to Understand the Correlates of Successful Aging continued from Page 2 a series of cooking demonstrations at Employing the Community-Engaged team conducted a series of engagement CBN’s Metro East 99th Street Social Research Navigation (CEnR-Nav) meetings with more than 40 CBN residents Adult Day Program. They focused on model to incorporate and align shared to ascertain their main concerns related recipes geared to the foods distributed interests, strengths, and requirements, to healthy aging and make sure the study- by CBN from the Common Pantry. the RU/CDN/CBN partners developed related assessments will capture these In July and August 2016, CBN leaders a join research proposal and competed priorities. Enrollment of 240 participants Mr. Bill Dionne, Executive Director of successfully for a 2016-2017 RU- is actively underway to provide the CBN, and Dr. Dozene Guishard, Director CCTS Community-Engaged Research baseline measurements for future studies. Pilot Award. The study is designed of Metro East 99th Street Social Adult Day In April 2017, Dr. Guishard of CBN Program, attended the monthly meeting to: 1) Engage the Carter Burden residents, day participants, staff, and joined several RU/CDN team members to of the RU-CCTS Action Committee for co-present a poster at the 2017 Association Community Engaged Research (ACCER) leadership in developing a sustainable community-academic partnership, for Clinical Translational Science to discuss interest and priorities, and in Meeting in Washington, D.C. At the same August, the ACCER members – RU- 2) Use descriptive epidemiology to characterize the health status of CBN meeting, Drs. Kost and Tobin presented CCTS Community Engagement Core an invited talk on the CEnR-Nav model Co-Directors Drs. Rhonda G. Kost seniors, focusing on measures of frailty, including contributions from chronic of engaging community stakeholders into and Jonathan N. Tobin (President/ early translational research, emphasizing CEO Clinical Directors Network), conditions, as well as cardio-metabolic, musculoskeletal, psychosocial and the investigators’ perspectives through the bionutrition team, and Dr. Barry videos of RU scientists who conduct Coller, Maija Neville-Williams, MPH, and nutritional factors, 3) Create a database for data acquisition at CBN sites to mechanistic/CEnR projects. This Kimberly Vasquez, MPH, visited the CBN shined a spotlight on the importance Center and the Metro East 99th Street collect and integrate service utilization and research data, and 4) Develop robust of community-academic partnership Social Adult Day Program. They learned in the design and conduct of research that the most pressing concerns for longitudinal measures of frailty and related problems that can be used to assess projects that reflect community priorities senior residents – as identified through and that are designed to accelerate surveys and use of services – in addition the impact of different interventions to improve the health of the community. translation of new scientific knowledge to food insecurity are depression, into improved population health. social isolation, and falls. CBN The partnership is making progress leadership has created many programs across all of the aims. In 2016-2017, the to address these concerns and needs.

Study Identifies “Night Owl” GeneVariant continued from Page 3 associate Alina Patke, the first and co- cycle. The protein made by CRY1 is DSPD mutation. The mutation is corresponding author of the new paper— normally responsible for suppressing dominant, which means that having just collaborated with sleep researchers at Weill some of these genes during certain parts of one copy of it can cause a sleep disorder. Cornell Medical College. Subjects were the cycle. But Young and Patke discovered The researchers say that asked to spend two weeks in a laboratory that the mutation identified in the patient right now there’s no established apartment that was isolated from all cues made the CRY1 protein more active benefit for DSPD patients in being to the time of day, eating and sleeping than usual, keeping other clock genes tested for the CRY1 mutation. whenever they were inclined. Researchers switched off for a longer period of time. also collected skin cells from each person. “Just finding the cause doesn’t The researchers reached out immediately fix the problem,” says Most people will follow a roughly 24 to other members of the patient’s Patke. “But it’s not inconceivable hour sleep-wake cycle when put in such family and discovered five relatives that one might develop drugs in the a free-run environment. However, a who shared the mutation in CRY1. future based on this mechanism.” DSPD subject that caught the researcher’s All of them had signs of DSPD. interest not only stayed up late, but had For now, many DSPD patients are With a collaborator in Turkey, Dr. a cycle that was about 30 minutes longer. able to control their sleep cycles— Young’s group first identified many Moreover, changes in body temperature and get to bed earlier than their body unrelated families and dozens of Turkish and hormones that cycle along with the wants—by following strict schedules. circadian clock—including melatonin, people with the CRY1 mutation. After Some patients seem to be helped by which helps regulate sleep—were also contacting them and administering getting strong light exposure during the delayed. “Melatonin levels start to rise interviews and questionnaires, the day. around 9 or 10 at night in most people,” researchers were able to confirm that says Young. “In this DSPD patient that 38 people with the mutation had The team already has future studies doesn’t happen until 2 or 3 in the morning.” altered sleep behavior, while none planned to work out whether CRY1 of their relatives without the CRY1 mutations also affect the metabolic When the researchers examined mutation had unusual sleep patterns. cycles of people with DSPD, since the the DNA from the DSPD patient, human circadian cycle is known to not one variant stood out; a mutation in Finally, after scouring larger genetic only regulate sleep, but also hunger and CRY1, a gene that had already been databases for CRY1 mutations, Young’s levels of metabolites and hormones. implicated in the circadian cycle. group calculated that as many as one In a healthy circadian clock, several in 75 people of non-Finnish European descent have at least one copy of the genes turn on and off during a 24 hour 7 Meet the Scholar: Christina Pressl, M.D. By Michelle Romanick to the Clinical Scholars Program to create a team to drive the research. I with Dr. Freiwald as her mentor, and also have the freedom to ask questions she started the program in July 2014. and test theories. The spirit among Dr. Pressl’s research focuses on the Scholars, as well as throughout the studying the neuronal machinery of face Rockefeller University, has encouraged perception by applying advanced imaging me to actively seek the exchange of ideas. techniques and batteries of behavioral The Clinical Scholars are very tests. In her main project she is working diverse in their disciplines and scientific with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) backgrounds and this diversity generates patients to understand how the face robust discussions on a wide variety of perception network is affected by ongoing stimulating topics. Curiosity connects us epileptic seizures and to investigate what and drives us, and diversity is the key to impact temporal lobe surgical resection developing a flourishing, motivated, and has on the system. In other projects, the successful community. Often it is the views Christina Pressl focus lies on the developmental form of people outside my own field, who look Dr. Christina Pressl joined the of face blindness, including the search at the science from a different angle, that Clinical Scholars Program at the for genetic contributions. Dr. Pressl is helps me see aspects of my own work that I Rockefeller University in 2014. Dr. Pressl active in outreach endeavors, developing had not recognized before. This intellectual received her M.D. from the Medical a website, www.faceweb.me, organizing a input and stimulation perpetually sparks University of Graz in Austria, and she town hall meeting for patients with face new ideas, leads to new approaches, joined Dr. Winrich Freiwald’s Laboratory blindness in December in conjunction and ultimately fosters development.” of Neural Systems as an Instructor in with the Community Engagement and Dr. Pressl was accepted into the Clinical Investigation after completing Recruitment Cores as well as Clinical David Rockefeller Graduate Program, three years of radiology residency Directors Network (CDN). She is also and will pursue her PhD degree by at the Medical University of Vienna. collaborating with the New York City- extending her research in the Freiwald As a child, Dr. Pressl developed a Clinical Data Respository Network Laboratory of Neural Systems. fascination for nature, spending many (NYC-CDRN) and Dr. Jonathan Tobin to hours in her parent’s garden inspecting query a large number of electronic health insects and local plant life. She followed records to learn more about the prevalence this passion with intensive biology and medical impact of face blindness. classes in high school and her interest When asked about her experience as in medicine developed from spending a Scholar and Chief Scholar, Dr. Pressl time in her father’s private practice. After replied, “I experienced many priceless graduating from high school, Dr. Pressl teaching moments in the program. The Two example stimuli used to assess individuals’ traveled for cultural experience, learning Clinical Scholars program has shaped me ability to recognize faces. new languages, as well as auditing as physician scientist and a team leader. university classes in diverse fields of I have autonomy to develop and lead my studies, all related to the natural sciences. research, and I have been encouraged She went on to attend the Medical University of Graz and participated in a number of research programs during her studies and throughout radiology residency, which fostered her interest in neuroradiology and neuroscience. During residency, Dr. Pressl did a research sabbatical at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center under the mentorship of Dr. Mark Dunphy, and working with a group of outstanding doctors and scientists utilizing radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of cancer. It was during this time she learned about the research in Dr. Freiwald’s Laboratory on neural mechanisms of face perception. This led her to apply

8 Rockefeller Historical Vignette: Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: The Turning Point in the AIDS Pandemic By Elizabeth (Betsy) Hanson

In 1981 hospital wards in the United in 1999, the Squibb Award from the States and elsewhere began filling with Infectious Diseases Society of America in patients who had unusual infections 1996, the New York City Mayor's Award that developed because their immune for Excellence in Science and Technology systems had become very weak. Their in 1993 and the Ernst Jung Prize for underlying disease soon had a name— Medicine in 1991. He was a scientific acquired immunodeficiency syndrome honoree of the New York Academy of (AIDS)—and within a few years scientists Medicine in 1998 and Time magazine's discovered the virus that caused it, HIV- Man of the Year in 1996. He is also the 1. But until the mid-1990s an AIDS recipient of 12 honorary doctorates. Ho diagnosis was a death sentence. Then, is a member of the American Academy David Ho (1952 - ) and colleagues at the of Arts and Sciences, the National Rockefeller-affiliated Aaron Diamond Academy of Medicine, and the Academia AIDS Research Center discovered that David Ho Sinica, as well as a foreign member of treating patients with a combination HIV-1 infection rather than eradicate it, the Chinese Academy of Engineering. of three or more antiretroviral drugs and are not accessible to the vast majority could keep the virus in check. The initial of the 33 million people worldwide who clinical trials of this therapy were carried are infected. Since 2001 Ho has turned to out with patients at the Rockefeller the development of novel AIDS vaccines, Hospital. Today, in the developed with work both in the laboratory and world, AIDS is a manageable chronic with human subjects at Rockefeller disease thanks to the "AIDS cocktail" University Hospital and abroad. He of combination antiretroviral therapy. heads a consortium of scientists in Ho arrived at this approach to AIDS this pursuit, supported by the Bill and therapy after studying what the virus Melinda Gates Foundation Collaboration does in the body of an infected person. for AIDS Vaccine Discovery. Ho's Fastidious quantitative studies with research group also is investigating patients at the Rockefeller University the use of monoclonal antibodies to Hospital revealed that HIV-1 replicates prevent and treat HIV-1 infection. continuously at an astonishingly fast pace. David D. Ho received his Over time, the immune system becomes undergraduate degree from the California depleted and cannot protect people Institute of Technology (1974) and infected with HIV-1 from everyday his MD from Harvard Medical School pathogens in the environment that don't (1978). He completed his residency in usually lead to problems. These studies of internal medicine at the University of viral dynamics changed the conceptual California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School paradigm for understanding HIV-1 of Medicine (1982), and then completed infection and led to the new therapeutic a fellowship in infectious diseases at strategies. They also found that HIV-1 Massachusetts General Hospital and Antiretroviral therapy in the eight patients does a sloppy job of copying its genetic Harvard Medical School (1985). He has with HIV. From N Engl J Med, 1999, 340: material as it reproduces. Within the held academic appointments at Harvard 1605-1613 body of a single infected person, many Medical School, the UCLA School of different mutated versions of the virus Medicine and the New York University exist. HIV-1 can change quickly, and School of Medicine. Ho has been scientific so it quickly evolves resistance when director and chief executive officer of the an infected person takes a single drug. Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center But Ho and coworkers found a way to since 1990 and was named professor and corner the virus: by giving patients three physician at Rockefeller in 1996. He is the or four drugs at a time, HIV-1 could Irene Diamond Professor at Rockefeller. not mutate rapidly enough to evade all of them. By 1996 they had succeeded Among many honors, Ho has received in reducing HIV-1 levels to the point the Edward Ahrens Award in Clinical of being undetectable in a group of Investigation and the Friendship Award patients treated with the new therapy. from the State Council of the People's Republic of China in 2003 and was Many drugs targeting different steps in awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal the HIV-1 replication cycle are available. in 2001. He received the Hoechst Marion Yet antiretroviral medications control Roussel Award (now the Aventis Award)