November 2020 A Publication of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Campus Edition DeBerardinis elected to the National Academy of Medicine ing to pioneer a new way to study altered By Katie Regan metabolism directly in cancer patients. This has r. Ralph DeBerardinis, a Professor at the allowed his team to uncover the mechanisms Children’s Medical Center Research by which tumors use nutrients to produce Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI), has energy and to identify metabolic pathways that been elected to the National Academy allow tumors to grow and spread. The approach Dof Medicine (NAM), one of the highest honors in provides researchers with insights impossible to the fields of health and medicine. obtain in the laboratory and is now being used Dr. DeBerardinis, who is also a UT South- to study metabolism in nearly a dozen forms of western Professor of Pediatrics and a Howard human cancer. Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator, is strated outstanding professional achievement and the Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism Recently, the DeBerardinis laboratory discov- known for his significant discoveries in cancer a commitment to service. Along with the National at UT Southwestern and an attending physician ered that lactate is metabolized by human metabolism and research into childhood condi- Academy of Sciences and the National Academy at Children’s Health. “I am fortunate to be in an tumors growing in the lung, a finding that chal- tions known as inborn errors of metabolism. He of Engineering, NAM advises the nation and the environment at UT Southwestern and Children’s lenges a nearly century-old observation known is among 100 new members of NAM announced international community on critical issues in Health that values mechanistic, disease-focused as the Warburg effect that considered lactate to in October. With his election, UT Southwestern health, medicine, and related policies. research and cultivates the collaborative environ- be a waste product of tumor metabolism. The now has 17 NAM members among its faculty. “I’m so grateful to the academy for recog- ment at CRI that has made our research possible. finding opens new avenues for the study of Dr. DeBerardinis is also the second member of nizing our work and for the people in my lab Thanks also to my family for their patience and potential therapeutics as well as new imaging CRI to be elected to NAM, along with Dr. Sean whose creativity and perseverance are respon- support, and to all the patients who have partici- techniques in lung cancer – the world’s leading Morrison, Director of CRI. sible for the discoveries that led to this honor,” pated in our studies over many years.” cause of cancer deaths. NAM recognizes individuals who have demon- said Dr. DeBerardinis, who is also Chief of Dr. DeBerardinis’ achievements include help- Please see NAM on page 8 Schoggins receives prestigious Finding the Achilles’ heel of a killer parasite NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Studies in Science examine the basic biology of schistosomes Microbiologist will use funding to study how genetic immunity protects animals from deadly viruses they carry to uncover vulnerabilities that could lead to new treatments organ failure or parasite-induced By Christen Brownlee cancer. Symptoms can be serious wo studies being led by enough to keep people from living UT Southwestern re- productive lives, Dr. Collins said. searchers shed light on The parasite that causes this the biology and potential disease has a complicated life Tvulnerabilities of schistosomes cycle that involves stages in both – parasitic flatworms that cause freshwater snails and mammals. the little-known tropical disease Dwelling in mammalian hosts’ schistosomiasis. The findings, circulatory systems, schistosomes Scanning electron micrograph may lead to information that could published recently in Science, feed on blood and lay copious of an adult male and female By Carol Marie Cropper help researchers develop treatments could change the course of this numbers of eggs, all while causing schistosome worm pair. Credit: Associate Professor of Microbiology for humans who contract diseases like disease that kills up to 250,000 an array of symptoms including Dr. James Collins and Ana Vieira Dr. John Schoggins, who studies how COVID-19. people a year. abdominal pain, diarrhea, However, Dr. Collins explained, the body’s innate immune system Dr. Schoggins submitted his grant About 240 million people bloody stool, or blood in the it is of limited use – it doesn’t responds to coronaviruses, is one of 10 proposal to study the animal vectors around the world have schistoso- urine. Larval worms are released kill all intramammalian stages of recipients of the coveted NIH Director’s that increasingly spread disease to miasis – mostly children in Africa, from snails into water, where the schistosome life cycle, and it Pioneer Award from the National humans in October 2019, months before Asia, and South America in popu- the flatworms then may infect has a variable cure rate in some Institutes of Health. the world became aware of COVID-19 lations that represent “the poorest humans by penetrating the skin. endemic settings. There’s been As a result of the award, Dr. – a disease thought to have originated of the poor,” said study leader Schistosomiasis may become a little interest by pharmaceutical Schoggins will receive $3.5 million over in bats. He said he was “surprised” and Dr. James J. Collins III, Associate chronic disease that affects the companies in developing new the next five years to examine whether “elated” to learn his proposal had won. Professor of Pharmacology. person for years. drugs for this disease, he added, animals that carry viruses, such as Ebola “Given that we’re now in the middle Most of those infected survive, Only one drug, praziquantel, and SARS-CoV-2, possess antiviral genes of a pandemic, it probably helped that but those who die often suffer is available to treat this condition. Please see RESEARCH on page 8 that allow them to survive. The research Please see AWARD on page 4

UT Southwestern honored with WNBA draftee joins Medical School Class of 2024 INSIGHT into Diversity Award because of it,” she said. we can truly flourish as an institution,” By Nyshicka Jordan Then, in April, her career planning By Lori Sundeen Soderbergh said Dr. Marc Nivet, Executive Vice n March, Erica Ogwumike, then process grew more complicated with UT Southwestern has received President for Institutional Advance- a senior at Rice University, had some unexpected but exciting news. the 2020 Health Professions Higher ment. “In receiving the award, we an important decision to make She was drafted into the WNBA by Education Excellence in Diversity validate the emphasis that our lead- about her future. the New York Liberty, before being (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into ership continues to place on making IErica, who was a star basketball traded to the Minnesota Lynx the Diversity magazine, the oldest and UT Southwestern a place where all player at the university and named same day. largest diversity-focused publication members of the campus community Conference USA Player of the Year “I was planning my life as if in higher education. This is the third are treated with dignity and respect. twice, had been accepted at eight basketball was going to be done,” she consecutive year the University has It’s critical to our abilities to success- medical schools. UT Southwestern said. “I was applying to medical school received the national honor. fully educate the next generation, was one of her top choices – not and interviewing all throughout The Health Professions HEED achieve scientific success, and deliver only because of its strong academic my basketball season. So when I got Award recognizes U.S. medical, dental, quality patient care.” reputation, but because the drafted in April, it was surprising.” pharmacy, osteopathic, nursing, veter- UT Southwestern’s commitment to admissions committee made her Erica was surrounded by her inary, allied health, and other health improving diversity in medicine spans Rice University graduate feel like her background as a student parents and three older sisters as her schools and centers that demonstrate all facets of the institution including Erica Ogwumike passed up a name was called on TV. The draft athlete was an asset, she said. an outstanding commitment to diver- student recruitment and retention, WNBA draft pick opportunity announcement was made all the “I took that into account because sity and inclusion. addressing multicultural and women’s to attend UT Southwestern more special because her two oldest it shows the diversity that the school “It is only through a diversity of health issues in the curriculum, and Medical School. wants and I felt very welcomed Please see STUDENT on page 7 experiences, backgrounds, and an leading community health outreach. inclusion of differing perspectives that Please see INSIGHT on page 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE Stepping Out Providing Opportunity Transplant Success Focus: COVID-19 Crisis 4-5 UTSW employee Thelma As part of a new program to UT Southwestern’s Transplant Education News 6 Morgan completes more than increase racial diversity among Program celebrates a significant 100,000 steps in one day to Graduate School faculty, the first milestone with completion of its Class Notes 6 win the Steps Challenge. PROVIDES scholars are named. 3,000th organ transplant. Visit our website at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus Page 2 Page 6 Page 8 Page 2 November 2020 Steps Challenge winner smashes 100K steps target

By Courtney Borchert T Southwestern’s reigning cardio queen is burning through fitness trackers as she breaks steps chall- Uenge records. Thelma Morgan, a Medical Tran- scriptionist for Clinical Laboratory Services, secured her second, back- to-back, UTSW Steps Challenge win after amassing a jaw-dropping 105,745 steps in just 24 hours. Her family jokes that even the market’s most popular wearable trackers are no match for Ms. Morgan’s tenacity after her last one fizzled out in the weeks leading up to the annual challenge. Dr. John Warner, EVP for Health The walking event was moved to a System Affairs, beat his goal of new date this year to coincide with the Thelma Morgan, a Medical Transcriptionist for Clinical Laboratory Services, secured her second, back-to-back, UTSW 40,000 steps. American Heart Association’s Dallas Steps Challenge victory. Heart Walk, which united walkers active is as important as ever. Many 40,000 steps during the September I’m happy to say that I scored another feel her dad smiling down from above. virtually on Sept. 12 in response to people have watched their daily challenge. win for my dad.” The 65-year-old aims to leave the coronavirus pandemic. UTSW had movement decline since spring, For the challenge, Ms. Morgan She previously walked 85,637 behind a strong legacy at work and 1,725 total walkers participate in the compared to pre-pandemic conditions. wanted to raise the bar by walking the steps during an earlier challenge in in life. When she does retire, she said Heart Walk, including 82 UTSW teams These lifestyle shifts have resulted most she ever has in a single day. With a February as part of American Heart Steps Challenge participants will have that raised $36,320. in more sedentary routines in a lot comfortable pair of shoes and a portable Month. She has worked hard to build some big shoes to fill, but she knows the More than 300 members of of cases. charger to keep her phone’s step tracker up her high-steps reputation over the UT Southwestern community will the campus community took part “Setting goals is the first step to powered all day, she knew she would last four years of the Steps Challenge. gladly step up to the challenge. in UTSW’s Steps Challenge and becoming a champion of your health,” be unstoppable. Year after year, she has climbed up collectively walked about 4 million she said. “You owe it to yourself and “I always look for reasons to smile,” the ranks, and now she is standing at ■ steps. Notable steppers who logged your heart to stay healthy and be the she said. “I saw these events as a means the top. more than 50,000 steps include best you can be, inside and out.” Ms. to embrace something positive amid “You do not focus on the hurdle; Dr. Warner holds the Jim and Sangeeta Patel, May Dela Cruz, Alvaro Morgan sets a personal goal to walk at the pandemic and a way to care for my you look to the finish line,” she said. Norma Smith Distinguished Chair for Noriega Ramirez, Jaquana Ards, and least 15,000 steps each day. health. My father died from a massive Upon learning the news of her Interventional Cardiology, and the Laura Thielemann. Dr. John Warner, Executive Vice heart attack four years ago, and this is big win, Ms. Morgan was elated. She Nancy and Jeremy Halbreich, Susan In the wake of COVID-19, Ms. President for Health System Affairs, how I keep his memory alive. I was on immediately took a few victory laps and Theodore Strauss Professorship Morgan believes staying physically crushed his own goal of surpassing a mission to reach 100,000 steps, and around her home. She said she could in Cardiology.

Walking into victory: Steps Challenge Members of the UT Southwestern community and Wellness category for the event. Donations took to the streets on Sept. 12 for the American to the AHA on behalf of UTSW came in at more Heart Association’s Dallas Heart Walk. To keep than $36,000. supporters safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Heart Walk, which started in Dallas in participants could walk anywhere in their 1994, is the largest AHA walk in the country. The community. The twist on the annual walk raising event raises money to assist heart disease and awareness to fight cardiovascular diseases was stroke patients, fund research at UT Southwestern captured on social media. and other leading research centers, and promote UT Southwestern had the highest number of wellness initiatives. The majority of the funds teams and walkers in the Hospital, Healthcare, raised stay in North Texas.

More online: Did we catch you stepping out? Check out all the photos from this year’s Heart Walk in our Center Times Plus photo gallery at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus.

President: Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky Editors: Debbie Bolles, Steve Kascovich Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Dr. Marc Nivet Writers: Courtney Borchert, Christen Brownlee, Carol Marie Cropper, Nyshicka Jordan, Patrick McGee, Katie Regan, Lori Interim Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs: Center Times is published by the Office of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs at Sundeen Soderbergh, Patrick Wascovich UT South­western Med­ical Center. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Dr. Audrey Huang Copy Editors: Denita Nash, Rachel Stowe Master Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Director, Institutional Communications: Debbie Bolles November 2020 Page 3 Simmons Cancer Center investigators receive more than $5 million in CPRIT funding

animal trials and start clinical trials in MRI images immediately before or By Patrick McGee patients with liver cancer. during radiation treatment. This he Harold C. Simmons will help see the tumor and target Comprehensive Cancer Ce- Immunotherapy for lung cancer the radiation. The current state-of- nter at UT Southwestern Dr. Kathryn O’Donnell, Asso- the-art radiotherapy uses cone-beam received more than $5 ciate Professor of Molecular Biology, computed tomography attached to Tmillion in research funding in the received a $900,000 CPRIT grant radiotherapy equipment to guide radi- latest round of grants awarded by to study immunotherapy for lung ation delivery. The new MRI scanner the Cancer Prevention and Research cancer that is working well, but only will enable better tumor visualizations Institute of Texas (CPRIT). for some patients. Her laboratory without the concern of X-ray exposure “Texas voters strongly reaffirmed performed a genome-wide screen in computed tomography. their support for CPRIT in last year’s to identify new genes that regulate “We need to see where the tumor election, with nearly two-thirds of Programmed Death Ligand 1, or is at the moment of treatment before them approving another $3 billion PD-L1, a protein on the surface of we can fire the radiation to kill the in bonds to fund cancer research cancer cells that shuts off the immune cancer. The new scanner will allow us and prevention. The research work system’s ability to see it. They found to see the tumor,” Dr. Jia said. continues apace with new funding that activation of the integrated stress The MRI’s real-time imaging that will advance the Simmons response pathway, or ISR, which cells allows radiation oncologists to Cancer Center’s work in immuno- use to deal with stress conditions account for slight tumor move- therapy, radiation oncology, and the Dr. Xun Jia such as low oxygen or nutrient star- ment and help to keep radiation on vation, triggered lung cancer cells to the tumor to spare healthy tissue. development of new blood tests,” said The CPRIT funding will allow Dr. steps is an example of collaboration make more PD-L1 protein. Drs. Jia and Henning expect the device’s Dr. Carlos L. Arteaga, Director of the Singal to further test a new blood across labs at UT Southwestern. The Simmons Cancer Center. Dr. O’Donnell’s CPRIT grant will development to take about two years, biomarker that shows promise in precise mechanism of E7820 was study the mechanisms by which the and they will seek a patent. Dr. Jia said detecting liver cancer and is expected discovered by Dr. Deepak Nijhawan, Liver cancer screening ISR regulates immune checkpoints it could be a significant contribution to to be superior to a serum biomarker Associate Professor of Internal Medi- Screening for liver cancer is the and determine whether this pathway the fight against cancer because more currently in use. Dr. Singal will also cine and Biochemistry, and Dr. Hsieh focus of Dr. Amit Singal, Professor of can be modulated to trigger immune than half of cancer patients receive joined his lab as a fellow in 2018. In radiation treatment. Internal Medicine and Population and use artificial intelligence to analyze responses – and get immunotherapy the Nijhawan lab, Dr. Hsieh worked Data Sciences, Medical Director of medical records of patients with to work – in more patients. She with colleagues to develop biomarker ■ the Liver Tumor Program, and Clin- cirrhosis and stratify them based anticipates that CPRIT funding tests to determine whether E7820 may ical Chief of Hepatology at UT South- on risk. will provide new opportunities to kill blood cancers. However, because Dr. Arteaga holds The Lisa K. western. He received a $2.5 million harness the immune system to treat Immunotherapy for liver cancer E7820 induces alternative splicing, Simmons Distinguished Chair in CPRIT grant that builds on previous lung cancer patients. this drug may also be used to make Comprehensive Oncology. funding from CPRIT and the National Dr. David Hsieh, Assistant Professor cancer cells more recognizable to the Dr. Henning holds the Terry and Cancer Institute. of Internal Medicine, is studying MRI scanner for radiation immune system. Unmasking cancer Robert B. Rowling Chair. His work seeks to improve immunotherapy for liver cancer. Dr. Xun Jia, a Professor of Radia- Dr. Singal holds the David Bruton, so the immune system can see it is a screenings for liver cancer. Current He received nearly $1.5 million to tion Oncology, in collaboration with Jr. Professorship in Clinical Cancer crucial step in getting immunotherapy screening methods, including ultra- investigate whether a drug may Dr. Anke Henning, Professor of Radi- Research and is a Dedman Family to unleash its cancer-killing potential. sounds and a serum biomarker, miss enhance the effectiveness of existing ology and Director of the Advanced Scholar in Clinical Care. Dr. Hsieh collaborated with Dr. more than a third of early detec- immunotherapies for liver cancer. Imaging Research Center, received a Dr. Zhu holds the Kern Wildenthal, Hao Zhu, Associate Professor at the tions even though the ultrasounds The drug, a type of sulfonamide $250,000 grant to develop a new M.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Professorship are conducted as frequently as every called E7820, was previously tested Children's Medical Center Research MRI scanner that will help keep in Pediatric Research. six months for patients at higher risk in patients as an anti-cancer drug but Institute at UT Southwestern and of radiation focus on tumors in radio- because of cirrhosis. Patients with late- was not found to be broadly effective. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, therapy. Instead of using MRI imaging More online: Read the full story on stage detection of liver cancer have a Dr. Hsieh’s proposal that E7820 to test the drug combined with conducted days or weeks ago, the Center Times Plus at utsouthwest- median survival of less than a year, so might be able to kick-start immu- immunotherapy in animals. He said MRI Dr. Jia is developing will attach ern.edu/ctplus. early diagnosis is critical. notherapy and his work on the next his CPRIT grant will complete the to radiotherapy equipment and show Corbitt aspires to advance health in rare dual role as pediatric surgeon-scientist

By Nyshicka Jordan Dr. Natasha Corbitt describes her dual role as surgeon and scientist as a privilege. “As a pediatric surgeon, I have the opportunity to have a long-term impact on someone’s life because I’m treating patients as children. When I am operating on neonatal or premature babies, I feel lucky to be able to give them a fighting chance,” she said. “And then I can take that information into the lab and think about how I can make the life of the next patient better.” In September, Dr. Corbitt joined UT South- western as Assistant Professor of Surgery and as a pediatric surgeon at Children’s Medical Center Dr. Corbitt routinely performs surgeries for Dallas. When she Dr. Corbitt studies hepatobiliary diseases and complex pediatric wounds in the Zhu lab at the congenital pediatric disorders. completed her pedi- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern. atric surgery fellow- fited from mentors of varying backgrounds, she ship at the Univer- after her freshman year opened her eyes to a infants when the bile duct outside of the liver said there is value for minority students and sity of Michigan in career as a surgeon-scientist. She said research becomes scarred and blocked, leading to a trainees to see doctors and scientists who look July, she became the provides a different way to use her mind. buildup of bile in the liver that damages the like them. first Black female “Medicine is a lot of memorization, but organ. Approximately two-thirds of BA patients Dr. Corbitt is in a unique class in surgery, pediatric surgeon in in research there is a lot of innovation and will undergo liver transplantation before as only 16 Black women have become pediatric the United States to Dr. Natasha Corbitt creativity,” she said. reaching adulthood. surgeons in the U.S., according to a list from hold a Ph.D. Hers is in cellular and molecular “Because I love liver surgery so much, that the Society of Black Academic Surgeons and the Impactful work pathology. drew me to wanting to understand biliary atresia American Pediatric Surgical Association. As a student, Dr. Corbitt faced many critics “I have always been conscious of the rarity of better. One of the operations for biliary atresia is “Along every step of the way, I rarely saw Black women in academic surgery. It’s very easy who questioned her ability to successfully a Kasai portoenterostomy, which doesn’t always anyone who looked like me who did the job I to recognize that I’m the only one who looks like pursue such a challenging path, but a research work, and many times children will still need a wanted to do. Initially I found that discouraging. I do in a lot of different spaces, but I never set out fellowship focused on vaccines she completed liver transplant. So it’s an operation that leaves But later it motivated me because I felt I owed it to be the first of anything,” she said. at the University of Pennsylvania solidified her me wanting to do more for children and their to kids to show them that someone who looks Early on, Dr. Corbitt learned to tackle the passion to become a physician-scientist. Today, families,” she said. like them could do this work,” she said. unfamiliar. She became the first in her family she said her clinical and research sides are never Dr. Corbitt, who hopes to have her own “I do feel an obligation to help aspiring to graduate from college after completing high not working together. She routinely performs lab one day, said coming to UTSW affords her doctors get to wherever they want to go. My school at age 16 and entering Howard Univer- surgeries for congenital pediatric disorders. The access to valuable resources to help her grow as goal is to make it less painful to go through sity on a full academic scholarship. She grew up smallest child that Dr. Corbitt has operated on a scientist. this process if this is what they choose for their in Atlantic County, New Jersey, and her family weighed just 500 grams at 24 weeks old, while “I think it is important being in a cultivating future and to be a resource and support system members primarily worked in the casino busi- the oldest have been patients in their 20s. environment with access to state-of-the-art for underrepresented minority students and ness. As a preteen, she watched her brother At UTSW, Dr. Corbitt conducts research in facilities and some of the brightest minds in the residents,” Dr. Corbitt added. survive a severe illness, which influenced her to the lab of Dr. Hao Zhu at the Children’s Medical country. So I couldn’t think of any other place to become a doctor. Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern, be,” she said. “Coming here is a unique opportu- ■ “My family spent so much time at the hospital studying hepatobiliary diseases and complex nity, to be able to bridge the research bench to Dr. Zhu, Associate Professor of Internal Medi- and that’s what really inspired me to want to pediatric wounds. the bedside and to really do impactful work that cine and Pediatrics, holds the Kern Wildenthal, be a doctor – watching the team of people that “My main research goal is to understand why I think is difficult to do in some other places.” M.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Professorship of Pedi- took care of my brother,” she said. “So after that, kids get biliary atresia, which is the No. 1 reason atric Research. even though I hadn’t come from this legacy of that kids end up needing a liver transplant. And A better path for others doctors, I just focused on what steps I needed to that isn’t ideal because of how long the liver then The surgeon-scientist said she also made take to get where I wanted to go.” needs to last when transplanted at a young age,” a conscious decision to work at an academic More online: Read the full story on Center Although Dr. Corbitt entered college focused Dr. Corbitt said. medical center because of the exposure to Times Plus at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus. on becoming a physician, a research internship Biliary atresia (BA) occurs in neonates and students and trainees. Although she has bene- Page 4 November 2020

FOCUS: COVID-19 CRISIS Overweight and obese younger people at greater risk for severe COVID-19 Those under age 50 are more likely to be hospitalized, need a ventilator, and die from COVID-19 if they’re severely obese under hospitalized for COVID-19, By Carol Marie Cropper the researchers found that the vast eing younger doesn’t majority – 85 percent – were either protect against the dangers overweight or obese. That compares of COVID-19 if you are with 54 percent of patients over age 70, overweight, according to a new making weight more of a risk marker Bstudy from UT Southwestern. While all for the younger group. Among patients adults who are overweight or obese are 50 and under, those with severe obesity at greater risk for serious complications had a 36 percent greater risk of dying, from the disease, the link is strongest compared with normal weight indi- for those age 50 and under. viduals, the study found. Overall, adult More than 42 percent of American patients with severe obesity had a 26 adults are now obese, according to percent higher risk of dying. the Centers for Disease Control and Evaluating all adult patients, the Prevention, and another 30 percent or risk of being sick enough to require a so are overweight. Being overweight is ventilator rose in lock-step as weight defined as having a BMI (Body Mass increased from overweight to Class III Index) of 25-29, while those with a obesity, according to the study. The risk BMI of 30 or above are said to be obese. of death also rose for those who had “If you’re young and obese, you’re Class III obesity. still at high risk despite your age,” “There is a greater proportion of said Dr. Justin Grodin, M.D., Assistant obese people among those hospital- Professor of Internal Medicine and ized for COVID-19,” Dr. Grodin said, senior author of the study published “and obese patients are at higher risk for recently in Circulation. (In the study, Above diagram illustrates the hazard and odds ratios for in-hospital death and mechanical ventilation, respectively, complications.” young is defined as age 50 or younger.) by World Health Organization Obesity Class. Class III obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) was associated with a significantly In addition to greater risk for death “In general, obese individuals are higher risk of in-hospital death. Overweight and Classes I-III obesity were associated with a significantly higher risk and the need for ventilation, higher more likely to be hospitalized with of mechanical ventilation. BMI also was linked to the need for COVID-19 than normal weight indi- severe category of obesity, called Class worse outcomes for COVID-19, such as other risk factors, he added. kidney dialysis and the development viduals,” added Dr. Nicholas Hendren, III and defined as having a BMI of 40 hypertension and diabetes, according The Circulation study analyzed of blood clots in deep veins and the UTSW chief cardiology fellow and first or higher, should be considered high to the study. Secondly, the SARS-CoV-2 data from more than 7,600 patients lungs, according to the study. author of the study. “In the hospital, risk and may warrant prioritization for virus uses an enzyme called ACE2 to at 88 U.S. hospitals who were enrolled ■ obese individuals are at higher risk a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes enter and infect human cells, and that in the American Heart Association’s for death or the need for mechanical enzyme is abundant in fat tissue. In available, Dr. Grodin added. About 7 COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Dr. de Lemos holds the Sweetheart addition, simply having more weight ventilation to help them breathe, even percent of the adult population falls into Registry. Dr. James de Lemos, Professor Ball-Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D. on the chest may make it harder for if they are young.” this category, according to the study. of Internal Medicine, helped create Distinguished Chair in Cardiology. The study’s findings should alert While the numbers don’t explain COVID-19 patients to breathe, Dr. the registry along with volunteers and people who are overweight or obese – why obesity worsens outcomes for Grodin said. AHA staff. The Circulation study team including those age 50 and under who COVID-19 patients, the study Also, negative effects tied to adjusted its findings of risk to take into More online: Read the full story on may feel safe because of their age – that suggests several possibilities. obesity may be especially apparent account patients’ age, sex, race, and Center Times Plus at utsouthwest- they are at greater risk from COVID- First, obesity is associated with in younger patients because older prior health problems. ern.edu/ctplus. 19, said Dr. Grodin. Those in the most diseases that have been linked to COVID-19 patients have so many Looking at patients age 50 and

animal reservoirs into humans. SARS and MERS has a similar effect system to quickly screen hundreds of Award Continued from page 1 Humans continue to put themselves on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes different human genes to test their at risk for exposure to these viruses by COVID-19. Working with Dr. Hesham ability to limit the growth of a given the introductory paragraph of my viruses just like we do,” Dr. Schoggins encroaching on new wilderness areas Sadek, Professor of Internal Medicine, virus. The system involves marking grant proposal talked about pandemic said. “The question is: Why do bats or taking these animals out of their Biophysics, and Molecular biology, Dr. cells expressing the genes with a red viruses,” Dr. Schoggins said. “We or rodents, for example, control environments and bringing them into Schoggins identified several Food and fluorescent protein and marking cells hope to make a big impact. With this viruses that we seem to not be able to human-dense settings, Dr. Schoggins Drug Administration-approved drugs infected by the virus with a green kind of funding, you basically have control as well? We think there may said. “Add air travel to the mix, and that could affect the coronavirus’s fluorescent protein. Cells with an the freedom to really take risks and be important evolutionary differences you get a recipe for a pandemic that main protease and stop its replication. antiviral gene resist the virus and do experiments that you probably in the immunity genes between, say, can quickly spread across the globe,” In related research, Dr. Schoggins remain red, while cells lacking an couldn’t afford otherwise.” humans and bats, cats, or dogs, or he said. is looking into IFI6 as an antiviral antiviral gene are overrun by the virus Dr. Schoggins said he will use the cows, or pigs – whatever it is.” Dr. Schoggins has already produced gene capable of targeting flaviviruses and turn green. The cells can then be money to buy equipment and add The viruses that Dr. Schoggins COVID-19-related research, showing that cause West Nile disease and fed through a flow cytometer, where more researchers to his lab. will study are zoonotic, meaning how the LY6E gene that inhibits Zika syndrome, the latter of which a laser beam can be used to analyze “All the animals in the world get they can move from their normal infection from coronaviruses such as can cause severe brain deformities in hundreds of red- and green-colored babies born to infected women. cells per second, Dr. Schoggins said. His first-author report describing Dissecting viral genetics the new screening system was published Dr. Schoggins, whose love for in Nature in 2011. “People have now research started in college with a job used this screening technique to do washing laboratory dishes and refilling lots of different things,” Dr. Schoggins pipette tip boxes, was born in West said. “Using older techniques, such Texas, then grew up in Corpus Christi. screens would take forever.” After earning his Ph.D. from This is not the first time Dr. Cornell University Medical College Schoggins has been recognized by the (now Weill Cornell Medicine), he NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research entered a postdoctoral fellowship at program. In 2014, he received the NIH’s The Rockefeller University, where he New Innovator Award, designed to studied under the respected virologist support “unusually innovative research Dr. Charles M. Rice, who was awarded from early career investigators.” That the Nobel Prize in Physiology or award came with a $300,000 annual Medicine in October for his research grant over five years. Dr. Schoggins contributing to the discovery of has also won the Burroughs Wellcome hepatitis C. Fund’s Investigators in Pathogenesis While at The Rockefeller Univer- of Infectious Disease award and was sity, Dr. Schoggins developed a named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar. Dr. Schoggins is the second UT Southwestern researcher to win an NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (grant #DP1AI158124). Dr. Steven L. McKnight, Professor of Biochemistry, received a Pioneer Award in 2004, the first year it was awarded.

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Dr. McKnight holds the Distin- guished Chair in Basic Biomed- ical Research. Dr. Sadek holds the J. Fred Schoellkopf, Jr. Chair in Cardiology. Dr. Schoggins is a Nancy Cain and Research this year by Dr. Schoggins and his lab colleagues showed that the LY6E gene inhibits infection from a variety of Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in Medical coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Research, in Honor of Dr. Bill S. Vowell. November 2020 Page 5

FOCUS: COVID-19 CRISIS COVID-19 clinical trials expand for hospitalized patients and outpatients 100 sites enrolled more than 1,000 ment, as our understanding of approved drugs that might stop the individuals who are showing symp- By Patrick Wascovich patients – including 28 enrolled by Dr. the pathophysiology of COVID-19 replication of SARS-CoV-2. toms and have a household member T Southwestern continues Mamta Jain’s team at UT Southwestern increases it has helped shape new ther- Dr. Schoggins expeditiously pivoted diagnosed with COVID-19 over the to expand the number of – that took part in the National Insti- apies to further improve outcomes,” research on how the protein LY6E age of 40 can enroll in this at-home clinical trials testing new tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said Dr. Jain, a Professor of Internal inhibited infection from coronavi- clinical trial. Once enrolled, the medi- treatments for COVID-19, (NIAID)-sponsored investigation that Medicine. “Baricitinib is an immuno- ruses such as SARS (severe acute respi- cine or placebo is delivered directly Uincluding some newer investigations launched in May. modulator, which is thought to work ratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle to participants’ homes at no cost, now offered to outpatients. Based on the ACTT-2 data, Eli on the inflammatory component of East respiratory syndrome) to confirm and participants have the support of As of late September, UT South- Lilly and Co. plans to discuss the the disease.” that the protein has a similar effect on a dedicated health care team 24/7 for western had enrolled approximately potential for emergency use autho- Dr. Trushil Shah, an Assistant SARS-CoV-2. Researchers then focused any questions. 280 patients in 11 clinical trials – rization with the Food and Drug Professor of Internal Medicine, is on more than two dozen agents that The Regeneron 2067 trial, mean- mostly studies involving medical Administration (FDA) and to explore leading a study to assess the safety, could affect the coronavirus’s main while, provides adult COVID-19 outpa- centers nationwide. By mid-November, similar measures with other regu- tolerability, and efficacy of two anti- protease, an enzyme involved in repli- tients monoclonal antibodies, similar another seven investigations had been latory agencies for baricitinib as a spike monoclonal antibodies to treat cation of the virus, settling on atova- to those found in plasma from patients opened at UTSW. The local efforts treatment of hospitalized patients COVID-19 patients. Regeneron’s first quone as the most promising choice. who have recovered from COVID-19. feed incremental results into nation- with COVID-19. ACTT-2 built upon clinical trial of REGN-COV2, its investiga- Associate Professor of Internal Led by Dr. Satish Mocherla, Assistant wide databases that advance scientific an earlier remdesivir-specific trial tional dual antibody cocktail for the Medicine Dr. Raksha Jain, meanwhile, Professor of Internal Medicine, this knowledge and strategies in the fight UTSW participated in that helped prevention and treatment of COVID- is the local Principal Investigator for randomized trial involves three tracks against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that hospitalized patients here and else- 19, will ultimately consist of four a rapidly expanding trial sponsored – administration of the study drug at a causes COVID-19. where recover more quickly versus separate study populations: hospital- by Genentech evaluating the safety lower dose, a higher dose, or a placebo For example, initial national data supportive standard care – 11 days on ized COVID-19 patients, nonhospital- and efficacy of two investigational in a single intravenous infusion of the released in mid-September from aggregate average compared with 15 ized symptomatic COVID-19 patients, drugs, MSTT1041A (anti-ST2) and medicine followed by nasal swabs and the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial – suggesting the drug could become uninfected people at high risk of expo- UTTR1147A (IL-22-Fc), for 300 blood draws over the next two weeks (ACTT-2) has shown that barici- the first effective treatment. On May sure, and uninfected people with close patients nationwide with severe to see if this drug helps clear the virus. tinib – normally used to treat rheu- 1, the FDA authorized emergency use exposure to a COVID-19 patient (such COVID-19 pneumonia. Testing is matoid arthritis – plus remdesivir of the drug for COVID-19 patients. as the patient’s housemate). UTSW has aimed at targeting the inflammatory ■ reduces recovery time for hospital- “Although remdesivir was the participants enrolled both in hospital- pathways involved in COVID-19. ized patients. In all, approximately starting point for COVID-19 treat- ized and nonhospitalized groups. Dr. Raksha Jain is a Dedman Family REGN-COV2 made the news in Clinical trials hit home Scholar in Clinical Care. October, as Regeneron confirmed that COVID-19 patients who are now Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip President Donald Trump received the home recovering or whose symptoms O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. cocktail under a “compassionate use” never required hospitalization also Distinguished Presidential Chair in request by the President’s physicians at have opportunities to participate Academic Administration, and the Walter Reed National Military Medical through an outpatient COVID-19 trial Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distin- Center after he was diagnosed with unit at the Paul M. Bass Administrative guished Chair in Medical Science. COVID-19. Subsequent success in other and Clinical Center. Dr. Sadek, a Professor of Internal patients across the country resulted One of those studies is the inter- Medicine, Molecular Biology, and in the cocktail’s FDA emergency use national ColCorona trial to evaluate of Biophysics, holds the J. Fred approval on Nov. 21. colchicine, an approved drug to treat Schoellkopf, Jr. Chair in Cardiology. Another significant clinical gout. The trial is examining if the Dr. Schoggins, an Associate trial has been launched based upon drug – given in pill form – decreases Professor of Microbiology, is a Nancy UTSW’s own research. In midsummer, the incidence of the hyperimmune Cain and Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in UT Southwestern launched a clinical reaction seen in some COVID-19 Medical Research, in Honor of Dr. Bill trial to test atovaquone, a treatment with patients. UTSW recently became the S. Vowell. a long history for treating infectious first institution in Dallas to partici- diseases that affect the lungs. It was pate in this study, which is led by Dr. For more information on these clini- Health care workers in the COVID-19 unit at William P. Clements Jr. University selected based on research by Drs. John Jessica Meisner, Assistant Professor of cal trials, go to utsouthwestern.edu/ Hospital discuss cases for the week, including those of patients taking part in Schoggins and Hesham Sadek following Internal Medicine. covid-19/researchers/projects.html. UTSW clinical trials. computational studies to identify FDA- Recently diagnosed patients or Virtual reality: Engaging students with an unconventional orientation ciated the scope, detail, and care provided by graduate of Case Western Reserve University, said know us, and most importantly, get to know By Patrick Wascovich UTSW faculty, staff, and fellow students. he appreciated the variety of events that were put each other,” said Dr. Barker, Associate Dean In February, academic leaders at UT South- “The most important aspect of orientation for together. “So while there was a lot of information for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of western began to heed troubling reports me was the tone of encouragement, support, and given during the orientation week, I felt that it Internal Medicine. “Dr. Sulistio did a fantastic about the spread of COVID-19 and its impact. positivity that was established through all the was balanced with breaks and changes of pace in job of creating ways to help them interact with Proactively, they prepped for a seismic shift that sessions,” said Lillian Carter, an Argyle native different activities,” said Mr. Bosh, co-President each other, albeit virtually, while also balancing resulted in the Medical School Class of 2024 and Baylor University graduate who has been of the Class of 2024. the risk of ‘Zoom fatigue.’” being welcomed through a virtual-reality style of elected co-President of the Class of 2024. The students also stressed the importance Dr. Wiles, Assistant Dean for Student and summer orientation. First-year student Molly Schlamp of Southlake of hearing from other peers, like Courtney Resident Mental Health and Wellness, said “Orientation looked and felt a lot different got an early peek by participating in February’s Newman, who is in her second year and on the he looks forward to the day when they can be this year,” said Dr. Melanie S. Sulistio, Associate pre-pandemic live MS0 welcoming event. The M.D./M.P.H. track offered through the Medical together in person. Dean of Student Affairs at the Medical School graduate of UT Austin was doubly impressed School and UTHealth School of Public Health. “Our need for interpersonal connection is and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine. during orientation. “We really wanted to communicate that the a core aspect of our human existence and can never be thrown out with the bathwater,” noted “We had to recognize that if everything was “Dr. [Shawna] Nesbitt gave a very insightful administration and older medical students are all Dr. Wiles, a Professor of Psychiatry. “When the going to be virtual, we needed to be innovative.” presentation about the Dallas community, its truly here for them,” Ms. Newman said. time comes, this class will be with each other, Normally, the weeklong August orientation demographics, the ways that socioeconomic and Faculty members such as Dr. Blake Barker and without masks and closer than 6 feet apart. This is filled with face-to-face presentations, shared sociocultural factors impact community members Dr. Preston Wiles, meanwhile, were struck by the moment will be wonderful.” meals, and plenty of in-person downtime for the differently, and how these matters will be important incoming class’s adaptability and enthusiasm, as to us as future care providers,” Ms. Schlamp said of well as with the success of an orientation cycle students to get to know their first-year colleagues, ■ culminating with an overnight immersion the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the Office forced to go virtual. camp. This year’s orientation, on the other hand, of Student Diversity and Inclusion. “The greatest challenge was creating an Dr. Wiles holds the Drs. Anne and George was preemptively pivoted with the COVID-19 Mike Bosh, another first-year student and experience during which they could get to Race Professorship of Student Psychiatry. pandemic and delivered with as much interaction as virtual learning would allow. Information was integrated with socialization, including fun More online: Read the full story on Center events like the Battle of the Golden Stethoscope Times Plus at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus. team competition. The single in-person activity focused on the students’ entry into the medical profession with a hands-on, fully-cloaked PPE small-group Basic Life Support experience in the Simulation Center. “Anytime there is a significant change, there are going to be challenges needed to be overcome,” said Dr. Christopher Faulkner, Director of Educational Technology at the Medical School and Assistant Professor of Health Care Sciences and Research. “There were many components of orientation that had to be completely rethought to ensure the incoming students were receiving the information and engagement they needed. Dr. Sulistio emphasized the goal of that week was for it to feel as lively, engaging, and informative as possible.” UTSW faculty and staff assembled welcome Despite the sheer volume of digital material boxes for each of the new medical students who presented to them, incoming students appre- Incoming Class of 2024 students involved in orientation kept up the enthusiasm while staying safe. arrived on campus at the end of summer. Page 6 November 2020 PROVIDES Program aims to increase faculty diversity and to publish in certain journals. As Diversity and Inclusion Officer, By Nyshicka Jordan So the grant mentorship is very Dr. Street has committed the last 21 o increase diversity among important because every level of years to recruiting minority students UT Southwestern’s researchers training gets more competitive,” Dr. to help create that pipeline and and faculty, leaders in the Hardeman said. travels regularly to form relationships Graduate School of Biomedical Also important is scientific mentor- with institutions that have large TSciences have instituted a new program ship. PROVIDES scholars receive URM populations. She first met that provides mentorship and other career development training that Dr. Hernandez in 2009 when she resources to early career scientists from includes their own personal scien- recruited him to participate in the minority groups underrepresented in tific advisory committee composed Graduate School’s SURF (Summer of UT Southwestern scientists in their biomedical science. Undergraduate Research Fellowship) field of study to help develop research PROVIDES (Provost’s Initiative program. Dr. Street credits such projects. They also have access to a for Diverse Emerging Scholars) seeks networking opportunities for helping PROVIDES scientific lecture series Black/African American, Hispanic/ increase minority student enrollment. that features the voices of successful Latinx, and Native American post- “I am glad that UT Southwestern and experienced minority researchers Dr. Keisha Hardeman studies a sample in the Burgess lab. Dr. Hardeman is doctoral fellows and helps put them is showing it has a grasp of how on a track to become full-time faculty from around the country and person- one of two postdoctoral researchers named scholars for the recently launched to improve diversity and is being members at UTSW. alized networking opportunities with PROVIDES Program that aims to increase racial diversity among the Graduate proactive, which is one of the reasons This summer, PROVIDES selected the visiting lecturers. School faculty. why I chose to come to UT South- its first two scholars: Dr. Genaro Mentors who look like you western,” said Dr. Hernandez, who Hernandez, who is Hispanic, and Dr. Dr. Hernandez said he’s grateful for earned his doctorate in pharmacology Keisha Hardeman, who is African the opportunity to work with mentors at UTSW in 2019. American. Both are studying diseases who can guide him on his research as While there are gains to be made that disproportionately affect Black or well as with those who are educated at the student level, current URM Hispanic populations. on the challenges of being a researcher levels in the Graduate School are “In all of our basic science research from an underrepresented minority above national averages as reported in departments, we currently have no (URM) group. Native American faculty, only three a 2018 National Science Foundation “Being that the Southwest is African American faculty, and the survey. At UTSW, Hispanics make up heavily populated with Hispanics, number of Hispanic faculty is in the 20.5 percent of the Graduate School it’s very interesting to go into a teens. We want and need to do better,” enrollment compared with an average department and not see someone who said Dr. Nancy Street, co-Director of of 10.5 percent nationwide; Black looks like you. That means there is no student Graduate School enrollment is PROVIDES and Associate Dean and one I can seek for guidance on issues Diversity and Inclusion Officer in the 8.3 percent compared with 5.3 percent related to being an underrepresented nationally; and Native American Graduate School. minority,” Dr. Hernandez said. enrollment is 0.6 percent compared Researchers say there are several Dr. Hardeman empathized with with 0.4 percent nationally. reasons why a racial diversity gap that sentiment. “I didn’t have a Black Significant growth in URM grad- continues to persist at most academic professor until I was out of undergrad uate students has occurred over the institutions nationwide in the sciences and was doing postgraduate work in Dr. Genaro Hernandez was selected as another PROVIDES scholar. Here, he past two decades. In 2000, there were – including a lack of representation at a clinical science program, which is studies data in the Tagliabracci lab. 10 URM graduate students at UTSW; in schools, failure to nurture minority sad,” she said. fellows and faculty. Therefore, UTSW Dr. DeBose-Boyd joined UTSW in students, poor cultural awareness, and “Diversity in science is important 2020, there are more than 100. In 2019, is focused on attracting candidates at 1998 as a postdoctoral fellow before financial barriers. UTSW leaders hope because we all have a different level the Graduate School matriculated 42 both levels. opening his own lab and advancing to ease these challenges through the of insight about the science we U.S. students, including 21 from URM “We have a dire need for Black to Professor. He is currently the only resources from PROVIDES. study. There’s been a long history of groups. Program directors are hopeful postdoctoral researchers, as well as Support offered by PROVIDES unethical experimentation on Black African American full Professor in the PROVIDES can be a vehicle to help people from other diverse groups. includes financial backing while people in research, and I think such Graduate School. His career ascension make similar gains among postdoctoral Before we ramp up the transition providing training in grant writing and historical and cultural perspectives is used as a model for PROVIDES to fellows and faculty. to faculty program, we’ve got to assistance with applying for competi- still matter in the lab today,” Dr. help advance its scholars. tive fellowships. Such funding is criti- Hardeman added. increase the diversity of the post- ■ cally important in helping researchers Particularly among African Ameri- doctoral population at UT South- Stepping up recruitment continue their work because one of cans, academic institutions nation- western. So, really, our first focus is Leaders said the low percentages Dr. DeBose-Boyd holds the Beatrice the factors institutions consider when wide have been afflicted by the same to increase the number of postdocs of students, postdoctoral fellows, and Miguel Elias Distinguished Chair hiring a faculty member is whether problem – while there has been a from diverse backgrounds so there are and faculty from certain minority in Biomedical Science. their research is fundable. steady increase in the percentage of candidates to pull from that popula- groups are a related problem at UTSW “I think the science ends up being Black students enrolled in graduate tion to become independent faculty and they believe that hiring more More online: Read the full story on the easier part, but other parts of the school programs in recent years, there members,” said Dr. Russell DeBose- minority faculty members will help Center Times Plus at profession are really challenging, is a heavy drop-off when it comes to Boyd, PROVIDES co-Director and with the enrollment of URM students utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus. including the pressure to get grants the percentage of Black postdoctoral Professor of Molecular Genetics. and postdoctoral fellows. UT System fellowship supports fourth-year CLASS graduate student’s infectious disease work This award is also a testament to the By Patrick Wascovich strength of science at UT Southwestern,” NOTES Cody Ruhl, a fourth-year doctoral Dr. Shiloh said. student in the Biological Chemistry The fellowships were established by Graduate Program at UT Southwestern, former Regent Jess Hay, a Dallas financial IN MEMORIAM has been selected to receive a Jess Hay executive who passed away in 2015. Chancellor’s Graduate Student Research Mr. Hay was an advocate and visionary Medical School Fellowship award from the UT System leader for the UT System, serving from Robert A. “Bob” Dennison Jr., M.D. (’53) for 2020-2021. 1977 to 1989 as a member of the Board of James W. Cottingham, M.D. (’62) Mr. Ruhl is pursuing his dissertation Regents and for 2½ years as its Chairman. Charles O. Walker, M.D. (’63) research in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Mr. Ruhl spent two years working Sandra Jan Drewry, M.D. (’65) Shiloh, Associate Professor of Internal in an infectious disease drug discovery Laurel “Robin” Jones, M.D. (’87) Medicine and Microbiology. Dr. Shiloh lab at Texas A&M University, where he is an infectious disease specialist who majored in biochemistry. His graduate Housestaff focuses on tuberculosis, which kills work at UTSW will continue for at least Thorbjorg Sigurdson, M.D. (Neurology) about 1.5 million people worldwide another year, after which he plans to each year. pursue a postdoc position at a drug The Hay Research Fellowships are discovery/drug design lab that has an Graduate School designed to tie graduate education emphasis on structural biology. Class of 2008: Paul W. Denton, Ph.D., who joined the biology faculty to timely and high-quality research. “I have been interested in drug design at the University of Nebraska at Omaha last year, is currently Two annual $15,000 fellowships rotate Cody Ruhl plans to use the fellowship for a long time now,” Mr. Ruhl said. “I researching immunotherapies into oncology treatments as a among 12 applicable UT institutions, award to further his research into the cause truly love the excitement of making new major contributing factor to improved patient outcomes. He also of cough during tuberculosis infection. benefiting both an academic and health discoveries and being able to help the teaches freshman chemistry, biology, and advanced research institution each year. that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium scientific community better understand immunology. Before that, he conducted clinical trials at the “I feel incredibly honored to have tuberculosis, that triggers coughing and the complex systems going on around all Aarhus University Infectious Diseases Department in Aarhus, received the Jess Hay Fellowship knowing that this mechanism is likely responsible of us every day.” Denmark. His studies have been focused on understanding the the amount of great research being done for the very high rate of transmission of impact of immunotherapies on immunity as well as diseased throughout the UT system,” Mr. Ruhl Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further- ■ cell persistence in HIV-positive individuals. said. “This support will help continue more, Dr. Shiloh said, the principles our lab’s research on the transmission uncovered by Mr. Ruhl’s work have the Dr. Shiloh holds the Professorship in For the latest updates on alumni events and news, visit engage. biology of airborne infectious diseases, potential to affect studies of cough and Infectious Diseases, in honor of James P. utsouthwestern.edu/alumni and follow @utswalumni on Facebook. which seems more important than ever transmission of other pathogens such Luby, M.D. Please send your Class Notes contributions or address during this pandemic.” as coronavirus, measles, influenza, and changes to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, His research project relates to the whooping cough. More online: Read the full story on UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., cause of cough during tuberculosis infec- “I am thrilled that Cody is being Center Times Plus at utsouthwestern. Dallas, TX 75390-9009, email [email protected], or tion. He identified a molecule called recognized for his hard work and edu/ctplus. call 214-648-4539. sulfolipid-1 produced by the bacteria creativity during his graduate studies. November 2020 Page 7 Russell Poole takes reins as new Chief Information Officer Mr. Poole, who started at UTSW from supporting upwards of 3,000 that drives performance and account- By Courtney Borchert on Oct. 1, is excited about the oppor- people remotely at one time to about ability,” said Mr. Poole, who earned ussell Poole, who led his tunity to empower employees while 32,000 faculty, staff, and students,” both an MBA and Bachelor of Science former employer’s IT organiza- driving business innovation. For the Mr. Poole said. The sudden, large-scale in mechanical engineering at the tion through rapid transition last nine years, he held the position shift to remote working resulted in University of Florida. as COVID-19 spread across the of Associate Vice Chancellor for the many challenges that required infra- Before working at the University of Rcountry earlier this year, has joined Office of Information Technology at structure engineers to work overtime Colorado, Mr. Poole served as Director UT Southwestern as its new Chief the University of Colorado Anschutz to ensure continuity of operations as of the Technology Services Organiza- Information Officer. Medical Campus. He was responsible the plan was executed in a matter of tion and Facilities in the College of As CIO, his responsibilities for the campus’s academic IT infra- days. “Believe it or not, it went quite Computing at the Georgia Institute of include providing strategic leader- structure and coordination of tech- smoothly,” he said. “We built the orga- Technology. ship over the institution’s infor- nology services across five affiliate nization to be able to handle this.” Continuing to advance digital mation technology and computer hospitals providing clinical care in His strategy is to build IT organi- transformation efforts that the systems. Additionally, he works in Denver and throughout Colorado. zations based on professional develop- pandemic has accelerated is a priority close collaboration with clinical, In March, Mr. Poole implemented ment of people in both management for Mr. Poole as he looks to the future. academic, research, and administra- a nimble IT strategy, which helped the and technology roles. “People are going to continue tive leadership teams to oversee the University of Colorado campus forge “I have found that having the to want their services anytime, design, implementation, and support ahead with digital transformations for appropriate leadership framework and anywhere,” he said. “And we have to of the University’s information tech- an uncertain future. development programs in place that anticipate the needs and desires of our nology strategic planning initiatives “If you want to test the mettle of make space for mentoring and formal constituents while bringing personal- Russell Poole, UT Southwestern’s new and projects. your team, have them turn on a dime, training help create a positive culture ized solutions to bear much quicker.” Chief Information Officer

cate well. I was like, ‘Wow, this is one big basket- Student Continued from page 1 ball team. I’ve been doing this my whole life.’” Growing up in Cypress, near Houston, sisters, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, are Erica started playing basketball as a preteen WNBA players for the Los Angeles Sparks. alongside her third oldest sister, Olivia, who As the initial excitement settled, Erica now is now working toward her MBA at Rice. The had a unique decision to make – choosing two youngest Ogwumike daughters were first between medical school, which she had been influenced by big sisters Nneka and Chiney, working toward since her sophomore year of who started the family tradition in the sport. college, or joining her sisters as a professional Once in high basketball player. school, Erica said it She hadn’t committed to any medical became important school yet, so she had to break the draft news to for her to be good the admissions committees at the schools she at the sport so she was considering. She said UTSW made doing could earn a college so easy. scholarship as her “UT Southwestern was so supportive. They siblings had done. were the first school to congratulate me on Nneka and Chiney getting into the WNBA, encouraged me to were teammates at consider my options, and they were like, ‘We’re Stanford Univer- going to work it out.’ So I knew this was the sity, while Erica and place for me,” she said. Olivia were team- mates at Rice. Owning a seat at the table “Our love of Erica Ogwumike, a star Erica Ogwumike poses with her family and trophy after winning the 2020 Women’s Basketball While it was always her intention to go to basketball came basketball player at Rice Championship for Rice University. medical school, after being drafted Erica said from us doing it University, was named seat at the table at organizations that have “I’ve always had a dream to play for the she still wanted to know if she could make the as sisters. I think Conference USA Player traditionally left out people who look like me. Nigerian national team one day, so the timing Lynx’s roster. A typical WNBA season runs we felt like our of the Year twice. Cour- I also want to help amplify the voices of people of this opportunity worked out well with from late spring to late summer, so potentially best selves doing tesy of Rice Athletics she could have competed for one season before who have made it their life’s mission to correct medical school, which remains my No. 1 it, and we’ve been able to use it as a plat- priority,” she said. “It will be hard to balance beginning her first year of medical school. racial disparities in medicine and elsewhere.” form to become more versatile human be- both, but I intend to stay in shape and continue But the COVID-19 pandemic delayed training ings,” Erica said. Olympic dreams my workouts with the goal to compete next camp and the 2020 season. Essentially, that As a Black woman and aspiring physician, Erica, a self-described extrovert, said she likes summer.” made the decision of opting out of the WNBA Erica hopes to use her career to improve racial to keep busy. As an undergrad she triple-majored Meanwhile, as she continues her journey for her. disparities in health care. She is considering in health science, policy studies, and Spanish. toward becoming a doctor, Erica said she hopes Now as she trains for a much different dermatology or sports medicine as a specialty her experiences can provide inspiration to Despite the new challenges of a medical professional future, Erica said the years spent and also wants to earn an MBA through others who aspire to take on the challenge of school education, she remains committed training as a basketball player helped affirm UTSW’s M.D./MBA program, a joint effort with medical school. to finding a way to balance all her passions, her choice. In college, she shadowed doctors UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of “If I am one small example to other athletes at Texas Medical Center and discovered some Management. While at Rice, she interned in including basketball. Erica has been invited to who don’t know if they can balance school parallels between sports and medicine. the President’s office and developed an interest try out for the Nigerian national team, which and sports, women or kids who look like me, “I think I just love the multidimensionality in executive leadership as well. will compete in the postponed 2021 Summer or maybe as someone who has entered medical of medicine. When I shadowed doctors, I saw “I am hoping that an MBA will help me Olympics in Tokyo. While she was born in school in an unconventional way, that would how they are involved in policy, education, figure out how to incorporate those skills Texas, Erica is eligible to join the team since her really be an accomplishment to me.” correcting health disparities, and improving as a doctor,” she said. “After everything parents are natives of Nigeria. social issues – all these things I want to do. And that’s happened this year, I have become Since starting medical school, she has More online: Read the full story on Center they all have to work together and with other super passionate about wanting to become continued 5 a.m. workouts and trains with a Times Plus at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus. professionals as a team and have to communi- credentialed in many areas and own a WNBA trainer up to twice a week.

the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclu- To reach the next generation of health care INSIGHT Continued from page 1 sion, chaired by Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, Presi- professionals, UT Southwestern offers a five-week dent of UTSW. The Council, composed of senior Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure On campus, UT Southwestern offers employee Islander, African American, Hispanic/Latino, leadership and executives, supports strategies Program (HPREP) that introduces DFW-area high business resource groups for various popula- veteran, and LGBTQ faculty and staff. that foster a diverse and inclusive institutional school minority students to careers in science and tions including women and allies, Asian/Pacific One of UT Southwestern’s top initiatives is culture for staff, faculty, and students. medicine. Recently, HPREP and another UT South- UT Southwestern’s Offices of Student Diver- western program, Science Teacher Access to sity & Inclusion and Faculty Diversity & Develop- Resources at Southwestern (STARS), were recog- ment are responsible for recruiting and retaining nized by INSIGHT Into Diversity with 2020 top students and faculty to campus, while also Inspiring Programs in STEM Awards. STARS focuses implementing strategies to promote the growth on improving science education in North Texas. and presence of women and underrepresented INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine will feature minorities. The Office of Institutional Equity UT Southwestern in its December 2020 issue & Access advances a diverse, equitable, and alongside other Health Professions HEED Award supportive campus culture for staff and visitors. institutions that include The Ohio State Univer- Supporting these efforts is UTSW’s long- sity College of Medicine, the Duke University standing commitment to invest in the next School of Nursing, the Johns Hopkins School of generation of physicians and scientists through Nursing, the University of California, Riverside internship programs that provide students hands- School of Medicine, and the Vanderbilt Univer- on experience. Since 1993, UT Southwestern has sity School of Nursing. been a collaborating partner in the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program, an internship ■ program sponsored by state Sen. Royce West and named in honor of the renowned African Amer- Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan ican physician and educational advocate from Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presiden- Dallas. The program helps UT Southwestern hire tial Chair in Academic Administration, and the historically underrepresented minority college Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair students each summer to explore careers in the in Medical Science. sciences and health professions. Page 8 November 2020

UT Southwestern celebrates 3,000th organ transplant UT Southwestern Transplant Program: By the Numbers 1988 First heart transplant and all other support personnel who He added that in the United States, From Staff Reports have collaborated to make these there is still a significant deficit 1990 First lung transplant ome milestones just need to be programs the best they can be,” said Dr. of donor organs for the more than 2007 First kidney transplant celebrated. This summer, the Ring, who came to UTSW in 1987 as 110,000 patients currently on the 2007 First liver transplant UT Southwestern Transplant Chair of the Division (now Department) United Network for Organ Sharing Program surpassed 3,000 trans- of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (UNOS) waitlist, despite nine consecu- 2019 First living-donor liver transplant Splant surgeries. to direct the residency program and tive years of record-breaking trans- #1 in North Texas for total transplants in 2020* The accomplishment occurred 32 develop the UTSW Heart Transplant plant volumes. #3 in Texas for total transplants in 2020* years and one day after the program’s programs at St. Paul and Children’s “Transplant is a team sport and our first heart transplant was performed at Medical Center. multidisciplinary teams have cared for #20 in U.S. for total transplants in 2020* then-St. Paul Hospital by Dr. W Steves Scott Bennett, Associate Vice Presi- these patients through all phases of the 719 Total heart transplants Ring, Professor of Cardiovascular & dent, Solid Organ Transplant, reflected transplant journey to promote not only Thoracic Surgery. Since then, the UTSW on the milestone. successful transplants, but exceptional 864 Total lung transplants Transplant Program has grown and “Three thousand lives were saved outcomes,” Mr. Bennett added. “It truly 10 Total heart/lung transplants gained a reputation for innovations or forever changed by these transplants, takes a village to support and maintain 886 Total kidney transplants and outcomes that are among the best made possible as a result of the heroic each one of these patients.” in the country. gifts of the donors and their families,” In early October, members of the 3,000 Total transplants as of June 28, 2020 “The tremendous success of all Mr. Bennett said. “Let us remember Transplant Program team received 3,102 Total transplants as of Sept. 30, 2020 these programs has been due to the St. them and the patients who may not celebratory T-shirts to mark the occa- 450 Projected number of transplants in 2020 Paul and UT Southwestern physicians, have been fortunate enough to receive sion that read, “The Gift of Life: Trans- administrators, coordinators, nurses, a transplant.” plant Team.” * As of Aug. 31, 2020

Chen honored with 2020 Coley by this award in honor of Dr. William ained elusive until 2012, when the including Dr. Bruce Beutler, Director NEWS Award Coley, who is widely regarded as Chen lab at UTSW discovered the of the Center for the Genetics of the father of cancer immunology. enzyme cGAS and showed that Host Defense and Professor of Dr. Zhijian “James” Chen, Previous award recipients are giants it recognizes DNA and triggers a Immunology, have gone on to receive Professor of Molecular Biology and in immunology,” said Dr. Chen, the Nobel Prize. MAKER Director of the Center for Inflam- cascade of immune reactions. Subse- also a member in the Center for The Cancer Research Institute mation Research, has been honored quent studies found that cGAS also the Genetics of Host Defense and a with another award for his role in recognizes tumor DNA and is impor- presented the Coley Award at a virtual Howard Hughes Medical Institute discovering a pathway now being tant for anti-tumor immunity. gala Sept. 29. Dr. Chen’s research Investigator. Dr. Chen won the 2019 used in the fight against cancer. “We are continuing to dissect the is supported in part by the Cancer Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences Dr. Chen is one of five scientists cGAS-STING pathway at the molec- Prevention and Research Institute of for his 2012 discovery of cGAS. receiving the Cancer Research ular level, with the goal of harnessing Texas. While DNA is best known for its Institute’s 2020 William B. Coley this pathway to improve thera- function as the carrier of the genetic Award for Distinguished Research pies for human diseases including ■ in Basic and Tumor Immunology code, it also plays a lesser-known cancer, autoimmune and infectious for their individual contributions to role in immunology – triggering diseases,” he said. Dr. Beutler, a Regental Professor, the discovery and characterization immune responses. Present in most Established in 1975 in honor of the holds the Raymond and Ellen Willie of the cGAS-STING pathway, an pathogens, DNA serves as a sign cancer immunotherapy pioneer, the Distinguished Chair in Cancer important component of the innate of infection and is sensed by the Coley Award is given to one or more Research, in Honor of Laverne and immune system that is now being immune system, which launches a scientists for seminal discoveries in Raymond Willie, Sr. used in the development of novel defense response to infections, Dr. the fields of basic immunology and Dr. Chen holds the George L. immunotherapies against cancer. Chen said. tumor immunology. Several previous MacGregor Distinguished Chair in Dr. Zhijian “James” Chen “I am humbled to be recognized However, the DNA sensor rem- recipients of the Coley Award, Biomedical Science.

cells – a key to their growth and a pivotal part of NAM Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 the pathology they cause. Research “Election to the prestigious National In the second study, the researchers used RNAi Academy of Medicine recognizes the because there is no monetary incentive to do so. to sort out the function of about 20 percent of S. pioneering contributions which Dr. Consequently, relatively few studies have been mansoni’s protein coding genes – 2,216 in total. DeBerardinis has made to science and devoted to understanding schistosomes’ basic Previously, only a handful of genes in these organ- research in pediatric genetics, oncology, and biology, which might reveal inherent weaknesses isms had been assessed. metabolism,” said UT Southwestern Presi- that could serve as targets for new drugs. By deactivating the genes one by one, Dr. dent Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, who is also a To that end, Dr. Collins and his colleagues Collins and his colleagues identified more than NAM member. “This important distinction embarked upon two separate studies – one at the 250 genes crucial for survival. Using a database reflects the quality of research underway at cellular level and another at the molecular level – of pharmacological compounds, the researchers the Children’s Medical Research Institute at to better understand these organisms. then searched for drugs that had the poten- UT Southwestern and we are grateful for Dr. In the first study, the researchers delved into tial to act on proteins produced by these genes, the cell types that make up these flatworms. identifying several compounds with activity on DeBerardinis’ leadership and visionary Although the worms are multicellular organ- worms. The team also uncovered two protein approach to cancer research.” isms composed of a variety of unique tissue kinases – a group of proteins renowned for their “Dr. DeBerardinis is a distinguished types, researchers knew little about the different ability to be targeted by drugs – that are essen- physician, scientist, and visionary who is cell populations in these parasites. tial for muscle function. When these kinases most deserving of being elected as a member With a goal to create an atlas of cell types in were inhibited, the worms became paralyzed and of the National Academy of Medicine,” Schistosoma mansoni – one of the schistosome eventually died, suggesting that drugs targeting said Christopher J. Durovich, President species that commonly causes schistosomiasis – these proteins could eventually treat people with and Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Dr. Collins and his team used a technique called schistosomiasis. A next step in the research will Health. “Dr. DeBerardinis’ recognition single-cell RNA sequencing that distinguishes be to search for inhibitors of these proteins. as an HHMI investigator and an elected Dr. Ralph DeBerardinis individual cell types based on their unique gene Dr. Collins noted that these strides in under- member of the Association of American Current NAM members at UT South- expression patterns. With this method, they standing the basic biology of schistosomes could Physicians as well as his election to NAM western and the year of their induction identified 68 molecularly unique clusters of cells, eventually lead to new treatments to save untold exemplify his extraordinary contributions are: Dr. Morrison, Ph.D. (2018), Joseph including a population of stem cells that form lives in places where schistosomiasis is endemic. to science and research in pediatric genetics, Takahashi, Ph.D. (2014), Dr. Podolsky, M.D. the gut. When the researchers used a targeted “This is a very important disease that most oncology, and metabolism. We are proud of (2009), Bruce Beutler, M.D. (2008), Luis approach called RNA interference (RNAi) to shut people have never heard of,” he said. “We need to his commitment to advance knowledge and Parada, Ph.D. (2007), Ellen Vitetta, Ph.D. down the activation of a key gene in these cells, invest and invigorate research on these parasites.” bring research to the bedside to find cures (2006), Steven McKnight, Ph.D. (2005), the resulting worms couldn’t digest red blood The first study was supported by grants for our most vulnerable patients.” Helen Hobbs, M.D. (2004), Eric Olson, from the National Institutes of Health Dr. DeBerardinis earned his medical Ph.D. (2001), Norman Gant, M.D. (2001), (R01 R01AI121037, R01 R01AI150715, R21 and doctorate degrees from the University Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D. (1999), Carol R21AI133393, and F30 1F30AI131509-01A1), of Pennsylvania. At the Children’s Hospital Tamminga, M.D. (1998), Scott Grundy, The Welch Foundation (I-1948-20180324 and of Philadelphia (CHOP), he became the M.D., Ph.D. (1995), Jean Wilson, M.D. I-1936-20170325), the National Science Founda- first trainee in the combined residency (1994), Michael Brown, M.D. (1987), and tion (MCB1553334), the Burroughs Wellcome program in pediatrics and medical Joseph Goldstein, M.D. (1987). Fund, the Wellcome Trust (107475/Z/15/Z), genetics and received several awards for and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation teaching and clinical care. From 2004 ■ (OPP1171488). to 2007, Dr. DeBerardinis completed his The second study was supported by grants from postdoctoral research in the laboratory Dr. DeBerardinis holds the Joel B. the National Institutes of Health (R01AI121037), of Craig B. Thompson, M.D., in the Penn Steinberg, M.D. Chair in Pediatrics, and is a The Welch Foundation (I-1948-20180324), the Cancer Center. Dr. DeBerardinis joined the Sowell Family Scholar in Medical Research. Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and the Wellcome UT Southwestern faculty in 2008 and the At CRI, he is the Robert L. Moody, Sr., Trust (107475/Z/15/Z and 206194). CRI shortly after its founding in 2012. Faculty Scholar. He was elected into the Association of Dr. Morrison holds the Kathryne and ■ American Physicians in 2020. Gene Bishop Distinguished Chair in Pediatric At CRI, Dr. DeBerardinis is Director Research at Children’s Research Institute at Dr. Collins is a Rita C. and William P. Clements, of the Genetic and Metabolic Disease UT Southwestern and the Mary McDermott Jr. Scholar in Biomedical Research. Two studies by Dr. Collins and colleagues reveal Program (GMDP). He is also affiliated Cook Chair in Pediatric Genetics. potential vulnerabilities of a parasitic flatworm, with the Eugene McDermott Center for Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan findings that could open the door to development More online: Read the full story on Center Human Growth and Development/Center Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presi- of new treatments for a disease that kills up to Times Plus at utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus. for Human Genetics and the Harold C. dential Chair in Academic Administration, 250,000 people a year. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distin- both at UT Southwestern. guished Chair in Medical Science.