The Rockefeller University » Support Our Science

THE Rockefeller university

NEWS FOR BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY • FALL 2008

ROCKEFELLER RECRUITS GROUNDBREAKING CLINICAL RESEARCHER NEW LAB HEAD CHALLENGES ESTABLISHED VIEWS ABOUT INFECTIOUS DISEASES

ean-Laurent Casanova, an eminent scientist research cuts across many fields and opens up new infections. The scientists have also identified major whose work has overturned long-held opportunities for collaboration. We are thrilled to susceptibility genes for leprosy and schistosomiasis, assumptions in the field of immunology, welcome Jean-Laurent to the University.” common health problems in the developing world. joined The Rockefeller University as a senior Dr. Casanova’s innovative work began with an Dr. Casanova’s Laboratory of Human Genetics of investigator in September. He comes from a unresolved question: Why is it that exposure to a Infectious Diseases is located in The Rockefeller J distinguished position as professor of widespread, disease-causing microbe makes some University Hospital, where his patient-based studies pediatrics and director of people very sick, while others will be conducted. His recruitment adds strength to the Laboratory of Human Genet- experience little or no illness? the University’s Christopher H. Browne Center for ics of Infectious Diseases at the It was generally assumed that Immunology and Immune Diseases, which provides Necker Medical School, Hospital exposure to a pathogen leads to resources for collaborative research on health condi- for Sick Children, in Paris, where disease as a result of complex tions involving the immune system. In addition to he was also an international factors, for example, the cumula- scholar of the Howard Hughes tive contributions of multiple Medical Institute. genes and/or environmental Dr. Casanova achieved wide influences. Dr. Casanova has Dr. Casanova’s studies recognition when he showed that clearly demonstrated that this is “have fundamentally changed the an individual can be rendered not always the case. susceptible to a common infec- One early breakthrough paradigm of the genetics of tion as the result of an inherited emerged from his studies of fam- immunodeficiency.” “mistake” in just one gene. This ilies affected by the brain infec- type of hereditary predisposition tion herpes encephalitis, which was thought to be extremely rare, occurs mainly in children. This { } but the work of Dr. Casanova disease is caused by the common infectious diseases, Dr. Casanova’s investigations are and his colleagues suggests that herpes simplex virus-1, which enhancing the scientific understanding of the immune every human being may be born has infected at least 80 percent of system’s role in controlling malignancies. This work with at least one of these “pri- the human population. Dr. Casa- is relevant to the development of cancer vaccines, an Jean-Laurent Casanova, M.D., Ph.D., mary immunodeficiencies.” heads the new Laboratory of Human nova showed that the difference area of interest to many investigators at The Rocke- In announcing Dr. Casanova’s Genetics of Infectious Diseases based in between a child who contracts feller University Hospital. appointment, President Paul The Rockefeller University Hospital. herpes encephalitis and a child The Hospital’s physician-in-chief, Barry S. Coller, Nurse focused on the profound who does not can be traced to an said that Dr. Casanova’s studies “have fundamen- significance of his work. “Jean-Laurent Casanova is abnormality in just one gene pathway. This discovery tally changed the paradigm of the genetics of immu- radically changing our understanding of the causes led to interferon treatments that have saved many nodeficiency. Dr. Casanova’s human subjects research of infectious diseases,” Dr. Nurse said. “His studies children from potentially fatal infections. in our Hospital and the Center for Clinical and suggest that—contrary to what was previously Subsequently, Dr. Casanova and his colleagues Translational Science is a significant addition to our thought—many such diseases are linked to heredi- discovered single gene mutations that predispose in- already broad and diverse program of clinical inves- tary immune deficiencies yet to be discovered. This dividuals to tuberculosis and invasive pneumococcal tigation in immunology.”

THE UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES ITS 50TH CONVOCATION THREE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES

In 1959, Rockefeller’s Graduate Program awarded its Rockefeller professor, heads The Neuro- first doctoral degrees to five scientists. Since then, sciences Institute and chairs the depart- 969 students have received a Rockefeller Ph.D. They ment of neurobiology at The Scripps include two Nobel laureates, 26 members of the Research Institute. National Academy of Sciences, and leaders in aca- In accepting her degree, Dr. Fedoroff demia and private industry throughout the world. On spoke of the challenges she faced pursu- June 12, as the University celebrated its 50th Convoca- ing science in an era less than hospitable tion, three alumni returned to the stage where years to women in the laboratory. Dr. Hille ago they defended their own dissertations. National stressed the benefits that science—and Medal of Science winner Nina V. Fedoroff ’72, Lasker scientists—derive from the communal Award recipient Bertil Hille ’67, and Nobel laureate nature of the enterprise. Dr. Edelman Gerald M. Edelman ’60 were awarded honorary doc- hailed the role of imagination in science, tor of science degrees alongside the 26 students who asserting that “science is imagination in received doctorates this year. Gerald Edelman, Nina Fedoroff, and Bertil Hille returned to Rockefeller to the service of a verifiable truth.” accept honorary degrees. Currently on leave from The Pennsylvania State The Convocation was part of a two- University, where she is Willaman Professor of Life Sci- of State. Bertil Hille is Wayne E. Crill Endowed Professor day, campus-wide celebration of alumni achievement ences and Evan Pugh Professor, Dr. Fedoroff is Science of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Wash- that also included a symposium for alumni, faculty, and Technology Adviser to the United States Secretary ington School of Medicine. Dr. Edelman, a former and students. (See story on page 2.) NOBEL LAUREATE AND ROCKEFELLER ALUMNUS F.M. KIRBY FUND FOR REGENERATIVE NEUROSCIENCE GERALD M. EDELMAN SPURS COLLABORATIONS IN EMERGING AREA OF INVESTIGATION INAUGURATES THE DETLEV esearch in the exciting new field of tradition of discovery in this area will continue to BRONK ANNUAL LECTURE regenerative neuroscience has received flourish with the help of the new F. M. Kirby Fund, a boost at Rockefeller thanks to a which provides postdoctoral fellowships, particu- The Detlev Bronk Annual Lecture, created $1.5 million gift from the F. M. Kirby larly for investigators whose projects draw on the through the generosity of more than 150 Rocke- Foundation, Inc. Scientists have spent resources of more than one laboratory. The Fund feller alumni, was inaugurated at the University’s Rthe last fifty years learning how the senses function, also supports the acquisition of essential state-of-the- 50th Convocation Celebration Symposium on how nerve signals flow into, within, and out of the art equipment and technologies. June 13. The lecture, which will be given each brain, and how memory and other higher year by a distinguished alumnus or alumna, is functions of the nervous system operate. named in memory of Detlev W. Bronk, the Armed with this knowledge, investigators Rockefeller president who was instrumental in are now in a position to tackle the major founding the Graduate Program. Honorary obstacle to treating neural disease—the degree recipient and Nobel laureate Gerald M. fact that human nerve cells ordinarily do Edelman ’60 launched the Bronk Lectureship not regenerate. with a talk entitled From Brain Dynamics to Con- As sensory cells in the ear die, we lose sciousness: How Matter Becomes Imagination. hearing. As retinal cells succumb, our Focusing on what neuroscientists have learned vision fails. As brain neurons expire, our about the processes by which the nervous system cognitive faculties and memory deterio- contributes to perception and memory, Dr. Edel- rate. Conventional therapies can help man rejected the earlier reductionist notion that delay these processes or mitigate their the brain is computer-like in its operations. Rather, effects. However, to reverse neural disease he argued, every act of perception is creative, rather than simply delay its consequences and every act of memory an act of imagination. requires that we replace the damaged or To open and close his presentation, Dr. Edelman missing nerve cells. F. M. Kirby Professor A. James Hudspeth and Dr. Hernán López-Schier The University’s new F. M. Kirby Fund reached beyond neuroscience to poetry, quoting study a model of a hair cell, the ear’s sensory receptor. The death of hair for Regenerative Neuroscience encourages cells in the ear leads to hearing loss. Learning how to reverse such loss collaborations between members of the through cell regeneration is one aim of Dr. Hudspeth’s lab. F. M. Kirby Center for Sensory Neurosci- ence who are engaged in research related to neural “Progress in regenerative neuroscience will emerge disease, neural regeneration, and the role of stem from studies that bring to bear on the problem of cells. Created in 1996 by a generous grant from the neuronal replacement the techniques of genetics and F. M. Kirby Foundation, the F. M. Kirby Center in- genomics, cellular and molecular biology, and elec- cludes a number of laboratories conducting research trophysiology,” said Dr. Hudspeth. “The F. M. Kirby in these areas, including the lab of the Center’s direc- Foundation’s gift encourages this kind of interdisci- tor, Dr. A. James Hudspeth, who hopes to reverse plinary research.” hearing loss by finding and controlling stem cells that Dillard Kirby, the Foundation’s Executive Direc- can regenerate the ear’s sound receptors. tor, noted: “Since 1994, we have provided support Regenerative neuroscience is a field with a proud for sensory neuroscience investigations at the Univer- history at Rockefeller. In the 1980s, Dr. Fernando sity. The new studies of neural regeneration represent A photograph of William James, a nineteenth-century Nottebohm, now a member of the F. M. Kirby Cen- tremendous progress, and we are pleased to help Jim philosopher and psychologist, is projected behind ter, was the first scientist to demonstrate that new Hudspeth and his colleagues strengthen their collab- Dr. Gerald Edelman as he speaks of past approaches nerve cells can be generated in the adult brain. The orative efforts in this most promising field.” to understanding consciousness.

Marianne Moore’s “The Mind is an Enchanting Thing” and Emily Dickinson’s “The Brain is Wider Than the Sky.” He also lauded psychologist- GRANT LAUNCHES FUND FOR MEDICAL INNOVATION philosopher William James. In James’s work, according to Dr. Edelman, “the mind is put back THE BODMAN FOUNDATION SEEKS TO BRIDGE RESEARCH FUNDING GAP into nature,” signaling an end to the long-held Scientists who make significant basic discoveries in • the use of enzymes to produce biofuels assumption that consciousness is beyond the biomedical science must often struggle to realize the from biowaste reach of scientific understanding. findings’ full potential to improve human health. This Dr. Edelman has made significant contribu- • the use of a human protein to dissolve amyloid, is because a sizable funding gap exists between early tions in the fields of biophysics, protein chemis- the substance found in the brain plaques stage research and the appearance of a new drug, try, immunology, cell biology, and neurobiology. associated with Alzheimer’s disease treatment, or medical device on the market. Before After receiving his Ph.D. from Rockefeller with • the development of a new vaccine against innovative basic discoveries can be translated into safe, the University’s second graduating class, he re- pneumonia effective therapies, they must attract commercial mained on campus as a faculty member, eventu- development by industry. But pharmaceutical and bio- One grant recipient commented: “This award has ally becoming a Vincent Astor Professor. While at technology companies tend to seek out research for made a huge difference to us. Our discovery was the University, Dr. Edelman conducted research which there is already “proof-of-principle”—evidence serendipitous and there is no way that we would have on the structure and diversity of antibodies, earn- that the findings may eventually benefit consumers. been able to obtain outside funding in short order.” ing the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in The challenge for scientists is to obtain the funding According to President Paul Nurse, the Technology 1972. In research conducted in the 1970s, he also required to gather this evidence, as few grants are Innovation Fund is a major fundraising priority. “I hope discovered cell adhesion molecules, which guide available from conventional sources to support such that the generous gift from our longtime benefactor, the development of an animal’s shape and form application-oriented research. The Bodman Foundation, will encourage others to as well as its nervous system. Now, a generous two-year grant of $400,000 from provide support to continue the grant program be- Dr. Edelman has written several books on how The Bodman Foundation has launched the Bridges yond the first two years,” he said. brain function gives rise to human consciousness. to Better Medicine Technology Innovation Fund to His widely known 1987 volume Neural Darwinism help Rockefeller investigators meet this challenge. presents a detailed theory to explain the develop- Designed to provide four awards annually to scientists ment and organization of higher brain functions with promising projects requiring proof-of-principle The Rockefeller University Now is published by in terms of a process known as neuronal group the University’s Development Office. studies, the Fund will accelerate the translation of basic selection. Since moving to The Scripps Research research at Rockefeller into benefits for the public. Paul Nurse, President Institute in 1992, Dr. Edelman has continued to The competition for grants in the first year of the Marnie Imhoff, Vice President for Development expand and refine this theory. One aspect of this program attracted many excellent proposals. The four Diane Bonds, Editor ongoing work—presented to the audience by winning projects involve application-oriented studies Amber Traven, Designer video during his talk—is the design of new kinds that could lead to the following important outcomes: of robot-like machines, called recognition autom- For further information about The Rockefeller University, please visit our Web site ata, that are used in testing the theory of neuro- • the development of a new platelet inhibitor to www.rockefeller.edu or call (212) 327-7168. nal group selection. treat heart attack patients

2 FACULTY RECRUIT IN CANCER RESEARCH TARGETS METASTASIS NEW FINDINGS COULD HELP DOCTORS AND PATIENTS MAKE BETTER TREATMENT DECISIONS

hysician-scientist Sohail Tavazoie, who recently Pdiscovered a group of naturally occurring molecules that block breast cancer metastasis, will join Rockefeller in January 2009 as an assistant professor heading the new Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology. Cur- rently a research fellow in medical oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Tavazoie will also be an attending physician at The Rockefeller University Hospital. Metastasis, the spread of cancer from a primary ise as a basis for tests that could be used to predict tumor to different organs of the body, is perhaps the risk of metastatic relapse, providing a valuable tool In January 2009, Sohail Tavazoie, M.D., Ph.D., will join the most critical factor in the prognosis of patients with in clinical decision-making for cancer patients. University’s Anderson Center for Cancer Research. He will solid tumors. Early Dr. Tavazoie’s dis- head the Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology. in 2008, Sohail coveries also offer Tavazoie reported “Sohail is a remarkable young scientist an intellectual is the third assistant professor to be appointed as a on a group of mol- foundation for the result of the University’s “open recruitment” strategy, ecules that are ab- whose work spans the continuum from development of which seeks to identify the most promising investiga- sent in metastatic fundamental cancer biology to new classes of tors in a range of fields, rather than limiting candi- breast cancer cells. innovative applications in the clinic.” chemotherapeutic dates to specific disciplines. These molecules agents that fight “Sohail is a remarkable young scientist whose belong to a newly cancer by suppress- work spans the continuum from fundamental cancer discovered class of { } ing metastasis. biology to innovative applications in the clinic,” said biochemical entities called microRNAs, which can Dr. Tavazoie received his undergraduate degree President Paul Nurse. “We are delighted that he will change the behavior of cells, including cancer cells, from the University of California at Berkeley, his head his first laboratory at Rockefeller.” by regulating the activity of genes. Ph.D. from Harvard University, and his M.D. from Dr. Tavazoie has been appointed to the Leon Hess Using mouse models of human breast cancer, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Divi- Professorship in cancer biology and immunology, a Dr. Tavazoie showed that the microRNAs he discov- sion of Health Sciences and Technology. He will be junior faculty chair endowed by Trustee Marlene ered can stop cancer from spreading when introduced the newest member of The Rockefeller University’s Hess in honor of her late father. Mr. Hess was a long- into highly metastatic cells. His findings hold prom- Anderson Center for Cancer Research. Dr. Tavazoie time friend and major benefactor of the University.

DIRECTEFFECT RECEPTION HONORS TRUSTEE CHRISTOPHER H. BROWNE OVER $1 MILLION IS RAISED TO BOOST AIDS VACCINE INITIATIVE

benefit reception at Christie’s in April honored Rockefeller University Trustee Christopher H. Browne for his leader- ship of the DirectEffect AIDS research support program at Rockefeller. The Aevent, organized by DirectEffect Chairman James “Ford” Huniford, Christie’s President Marc Porter, and Andrew Gordon, raised more than $1 million for a clinical trial of a therapeutic AIDS vaccine at The Rockefeller University Hospital. Actress Laura Linney was the benefit’s honorary chair. DirectEffect was founded fifteen years ago by a small group of individuals—including Mr. Browne, Frederick Kane Marek, and Curt Deane—who want- SARAH SCHLESINGER HEADS CLINICAL ed to help fight AIDS in a way that would be truly TRIAL OF NEW AIDS VACCINE effective. They decided to support the cutting-edge Dr. Sarah Schlesinger, seen here with Andrew investigations of Rockefeller scientists through a Trustee Christopher Browne pictured at the Christie’s ben- efit reception in his honor. The event raised funds for clinical fundraising venture where, in contrast to other AIDS Gordon and James Huniford, has headed the testing of an HIV/AIDS vaccine. charities, every single dollar raised goes directly to studies of a number of experimental HIV vaccines AIDS research. Many of the studies funded by his discovery of the dendritic cell, a key player in the at the University’s Hospital and will conduct the DirectEffect are conducted within the University’s body’s immune response. Working with colleagues in new trial made possible by DirectEffect. This study Christopher H. Browne Center for Immunology and the Hospital, Dr. Steinman has been learning to har- is important, she said, because “AIDS is one of Immune Diseases, which was established through ness the immune stimulating features of dendritic the worst epidemics to hit mankind. Although Mr. Browne’s generosity in 1997. The Center’s labo- cells to develop HIV vaccines, as well as therapeutic cancer vaccines. The new the antiretroviral drug cocktail developed in our DirectEffect funds will accel- Hospital by Dr. David Ho and his colleagues is DirectEffect is a fundraising venture where, erate this research, helping nothing short of a miracle, it is not a long-term in contrast to other AIDS charities, every single dollar the investigators to launch a solution for the ninety-five percent of infected clinical trial of a promising individuals who live in the developing world. raised goes directly to AIDS research. AIDS vaccine they have A vaccine is the only way to control the virus. The developed—and to do so six { } months to a year earlier than small clinical trial of our novel vaccine that ‘knows ratories engage in collaborative research on HIV/ they had thought possible. how’ to find the dendritic cells is exactly the sort AIDS and other infectious diseases, as well as auto- DirectEffect also supports clinical scholars who of work that will allow scientists to move forward immunity, cancer immunology, and allergies. are engaged in AIDS-related research. Highly skilled to end the epidemic.” Dr. Schlesinger is an asso- The $1 million raised by DirectEffect in honor of physicians, clinical scholars come to The Rockefeller ciate professor of clinical investigation and senior Mr. Browne will support efforts under way in the University Hospital for a period of several years. physician working in the Rockefeller laboratories laboratory of Dr. Ralph M. Steinman to develop a Working with the University’s physician-scientists, therapeutic AIDS vaccine. Dr. Steinman, who is the they gain research experience and receive the training of Dr. Ralph Steinman and Dr. David Ho, who director of the Browne Center, received the 2007 they need to become independent investigators con- also serves as the scientific director of the Aaron Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research for ducting patient-based studies. Diamond AIDS Research Center.

3 NEW SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS PROGRAM VOLUNTEER GEOFFREY SMITH HELPS ATTUNE SCIENTISTS TO THE MARKETPLACE

ockefeller University’s newest gradu- between science on the one hand and economics, law, will be invited to participate in the discussions. The ate instructor—a businessman, not a politics, ethics, and society on the other,” said Sidney first book on the reading list is Common Wealth: scientist—thinks that scientists need Strickland, dean of graduate and postgraduate Economics for a Crowded Planet by Columbia Uni- basic training in economics and law as studies. “Geoff’s initiatives offer students and post- versity economist Jeffrey Sachs. much as they need advanced instruc- docs a new perspective on the scientific enterprise In addition, students and postdoctoral fellows Rtion in chemistry or genetics. With that in mind, outside the academic research laboratory and at the inspired by the Program have recently inaugurated Geoffrey Smith, a successful health care venture cap- interfaces between science and society.” the Rockefeller University Biotechnology Forum to italist, is spearheading Rockefeller’s new Science and foster productive relationships between Economics Program, an initiative that may be unique early career academic scientists and the bio- among academic biomedical research institutions. technology and pharmaceutical industries. A lawyer by training, and currently a cofounding The Forum sponsors monthly seminars managing partner of Ascent Biomedical Ventures, open to the entire Rockefeller community, Mr. Smith has been active with the University since as well as networking events. Seminars 2006, as a member of both The Rockefeller Univer- focus on current issues and challenges in sity Council and the steering committee of Bridges to industrial R&D, biopharma business devel- Better Medicine. Within months of becoming in- opment, and life sciences financing. volved at Rockefeller, he saw how his skills could “Geoff’s involvement with Rockefeller serve yet another constituency at the University—its led him to create a new kind of program youngest scientists. that may become a model for other In fall 2007, Mr. Smith was named a visiting biomedical research institutions,” said scholar at Rockefeller and began leading a weekly President Paul Nurse. “This is a wonderful course entitled “Ways and Means: The Economic example of the way in which a benefactor Edge of Science.” The series of ten classes covered and volunteer can make a significant contri- such topics as research funding, intellectual property, Geoffrey Smith (right) speaks with HIV/AIDS expert Dr. David Ho at a bution to the vitality of the University.” technology transfer, regulatory mechanisms, and sci- Rockefeller University Council reception. Mr. Smith, a businessman and In the future, the Science and Economics ence communication. A second course, “Drug Devel- Council member, has created popular courses on science and econom- Program may include symposia and an opment: From Discovery to Commercialization,” ics for Rockefeller graduate students and postdoctoral investigators. annual lecture series. Also under consider- was offered in spring 2008 and featured guest speak- ation are partnerships with private- and ers recruited by Mr. Smith from the biotechnology, In the months ahead, both of Mr. Smith’s highly public-sector organizations committed to similar or pharmaceutical, and venture capital arenas. successful courses may be offered again, and others complementary objectives within academia, industry, Both courses attracted capacity enrollments with are under consideration on subjects such as bioethics media, and politics. sizable waiting lists, and both received enthusiastic and the politics of biotechnology. This fall, the Sci- With Geoffrey Smith’s help, the University is seek- reviews from participants. ence and Economics Program has also launched a ing private funding sources to sustain and expand “The program Geoff created is designed to Readers and Writers Forum, which will sponsor this innovative educational program. Early leader- provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows monthly discussions of books that explore the inter- ship gifts have been received from Morton P. Hyman with a greater understanding of the relationships section of science and society. When possible, authors and Ann G. Tenenbaum.

FRANK GEHRY PRESENTS PANORAMA OF HIS ARCHITECTURAL CAREER SAVE THE DATE PARENTS & SCIENCE Architect Frank Gehry visited cam- FALL BREAKFAST PROGRAM pus in April to give a talk in which he Parents & Science programs offer insights on topics reflected on his work. His presenta- relevant to child development from infancy through tion was part of a lecture series for adolescence. All are welcome to attend. the Rockefeller community, Insight: THE AUTISM ENIGMA Talks on Science, Policy and the Hu- Thursday, November 6, 2008 • 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. manities. Pictured are Dr. Michael Young, Mr. Gehry, Ms. Jeanne SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Catherine Lord, Director, University of Michigan Autism and Communication Donovan Fisher, and President Paul Disorders Center Nurse. Dr. Young holds the Richard PANEL OF ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY SCIENTISTS: and Jeanne Fisher Professorship, a Nobel laureate Paul Greengard, Professor Nathaniel distinguished chair endowed at Heintz, and Visiting Professor Gerald Fischbach Rockefeller by Ms. Fisher and her late husband, who was chairman of the To RSVP for this event or request further information, Board of Trustees. please call Amy Harris at (212) 327-8689.

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