Eminent researcher, educator to be MD Anderson’s fourth president
Jonathan Kurie, M.D. (left), mentored Yanan Yang, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, in the discovery of the role of the Jagged2 protein. Photo: Wyatt McSpadden
Researchers have discovered a new, key component in the spread of lung cancer in the protein Jagged2 — which silences protective microRNA (miR-200) — as well as a likely way to block it with drugs now in clinical trial.
“We think metastasis is initiated by the tumor microenvironment,” says Jonathan Kurie, M.D., professor in MD Anderson’s Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology and senior author on the paper.
“Cells metastasize in response to external cues, one of which is Jagged2,” says Yanan Yang, Ph.D., Kurie’s postdoctoral fellow and the study’s first author.
Reported in the March 14, 2011, edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
More Stories From Conquest
John Mendelsohn's office
President’s home away from home
Mendelsohns take team approach to marriage, conquering cancer
Anne and John Mendelsohn look back on their team approach to marriage and conquering cancer, as his 15-year tenure as MD Anderson Cancer Center president is winding down.
A belief in possibility
By any measure, MD Anderson’s growth in size, stature and scientific progress during the past 15 years is staggering.
A golden beacon
When John Mendelsohn, M.D., returns to research at MD Anderson, he’ll open a new chapter in his career at a cancer center vastly different from the one he came to Houston to lead in 1996.
New approach to cancer treatment
Mendelsohn helps pave the way for personalized therapies
Growing our way to success
Mendelsohn stresses employee engagement and opportunities
Key to the future
Emphasis on learning prepares next generation of professionals
Mendelsohn's vision leads to expansion far beyond Houston
Eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation and the world always has been an institution-wide pursuit.
Mendelsohn's energy, creativity support record philanthropic efforts
Business entrepreneur and philanthropist Red McCombs of San Antonio tells a story about his family foundation’s $30 million gift to MD Anderson in 2005.
Nurses use evidence-based practice to improve care
This is the third installment of a three-part series on nursing that began in the fall 2010 issue of Conquest.
Cancer survivor enjoys hitting the ski slopes
Faith and spirituality weave themselves through all aspects of John Holland’s life — family man, business manager, community leader, outdoor enthusiast and cancer survivor.