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Institute News

Mark your calendars: Padres Pedal the Cause is back

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

January 20, 2022

Team Sanford Burnham Prebys photo

Sanford Burnham Prebys is gearing up for next year’s Padres Pedal the Cause (PPTC), an annual fundraising race that invites participants to cycle, spin, run or walk to support cancer research in the San Diego area. The event, scheduled for April 9, 2022, at Petco Park, is currently planned to be held in person for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Leveraging the power of San Diego
PPTC was founded in 2013 by two-time lymphoma survivor Bill Koman and his wife, Amy. Thankful for the lifesaving care that Bill received, the Koman family was determined to pay it forward to ensure that others had the same outcome. With this goal in mind, the couple created PPTC, a cancer fundraising cycling challenge operating in partnership with the San Diego Padres.

Since the inaugural ride of PPTC, the organization has raised more than $15 million and funded 73 collaborative research projects in San Diego, including six clinical trials. They’ve also expanded and grown, merging with the Immunotherapy Foundation under a new name: Curebound.

Together, these two organizations share the belief that discovering a cure for cancer can be made possible by harnessing the unique power of San Diego—home to three nationally recognized National Institutes of Health cancer institutions and a renowned pediatric hospital. Last year, Curebound welcomed two new research partners: La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Scripps Research. They join Sanford Burnham Prebys, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Rady Children’s Hospital in collaborating to accelerate cancer research into cures.

A pivotal year for Padres Pedal the Cause
This is an important year for PPTC. After a record-breaking event in 2019—which had almost 3,000 participants and raised more than $3 million—COVID-19 presented challenges. The next PPTC event wasn’t held until spring 2021, moving to a virtual format due to the pandemic.

That event had 1,578 participants and raised $1.5 million. And while these numbers demonstrate the commitment of the Pedal the Cause community to continue their good work despite the pandemic, the amount is less than that received for the 2019 event, demonstrating the obstacles the community faced to raise those funds.

Now, PPTC is ready to ride at full speed for the first time in more than two years.

Join Team Sanford Burnham Prebys
Padres Pedal the Cause ’22 will take place on April 9, 2022, at Petco Park, and registration is now open for the Sanford Burnham Prebys team. Whether you’re ready to ride, run, walk, spin, participate virtually or even just cheer from the sidelines, 100% of every dollar raised funds lifesaving cancer research.

Ride with Sanford Burnham Prebys this April, and help us create a world without cancer.

Join Team Sanford Burnham Prebys

Institute News

2021 Fishman Fund Award ceremony celebrates postdoctoral scholars

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 28, 2021

Cynthia Lebeaupin, Valeria Guglielmi, and Paulina Sosicka

The Fishman Fund Awards were presented on September 23, 2021, in a virtual ceremony that honored the enduring legacy of our Institute’s founders, Dr. William and Lillian Fishman.

The three exceptional winners were welcomed by Fishman Fund co-founder Reena Horowitz; co-founder designee Jeanne Jones; and 2018 award recipient Laura Martin-Sancho, who commented, “A Fishman Fund Award is more than the money—it means that someone believes in you and believes in your goals.”

Longtime supporter, Institute trustee and namesake Malin Burnham reflected on his first meeting with the Fishmans more than 40 years ago when they were setting the stage for Sanford Burnham Prebys. “The Fishmans were creating a collaborative, inspirational atmosphere for postdocs—the lifeblood of scientific enterprise. This award pays tribute to their vision that young, talented scientists hold the key to curing disease.”

Sanford Burnham Prebys CEO Randy C. Mills thanked our supporters and shared, “Fishman Fund Award winners are on a journey not only to make their mark through scientific discovery, but also to define themselves as scientific leaders. I’m excited to see the vision of better science that they will translate into reality for the benefit of patients in need.”

Reena Horowitz and the late Mary Bradley established the Fishman Fund Awards in 2001 to honor the Fishmans and advance the careers of promising young scientists. Ever since the fund was launched 20 years ago, more than 70 awards have been conferred—now worth $10,000—to support career-development activities. 

This year’s awards were presented to:
 

Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD
The Lenka Finca and Erna Viterbi Fishman Fund Prize

“I’m especially grateful to be affiliated with a community that supports its postdoctoral researchers, helping us transition into the great leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr. Lebeaupin is studying how fatty liver disease progresses to liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is rapidly increasing in the U.S. and around the world—and there is no cure. Studying how cells respond to stress conditions may open new avenues to target those responses and prevent cancer. Dr. Lebeaupin, a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Randal J. Kaufman, PhD, aims to become a professor of biology in academia.
 

Valeria Guglielmi, PhD 
The Reena Horowitz and Mary Bradley Fishman Fund Founders Award

“Now more than ever, we need people like you who trust scientists and believe science can really make a difference in our lives.”

Dr. Guglielmi is researching nuclear pore complexes and their role in the development and activity of immune cells. This research may lead to novel treatments for health conditions caused by dysregulated immune-cell production and function. Guglielmi is a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Maximiliano D’Angelo, PhD, and her goal is to become an independent investigator to further research on the immune system.
 

Paulina Sosicka, PhD 
The Jeanne Jones and Kathryn Fishback Fishman Fund Prize 

“I’m very grateful and honored to receive this Fishman Fund Career Development Award. Thank you to the founders and donors who made this possible.” 

Dr. Sosicka is investigating the application of dietary supplementation to treat debilitating genetic conditions called CDGs, which are rare diseases—mainly affecting children—caused by defects in the human enzymes and proteins responsible for adding sugar molecules onto proteins and lipids. The research may also provide insights into new approaches to treat obesity and cancer. A postdoctoral associate in the lab of Hudson Freeze, PhD, Dr. Sosicka aspires to become a professor in academia in the field of glycobiology.

 

Event recording

 

Institute News

Fighting rare diseases: Finding treatments and bringing hope to families

AuthorMonica May
Date

March 23, 2021

Hudson Freeze, PhD and José Luis Millán, PhD

The majority of rare diseases affect children, most of whom have an underlying genetic cause for their condition that is incurable.

The majority of rare diseases affect children, most of whom have an underlying genetic cause for their condition that is incurable.

Often, their own doctors have never heard of their disease, let alone know how to treat it.

But there is someplace they can turn to for help. The Human Genetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys provides insights into the genes and environmental factors that play a role in the development of childhood diseases. Their work often leads to better ways to diagnose, treat, and sometimes, even cure children.

On March 18, 2021, two patients whose lives were saved by discoveries made by Hudson Freeze, PhD, and José Luis Millán, PhD, joined the scientists for a conversation about what this work means to them and how their lives have been impacted. Watch the full discussion below.

Institute News

19th annual Trainee Research Symposium is a virtual success!

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

October 5, 2020

Virtual Symposium on Zoom

Sanford Burnham Prebys’ annual Trainee Research Symposium is dedicated to highlighting the research of postdoctoral scientists and advanced graduate students.

This year, nearly 40 early-career scientists presented their research during an engaging two-day, jam-packed Zoom call that went off without a hitch.

After opening remarks by Malene Hansen, PhD, professor and faculty adviser for Postdoctoral Training, the podium and poster presentations began. Faculty, trainees, staff scientists and other interested parties navigated through sessions that ranged from new approaches to conquer brain cancer to the molecular basis of aging. The event gives “up-and-coming” scientists an opportunity to receive feedback on their work, explore potential new collaborations and receive prize money to support career development activities.

“We’re fortunate to be starting our careers at Sanford Burnham Prebys where the scientific research is significant and diverse,” says Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD, a best poster presentation award winner. “I’m grateful to be able to present my project, which is focused on the link between fatty liver disease and cancer, to colleagues from different disciplines, such as cardiac disease and immunology. Their questions about my research bring fresh perspectives and spark new ideas.”

Keynote speaker Martin Chalfie, PhD, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and professor at Columbia University, opened day two of the event with a presentation titled, “GFP: Lighting Up Life,” detailing the journey that led to his discovery of GFP—a fluorescent protein that revolutionized how scientists look at the inner workings of living cells. Chalfie followed with an informal “Ask Me Anything” session where he shared his passion for mentoring early-career scientists.

C. Randal (Randy) Mills, PhD, CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys, closed the event with a happy hour exclusively attended by trainee presenters—an opportunity for everyone to get to know more about his experiences as a PhD student and how his career evolved to his current position as leader of our world-class biomedical research Institute.

Many congratulations to all who participated in the symposium, and thanks to the organizers at the SBP Science Network and the Office of Education, Training, & International Services (OETIS).
 

This year’s symposium winners are:

Best Podium Talk

Judges Selection

Natalie Kirkland, PhD
Engler/Bodmer Labs

Runner-up

Stephen Sakuma
D’Angelo Lab

Honorable Mentions

Mallika Iyer
Godzik Lab

Jaime Zlamal, PhD
Osterman Lab
 

Best Poster

Judges Selection

Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD
Kaufman Lab
Rashmi Mishra, PhD
Dong Lab
Ee Phie Tan, PhD
Hansen Lab
 

Best Podium Talk

Popular Vote

Stephen Sakuma
D’Angelo Lab

Honorable Mention

Jaime Zlamal, PhD
Osterman Lab

Institute News

Families, physicians and scientists unite at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ 11th Annual Rare Disease Day Symposium

AuthorMonica May
Date

March 16, 2020

Rare Disease Day group photo

This year’s event centered on CDG, a rare genetic condition that affects around 1,500 people worldwide.

With more than 270 attendees and 30 world-renowned scientists and clinicians, Sanford Burnham Prebys’ 11th Annual Rare Disease Day Symposium was officially the largest in the event’s history. This year’s discussion centered on congenital disorders of glycosylation, or CDG, a rare genetic condition that affects around 1,500 people worldwide.

Malin Burnham, T. Denny Sanford and Debra Turner, honorary trustees of Sanford Burnham Prebys, opened the three-day meeting with moving remarks. A theme emerged: Medical advances are accelerated when key stakeholders work together—including scientists, physicians, people with CDG and their families, patient advocacy groups, granting agencies, industry and philanthropists.

“Our annual symposium aims to create an ecosystem in which key stakeholders can collaborate and communicate,” said Hudson Freeze, PhD, director of the Human Genetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and symposium chair. “Together, we celebrate our successes, focus on challenges and discuss the future of CDG research.”

 

Presenters at the meeting described the power of the ecosystem. Since the first conference a decade ago where scientists reported on the basic biology of CDGs, today we have promising clinical trials for the most common CDG mutation. In addition, a historic nationwide effort to establish the natural history of CDGs launched this year—which addresses decades of unresolved questions and helps remove barriers to starting clinical trials.

First discovered in the 1990s, scientists now know that CDG is caused by mutations that disrupt the body’s normal process of attaching sugars to proteins. Children with CDG have varying degrees of speech and language difficulty, poor balance, motor control, vision problems, hearing impairments and seizures. 

Because CDG is rare, many patients bounce between doctors and clinics for years before they receive an accurate diagnosis. At the symposium, an innovative session called the “Doctor-is-in” session connects families with medical researchers and clinicians in small groups. For some medical researchers, the session is the first time they have met a person with CDG.

The conference was co-organized by Sanford Burnham Prebys and CDG CARE, a nonprofit organization founded by parents seeking information and support for CDG.

Institute News

Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomes U.S. Congressman Mike Levin

AuthorMonica May
Date

October 22, 2019

Congressman Mike Levin visits SBP

On October 1, 2019, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) toured Sanford Burnham Prebys and met with several faculty members to learn more about the innovative biomedical research taking place in his backyard. Levin represents California’s 49th Congressional District, which includes North County San Diego, South Orange County and neighbors our La Jolla campus. 

The visit kicked off with a visit to a lab working to find medicines for a heart arrhythmia condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib), a disorder that hits home for Levin: His grandmother struggled with the disease. Levin peered into a microscope to view beating heart cells and learned how a team of experts from Sanford Burnham Prebys and Scripps Clinic are working to develop personalized treatments for the condition, which affects nearly six million Americans (meet the A-team.)

“Sanford Burnham Prebys is a great example of the vibrant biomedical research taking place in San Diego that has the potential to improve the quality of life for families across the country,” says Levin. “Seeing the Institute’s critical research up close and hearing firsthand how National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has accelerated medical discovery only strengthens my commitment to supporting biomedical science. Following my visit to Sanford Burnham Prebys, I was proud to introduce legislation that would invest $10 billion in the NIH to support biomedical research, and I will continue to fight for this much-needed funding.”

Following the lab tour, Levin met with faculty members who—thanks to federally funded research—are working to find treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and addiction, and study the aging process to address age-related diseases such as cancer. The visit wrapped up in the lab of Hudson Freeze, PhD, the director of our Human Genetics Program, who studies a rare childhood disease called congenital disorders of glycosylation, or CDG. 

“Americans today are living longer and healthier lives because of federally funded medical research,” says Chris Larson, PhD, the adjunct associate professor of Development, Aging and Regeneration at the Institute who arranged the visit. “We are grateful that Mike took the time to sit down with us to learn about our NIH-funded work and how he can help support us on our mission to find cures for human disease.”

Editor’s note: Shortly after his visit Levin introduced legislation that calls for a $10 billion investment in biomedical research. 

Institute News

18th Annual Fishman Fund Award ceremony celebrates the next generation of biomedical trailblazers

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 23, 2019

2019 Fishman Fund Award winners, left to right: Jennifer Hope, PhD, Aaron Harvas, PhD, Mafalda Loreti, PhD

Three talented early-career researchers were presented with a prestigious Fishman Fund Award at the annual ceremony on September 19. More than 100 generous benefactors, past award winners and family and friends joined the celebration held at the Sanford Consortium. The awards honor the Institute’s founders, Dr. William and Lillian Fishman.

Reena Horowitz, who along with her close friend Mary Bradley established the Fishman Fund Awards, welcomed the audience and shared how the Fishmans truly believed that young researchers need a boost from time to time—and that these awards do exactly that. Recipients who are selected from a pool of Sanford Burnham Prebys postdocs use the $10,000 stipend to attend workshops, network and travel to national and international conferences to learn about the latest developments in their research fields. 

“The young researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys make discoveries that have an impact in San Diego as well as helping advance science and health around the world,” said Horowitz. “The Institute motto could not ring truer: From Research the Power to Cure.”

Professor Hudson Freeze—one of the very first Fishman Fund Award winners and now director of the Institute’s Human Genetics Program—shared how his nearly 40 years of research has established him as a magnet for a global community of families seeking treatments for rare childhood diseases. He encouraged this year’s winners to take advantage of working in a world-class research center and to pursue meaningful research that will open new avenues to improve human health.

Jennifer Hope, PhD, was presented with the Lenka Finci and Erna Viterbi Fund Prize by Horowitz and Institute supporter Judy White. Dr. Hope works in the laboratory of Professor Linda Bradley, where she is studying cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the development of T cells that attack cancer. Jennifer’s career goal is to become an independent investigator focused on research to promote patient responsiveness to cancer therapies.

Mafalda Loreti, PhD, was presented with the Jeanne Jones and Kathryn Fishback Fund Prize by Fishman Fund co-founder designee Jeanne Jones and longtime Institute supporter Sam Horowitz. Dr. Loreti is studying the mechanisms that promote muscle growth and repair in the laboratory of Associate Professor Alessandra Sacco. Her career goal is to become an independent researcher in an academic setting, where she will explore the biology of muscle pathologies and approaches to improve muscle health.

Aaron Havas, PhD, received the Reena Horowitz and Mary Bradley Fishman Fund Prize from Horowitz and Institute supporter Doreen Schonbrun. Dr. Havas works in the lab of Professor Peter Adams, where he studies how aging affects gene regulation. His career goal is to work in the biotech industry exploring drugs that target the process to promote healthy aging.

Since the fund’s inception in 2001, 64 prizes have been awarded. Every other year, a 24-month fellowship that provides salary support is given to a deserving postdoc. The fellowship was awarded in 2018, so it will be given again at next year’s ceremony.

The generosity of our Fishman Fund donors enables the tradition of providing career advancement opportunities. On behalf of all of us at Sanford Burnham Prebys, we thank you for your support.

Institute News

An evening with autoimmune disorder experts

AuthorMonica May
Date

June 26, 2019

Sanford Burnham Prebys Insights: Immunology

On June 20, 2019, nearly 100 community members, including many people living with autoimmune disorders and their loved ones, joined us at our latest SBP Insights event. The discussion featured unique perspective from three experts—a scientist, a doctor and a patient—on a single topic: autoimmune disorders. 

More than 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are often painful, chronic and debilitating. For unknown reasons, more than 80 percent of these patients are women. 

Scientists know these disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. But researchers still don’t understand why immunosuppressive treatments don’t work for everyone or know the initial trigger that causes the immune system to misfire. Answers to these fundamental questions could unlock insights that lead to new, effective medicines. 

“Before I was diagnosed, I thought doctors had it all sorted out. Now I know there is so much they don’t know,” says 17-year-old Madison Koslowski, who was diagnosed last year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She uses a wheelchair and cane for mobility while she works with her doctor to find a treatment that relieves her intense joint pain. “Right now, my friends are planning their future and figuring out where they will go to college. But for me, there are so many unknowns. I don’t know if I’m going to respond to the next medicine we try or if I will be really sick. I feel like my life is on pause. I have no idea when it will start again.”

17-year-old Madison Koslowski (right), who was diagnosed last year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, poses with race-car driver Angela.​
17-year-old Madison Koslowski (right), who was diagnosed last
year with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, poses with race-car
driver Angela.

Madison traveled from Los Angeles with her mother and a friend to hear race-car driver Angela Durazo speak about her journey with rheumatoid arthritis and learn what’s on the horizon for autoimmune treatments (read Angela’s story).

Following Angela’s presentation, Carl Ware, PhD, professor and director of the Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys, took the stage and provided an overview of the science behind autoimmune disease. Ware also described his ongoing research collaboration with Eli Lilly, which recently led to a new Phase 1 clinical trial for autoimmune disorders. 

Hal Hoffman, MD, chief, division of allergy, immunology and rheumatology at UCSD and Rady Children’s Hospital, wrapped up the discussion with an overview of how he and his team are turning to rare immune disorders to understand the conditions as a whole. A Q&A followed the brief presentations. 

The discussion was moderated by Zaher Nahle, PhD, CEO of the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

Join us at our next SBP Insights discussion, which focuses on pancreatic cancer and takes place on November 21, 2019. Event details.

Institute News

Getting groovy for a good cause at Bring It!

AuthorMonica May
Date

May 9, 2019

David & Sarah Szekeres, Juli Oh, Matt Browne-SBP BringIt!

From the moment guests stepped into the disco-lit room, it was clear Bring It! was not your typical fundraiser. 

Donned in bell bottoms, sequined bodysuits and platformed heels, this year’s guests sampled hors d’oeuvre’s supplied by roller-blading servers and grooved to classics such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “Dancing Queen.” 

The 70’s-themed event, held on May 2, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, drew a crowd of more than 400 attendees—the largest yet—a testament to the hard work and dedication of co-chairs Juli Oh and Matt Browne, and Sarah and David Szekeres. John Weisbarth, host of Tiny House Nation and San Diego native, emceed the event for the third year in a row.

While fun was had by all, the night’s mission was never far from anyone’s mind: fundraising for our Institute’s work to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more. 

Co-chair Sarah Szekeres shared her personal story about why research is important to her: “Learning I have the BRCA2 gene mutation, which puts me at a greater risk of breast and ovarian cancer, has been an overwhelming and frightening experience for me and my family. It’s through basic research that we will develop effective medicines or tests that prevent, diagnose or treat disease—and create a future where my daughter, and her children and grandchildren, aren’t afraid of cancer or Alzheimer’s or the many serious diseases our society faces today.”

Guests vied for an opportunity to participate in onstage competitions—a spot so coveted it was raffled to the highest bidder. Top-scoring teams partook in absurdly hilarious games, such as “Hungry Hungry Human,” where guests attempted to collect plastic balls from an inflated pool while wheeled on a dolly; and “Rocky,” where participants furiously boxed and ran in place to reach the most steps on a pedometer. Despite wearing wigs and hats, contestants even braved a bobbing-for-apples style competition involving candy encased in a Jello Mold.

Altogether, Bring It! certainly puts the “fun” in “fundraising needs.” We hope to see you next year—stay tuned for more details about the date and theme of the event.  

We are extremely grateful to the event’s generous sponsors, including Alexandria Realty, Heron Therapeutics, Marleigh and Alan Gleicher, Cooley, Marilena and Greg Lucier, Retrophin, Domain Associates, Robin and Hank Nordhoff, Jeanne Herberger, PhD, Moon Valley Nurseries, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Luke and Elizabeth Bonacci, Sarah and David Szekeres, Jonell and Gregory Tibbitts, Court and Julie Turner, Dulcy and Mason Matthies, Josie and Jim Myers, Marie Simmons, Arena Pharmaceuticals, BDO, CBRE, Creative Fusion, Cushman & Wakefield, IDT, Deloittte & Touche, Farrell Family Foundation, iProtean, KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Neurocrine Biosciences, Oxford Finance, Pegasus Building Services, UnionBank, Cabrillo Advisors, Square1bank and USI Insurance Services. 

Watch a fun-filled KUSI segment about the event. 

Head to our Facebook page to view event photos; search #BringIt19 to find more content. 

Interested in keeping up with our latest discoveries, upcoming events and more? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Discoveries.

Institute News

Sanford Burnham Prebys and Salk co-organize third annual La Jolla Aging Meeting

AuthorMonica May
Date

April 11, 2019

Malene Hansen, PhD, and Peter Adams, PhD; and Salk’s Jan Karlseder, PhD

“Excellent presentation!”

“We should connect—we have more samples coming soon.” 

“Feel free to reach out, we’re looking to partner so I’d love to hear more about your research.”

These exchanges, overheard at the 3rd annual La Jolla Aging Meeting held on March 29, 2019, at the Salk Institute, illustrate the importance of uniting scientists focused on a common goal: In this case, uncovering the root causes of aging. 

As in previous years, the 2019 meeting was co-organized by Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Malene Hansen, PhD, and Peter Adams, PhD; and Salk’s Jan Karlseder, PhD A key goal of the event is to feature research by local scientists studying the molecular mechanisms of aging, while fostering connections and building relationships that advance new discoveries. More than 200 researchers, primarily from the San Diego area, attended the meeting. 

La Jolla Aging Meeting tweet​
    For scientists new to the area, the meeting provided a key
    opportunity to build relationships.

Aging is the main risk factor for many of the serious diseases our society faces today, including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. As the U.S. population grows older due to the natural aging of the Baby-Boomer generation, the need to understand the underlying causes of aging becomes more urgent. The number of Americans who are age 65 or older is projected to double from nearly 48 million in 2015 to more than 90 million in 2060, according to the United States Census Bureau. 

The diversity of presentations given—from the role of supportive brain cells called astrocytes and cellular recycling (autophagy) to long-lived proteins in mitochondria (the cell’s power generator)—reflects the complexity of the field. A poster session was also held during the symposium, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming scientists to share their recent data. 

“It’s unlikely there will be any single factor responsible for aging,” says Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, professor at the University of Washington and the symposium’s keynote speaker. “I am encouraged to see so many people interested in diverse aspects of aging biology at this symposium. By advancing each of these distinct research areas, and working together, we will make progress in understanding the underlying aging process.”

The full list of speakers follows. Make sure to save the date for next year’s meeting, which will be held on March 27, 2020. 

  • Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, University of Washington (keynote) – New insights into mechanisms by which mTOR modulates metabolism, mitochondrial disease and aging
  • Isabel Salas, PhD, Allen lab, Salk – Astrocytes in aging and Alzheimer’s disease
  • David Sala Cano, PhD, Sacco lab, Sanford Burnham Prebys – The Stat3-Fam3a axis regulates skeletal muscle regenerative potential
  • Tina Wang, Ideker lab, University of California, San Diego – A conserved epigenetic progression aligns dog and human age
  • Rigo Cintron-Colon, Conti lab, Scripps Research – Identifying the molecules that regulate temperature during calorie restriction
  • Nan Hao, PhD, University of California, San Diego – Programmed fate bifurcation during cellular aging
  • Shefali Krishna, PhD, Hetzer lab, Salk – Long-lived proteins in the mitochondria and their role in aging
  • Sal Loguercio, PhD, Balch lab, Scripps Research – Tracking aging with spatial profiling
  • Alva Sainz, Shadel lab, Salk – Cytoplasmic mtDNA-mediated inflammatory signaling in cellular aging
  • Anthony Molina, PhD, University of California, San Diego – Mitochondrial bioenergetics and healthy aging: Advancing precision healthcare for older adults
  • Alice Chen, Cravatt lab, Scripps Research – Pharmacological convergence reveals a lipid pathway that regulates C. elegans lifespan
  • Robert Radford, PhD, Karlseder lab, Salk – TIN2: Communicating telomere status to mitochondria in aging
  • Jose Nieto-Torres, PhD, Hansen lab, Sanford Burnham Prebys – Regulating cellular recycling: role of LC3B phosphorylation in vesicle transport

Prizes for the best poster presentations were awarded to the following scientists: 

  • Hsin-Kai Liao, PhD, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte’s lab, Salk  
  • Yongzhi Yang, PhD, Malene Hansen’s lab, Sanford Burnham Prebys
  • Tai Chalamarit, Sandra Encalada’s lab, Scripps Research 

Thank you to our generous sponsor, the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, and to NanoString for donating the prizes received by the poster presenters.  

Interested in keeping up with our latest discoveries, upcoming events and more? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Discoveries.