GCBS researchers identify new mechanisms in learning and memory
GCBS team published a study that adds new pieces to the
puzzle of how we learn. The paper is titled “Calpain-2-mediated PTEN
Degradation Contributes to BDNF-induced Stimulation of Dendritic Protein
Synthesis,” by Victor Briz, Yu-Tien Hsu, Yi Li, Erin Lee, Xiaoning Bi, and
Michel Baudry. Click here to view the paper, which was published in the
March 6, 2013 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience.
The study builds on 30 years of work by Graduate College
of Biomedical Sciences Dean Michel Baudry, PhD. The paper tests the hypothesis
that calpain activity is required for BDNF-stimulated local protein synthesis,
a key step in the molecular mechanism underlying learning and memory. Click
here to read the full story.
FACE: Faculty for Autism Collaboration
GCBS faculty take part in campus-wide organization FACE:
Faculty for Autism Collaboration and Education. Website: http://www.westernu.edu/face.
The goal of this interprofessional team of educators,
clinicians and researchers is to promote integrated perspectives, activities,
and resources that serve to enhance the lives of individuals with ASD and their
significant others, to help optimize function and promote the highest possible
quality of life. Click
here to read the full story.
MSPS student first author on publication
Congratulations to current MSPS student Mandy Liu, from Dr. Ying Huang’s lab, on her recent publication: Mandy Liu, Jeffery Fan, Steven Wang, Zhijun Wang, Charles Wang, Zhong Zuo, Moses Chow, Leming Shi, Zhining Wen and Ying Huang. Transcriptional profiling of Chinese medicinal formula Si-Wu-Tang on breast cancer cells reveals phytoestrogenic activity. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2013, 13:11. A link to the article can be found here.
GCBS research team uncovers new candidate for industrial biocatalysis
A new study led by WesternU
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences Assistant Professor Manal A. Swairjo,
PhD, describes the discovery of the atomic structure of the only nitrile
reductase known in biology, which has potential widespread applications in the
chemical industry.
The paper, “Structural
Basis of Biological Nitrile Reduction,” by Chikwana VM, Stec B, Lee BW, de
Crecy-Lagard V, Iwata-Reuyl D, Swairjo MA, was recently published online in the
Journal of Biological Chemistry. Click
here to read the full story.
Dr. Swairjo also had a recent publication in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Fluorescent Fatty Acid Transfer from Bovine Serum Albumin to Phospholipid Vesicles: Collision or Diffusion Mediated Uptake.” Click here to view the publication.
GCBS graduates co-author a review paper on glutathione and infection
Congratulations to MSMS graduates John Kim (MSMS class of 2012, currently at WesternU's College of Dentistry) and Thien Nguyen (MSMS class of 2012, currently at WesternU's College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific) on their recent publication: Glutathione and infection. Morris D, Khurasany M, Nguyen T, Kim J, Guilford F, Mehta R, Gray D, Saviola B, and Venketaraman V. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 1830(5):3329-49. A link to the review article can be found here.
GCBS graduate publishes article on oral healthcare
Congratulations to MSMS graduate Catherine Tan (MSMS class of 2012, currently first year dental student at University of Southern California (USC)) on her recent publication: Oral Healthcare: Filling In the Gaps, Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, words by Isaac Sun and Catherine Tan, which appeared in The Explorer, Journal of USC Student Research, Vol. 5, 2013.
GCBS student first author on study that reveals a previously unknown role for amyloid-β in regulating retinal capillary bed density
Congratulations to MSMS student Khomthorn Cunvong (MSMS class of 2013) and his faculty advisors on their recent publication: "Amyloid-β increases capillary bed density in the adult zebrafish retina," by Cunvong K, Huffmire D, Ethell DW, Cameron DJ. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013, 54(2):1516-21. A link to the article can be found here.
GCBS faculty receives intramural grant
GCBS Assistant Professor Manal A. Swairjo, PhD, received an intramural grant for the project, “New Anti Folate Antibiotics for Drug Resistant Infections.” The major goal of the project is to develop GTP cyclohydrolase IB, a bacteria-specific enzyme, as a molecular target for new antibiotics to combat drug resistant infections such as multi-drug resistant Staph (MRSA) and the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea.
MSPS student earns research award
POMONA, Calif. - 09/13/2012 --
College
of Pharmacy Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences student Fatemeh
Almasarweh won an award at the 7th annual Drug Abuse Research Symposium at the
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science on Aug. 17, 2012 for her
presentation, “Hydrocodone containing prescription analgesics: What is the fuss
all about?”
The conference, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),
focused on the clinical and basic science aspects of drug addiction.
Almasarweh, working under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical
Sciences Arbi Nazarian, PhD, won a prize for the best presentation in her
category for students and trainees. She competed against senior doctoral
students and postdoctoral fellows. To read more click
here.
MSBS student earns STARS research award
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences MSBS student Jonathan Alvarez earned STARS Award at WesternU's fifth annual Student Technology and Research Symposium (STARS) on Aug. 1, 2012, for his research presentation on the biochemical analysis of t6A biosynthesis enzyme complex, a study he has been conducting toward his Master degree in biomedical sciences under the supervision of GCBS Assistant Professor Manal A. Swairjo. For more on this event click here.