ORLANDO, Fla. — The American Association for Cancer Research is awarding 50 Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awards at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011, held April 2-6.
The award, now in its 26th year, is intended to enhance the education and training of minority researchers and increase the visibility and recognition of minorities involved in cancer research. It provides funds for the participation of early-career, meritorious minority scientists at the Annual Meeting. Scholars are chosen from minority institutions and the larger bodies of universities, colleges and research institutions based on their qualifications, references from mentors and an estimation of the professional benefit to the awardees.
The award is sponsored by a grant from the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Additionally, Merck Oncology has agreed to provide support to fund the participation of young minority investigators. The recipients of the 2011 Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awards include:
- Gregory Adams, Jr., B.S., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
Abstract #3713. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA mutations in serous ovarian carcinoma
Abstract #3806. Mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) analysis in colorectal neoplasia
- Samuel Asfaha, M.D., Ph.D., Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Abstract #5186. Lineage tracing of cytokeratin 19 labels gastric, intestinal and colonic stem cells
- Matthew P. Banegas, M.P.H., University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
Abstract #3717. Evaluation and comparison of breast cancer risk prediction models for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women in the Women's Health Initiative
- Tesfaye M. Baye, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Abstract #2746. Genomic data mining for selecting informative markers for ancestry
- Selina A. Beasley, B.S., North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.
Abstract #2933. Inhibition of MAPK signaling prevents Fra-1-mediated CD44 expression in human brain tumor cells
- Alaina P. Boyer, Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Mo.
Abstract #5126. Development of a high throughput quantitative phosphoproteomic method to study Trastuzumab resistance
- Jeffrey P. Bruce, B.M.Sc., University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Abstract #3967. Identification of metadherin as a novel target of miR-375 in head and neck cancer
- Teleka Calderon, M.D., Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif.
Abstract #5605. Differential expression of fatty-acid binding proteins 3 and 5: role in survival disparity among African-American women with breast cancer
- Jamaica Cass, B.Sc., Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Abstract #3207. Automated quantitative analysis of p53, cyclin D1 and pErk expression in breast carcinoma does not differ from expert pathologist scoring and correlates well with clinico-pathological characteristics
- Michelle M. Collazo, Ph.D., University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Fla.
Abstract #3647. Characterization of the relationship between mature neutrophils and tumor associated granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells
- Valerie A. Cortez, B.S., The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
Abstract #73. PELP1 is a novel reader of chromatin modifications: Implications in cancer progression
Abstract #1733. Therapeutic significance of ER-PELP1 axis in blockin endocrine therapy resistance
- Mohammad Daremipouran, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract #3033. NKX2-5, a potential tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer
- Albert R. Davalos, Ph.D., Buck Institute for Age Research, Novato, Calif.
Abstract #4507. Small molecule inhibitor of M.D.M2 induces p53-dependent HMGB1 secretion followed by apoptosis in cancer cells and incomplete senescence in normal fibroblasts
- Ivory Dean, B.S., Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich.
Abstract #3359. Maspin induces MET in prostate cancer cells cultured in 3D-collagen I
- Lissette Delgado-Cruzata, Ph.D., Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, N.Y.
Abstract #295. Detection of hypomethylation of LINE1 on peripheral white blood cells and plasma DNA in US hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Abstract # 3754. DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Abstract #4198. Mismatch repair polymorphisms and breast cancer risk in the Metropolitan New York Breast Cancer Family Registry
- Yaritza Diaz-Algorri, M.S., University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Abstract #1918. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and colorectal neoplasia risk in Puerto Rican Hispanics: A case-control study
Abstract #3767. Familial colorectal cancer registry in Hispanics: A feasibility study
Abstract #1813. Implementation and outcomes of a community-based educational program in colorectal cancer prevention
Abstract #1838. Survival and gender disparities in Puerto Rican Hispanics with colorectal cancer: A five-year analysis
- Alexandra M. Fajardo, B.S., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
Abstract #2073. Curcumin analog 27 induced reactive oxygen species mediate loss of androgen receptor protein expression in human prostate cancer cells
- Mulu Geletu, Ph.D., Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Abstract #1323. Reciprocal regulation of Stat3 and caveolin-1 in normal fibroblasts and breast carcinoma lines
Abstract #3123. Differential effects of polyoma virus middle tumor antigen mutants upon gap junctional, intercellular communication
- Evan Gomes, Ph.D., M.P.H., University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Orlando Cancer Research Institute, Orlando, Fla.
Abstract #1237. Role of Src in resistance to anoikis in detached pancreatic cancer cells
- Alicia A. Goyeneche, Ph.D., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D.
Abstract #2362. Antimetastatic potential of the antiprogestin mifepristone in cancer cells
Abstract #4546. Antiprogestin mifepristone inhibits the growth of cancer cells of reproductive and nonreproductive origin regardless of progesterone receptor expression
Abstract #363. Antiprogestin mifepristone improves the efficacy of the combination therapy cisplatin/paclitaxel in human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro
- James E. Harris, Jr., M.D., Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Abstract #1600. A xenograft model of spontaneous metastases in NOD SCID mice of human non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract #2618. DNMT1 as a marker of differential sensitivities to epigenetic therapy of a Kras mutant and Kras wild type human non small cell lung cancer cell line
- Ashley C. Huderson, B.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
- Alicia Hulbert, M.D., John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
Abstract #2618. DNMT1 as a marker of Differential Sensitivities to Epigenetic Therapy in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Abstract #3679. Preliminary results from a patient group, excluded from the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial, who are at high risk for lung cancer - heavy smokers with HIV
- Amin Ismail, Ph.D., University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.
Abstract #3825. Prognosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma is dependent on early G1 cyclin-dependent kinase activity
- Patrick Joseph, M.S., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla.
Abstract #3238. Synthesis and evaluation of 17-oximino-estrone derivatives as potential anti-breast cancer agents
- Dana-Lynn T. Koomoa-Lange, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy, Hilo, Hawaii
Abstract #1423. Effects of DFMO-based combination therapy in advanced stage neuroblastoma
- Adeyinka O. Laiyemo, M.P.H., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract #1083. Marital status and adherence to scheduled free breast cancer screening among uninsured inner city women
Abstract #5018. Adherence to free breast cancer screening among uninsured black and Hispanic women
Abstract #1882. Short- and long-term risk of adenoma recurrence with cigarette smoking: An analysis of the Polyp Prevention Trial and Continued Follow-Up Study
- Monica N. Logan, M.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
Abstract #2734. Genome-wide analysis of direct Nkx3.1 target genes
- Sydika McKissic, B.S., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
Abstract #2401. Loss of Nkx3.1 cooperates with Myc overexpression to promote prostate tumorigenesis
- Christina M. Medina-Ramirez, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y.
Abstract #4695. Apoptosis inhibitor ARC as a novel mediator of breast tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance
- Diana M. Merino, Ph.D., Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Abstract #3460. Genome-wide copy number analysis reveals novel somatic mutations associated with choroid plexus tumorigenesis
- Fassil B. Mesfin, M.D., Ph.D., Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y.
Abstract #562. Multi-kinase inhibitor: AFPep inhibits the growth and invasion of U87 glioblastoma cells through inhibition of FAK, MAPK, and PKC
- Brenda L. Montalvo-Ortiz, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Abstract #3251. Characterization of a novel Rac inhibitor as an anti cancer metastasis compound
- Jeremy N. Myers, Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
Abstract #1334. Benzo(a)pyrene metabolic pathway-dependent DNA damage in HT-29 colon cells
- Margaret Ndinguri, Ph.D., University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas
- Chané O'Bannon, B.S., Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif.
Abstract #1114. IGF-II regulates the expression of estrogen receptor beta 5: Role in the survival disparity between African-American and caucasian women with breast cancer
- Coral O. Omene, M.D., Ph.D., NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, N.Y.
Abstract #3344. CAPE-induced inhibition of breast cancer stem cells (CSC) self-renewal and growth by differentiation to a less malignant phenotype
- Joyce Osanyingbemi-Obidi, B.S., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
Abstract #5209. The roles of notch signaling in the development of non-small cell lung cancer
- Mahasin Osman, Ph.D., Brown University, Providence, R.I.
- Yolanda Pina, B.A., Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla.
Abstract #2050. 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG) as a glycolytic inhibitor in the treatment of retinoblastoma
Abstract #3865. Regional and temporal variations in gene expression and vasculature during retinoblastoma tumorigenesis and its impact on ocular treatment
Abstract #1517. Retinoblastoma tumor development: Role of tumor-associated macrophages and their sub-type in LHBETATAG retinal tumor progression
Abstract #5352. Novel treatment approaches in retinoblastoma: Impact of combination therapy on tumor burden
- Ramona Salcedo Price, B.S., The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Abstract #971. Obesity initiates a self-perpetuating inflammatory response in LNCaP prostate cancer cells
- Delira F. Robbins, B.S., Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, La.
Abstract #207. PTEN contributes to p53 activation during skin transformation
- Johnny A. Sena, B.S., University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colo.
Abstract #2048. USF2 is HIF2α specific co-transcriptional activator
- Randolph Stone, II, B.S., Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, La.
Abstract #4861. Identification of premalignant bladder markers using DNA microarray analysis of the UPII-SV40Tag model for invasive bladder UCC
- Aron Tesfamichael, M.S., Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.
- Mathewos Tessema, Ph.D., Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, N.M.
Abstract #87. SULF2 methylation is a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer survival and increases sensitivity to camptothecin analogues via expression of ISG15
- José G. Treviño, M.D., H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Fla.
Abstract #2590. Selective disruption of Rb-Raf-1 kinase interaction is a suitable therapeutic option for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Abstract #4993. Nicotine induced EMT and metastasis of human NSCLC : Role of beta-arrestin-1
Abstract #4381. EGFR-Src signaling regulates self-renewal of cancer stem like cells from NSCLC through Sox2
Abstract #1972. Nicotine regulates DNA-binding protein inhibitor (Id1) through a Src-dependent pathway promoting tumorigenic properties and chemoresistance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- Tonya J. Webb, Ph.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
- Danyell S. Wilson, Ph.D., H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Fla.
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The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, the AACR is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes 33,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and more than 90 other countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants, research fellowships and career development awards. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts more than 18,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment and patient care. Including Cancer Discovery, the AACR publishes seven major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; and Cancer Prevention Research. AACR journals represented 20 percent of the market share of total citations in 2009. The AACR also publishes CR, a magazine for cancer survivors and their families, patient advocates, physicians and scientists.