July 2019

News

Remembering former Pharmacology chair Joel Hardman

Joel Hardman, chair of the Department of Pharmacology from 1975 to 1990, passed away in late June at age 85. Dr. Hardman had a prolific career as a scientist and is fondly remembered as an excellent educator and mentor. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Madhur named a Presidential Early Career Award recipient

President Trump has announced the recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). It is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government to outstanding scientists and engineers at the beginning of their independent research careers. Meenakshi Madhur (Medicine) was one of three Tennessee scientists recognized with this award. Outstanding job!

Merck KGaA honors Crowe with Future Insight Prize

The science and technology company Merck KGaA (often referred to as “German Merck”) has split its annual Future Insight Prize between James Crowe (Pediatrics) at VUMC and Pardis Sabeti at the Broad Institute. This year’s theme was Pandemic Protection, and Crowe’s $500,000 prize recognizes his contributions in the development of new therapeutics and vaccines against deadly viruses. Crowe and Sabeti were selected by a 63-member jury of experts from around the world.

Three Vanderbilt faculty earn RPB Unrestricted and Catalyst Awards

The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology has been awarded a Research to Prevent Blindness (RPS) $115,000 unrestricted grant to help support activities within the department. Paul Sternberg, Jr., head of the department, will allocate the funds. In addition, Kevin Schey (Biochemistry) and Sabine Fuhrmann (Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences) have each been awarded $300,000 RPB Catalyst Awards for Innovative Research Approaches for AMD (age-related macular degeneration) to support their research; Fuhrmann’s award is co-sponsored by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The awards are designed to support novel, ground-breaking research into AMD, with the ultimate goal of creating effective treatments for this increasingly common and debilitating condition.

Vanderbilt, Duke project earns Chan Zuckerberg Initiative funding

Ken Lau (Cell and Developmental Biology [CDB]) and collaborator Xiling Shen from Duke University have received funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for a project that aims to create a cell atlas of the human gut-brain axis. The work will be part of the Seed Networks for the Human Cell Atlas, which brings experimental scientists, computational biologists, software engineers, and physicians together to help develop the Human Cell Atlas (HCA), an international effort to map all cells in the human body so that it may serve as a resource for better understanding of health and disease.

Trainees awarded research fellowships

This month, the following graduate students were awarded fellowships: Justin Marinko (lab of Chuck Sanders, Biochemistry) and Kai Bracey (lab of Irina Kaverina, CDB) from the NIH, Nilay Taneja (lab of Dylan Burnette, CDB) from the American Heart Association, and Joe Luchsinger (lab of Danny Winder, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics [MPB]) from the NIAAA. Congratulations to you all!

VSSA students win travel awards to attend SACNAS, ABRCMS

Leah Rowe (lab of Sean Davies, Pharmacology), Shania Sanchez (lab of Kristen Ogden; Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology [PMI]), and Nana Antwi (labs of Lars Plate and Lauren Buchanan, Chemistry) have been awarded Lou DeFelice travel grants to attend the 2019 SACNAS or ABRCMS conferences, both of which are focused on enhancing the research and conference experience of underrepresented minorities in science, with their mentors. These undergraduates conducted biomedical research at Vanderbilt this summer through the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA).

Iverson appointed new chairperson to study section

Tina Iverson (Pharmacology) has been appointed to a two-year term as the head of the Macromolecular Structure and Function A Study Section at the NIH Center for Scientific Review. Serving on a study section represents a major commitment of professional time and energy and requires a significant history of quality research, publications, and professional development. Congratulations on this great honor!

Chen, Merryman receive 2019 Discovery Grants

The Office of the Provost has awarded 11 faculty-led proposals with internal funding to advance new ideas and cutting-edge scholarship in the university’s core disciplines. Amongst the 11 honorees are Wenbiao Chen (MPB) and David Merryman (Biomedical Engineering). Chen’s project focuses on the genetic analysis of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while Merryman’s focuses on the treatment of pulmonary hypertension through systematically restricted serotonin 2B compounds.

Support the Simple Beginnings Ceremony

The annual Simple Beginnings Ph.D. Lab Coat Ceremony celebrates the promise of each new class of doctoral students in the School of Medicine and in the School of Nursing by presenting them with a lab coat embroidered with their name. This year’s ceremony will take place on August 30, and could not happen without the generous support of the faculty, alumni, and current students who – if they are able – want to help support the next generation of trainees. To make a gift to the Simple Beginnings Fund, please visit the online giving form.

New Discoveries

How Influenza Virus Evades Host Defenses

Yi Ren (Biochemistry) and her laboratory and colleagues report the mechanism by which the influenza virus NS1 protein blocks host cell antiviral mechanisms by preventing mRNA export from the nucleus.

Guarding against DNA damage

New work from the labs of Brandt Eichman (Biological Sciences) and David Cortez (Biochemistry) reveals how the protein HMCES captures and stabilizes abasic sites in single-stranded DNA.

In search of ovarian cancer

New research from Larry Marnett (Biochemistry) and his lab has led to the discovery of a novel PET imaging agent that detects ovarian cancer by targeting the enzyme COX-1.

Preventing Chikungunya

James Crowe (Pediatrics) and his lab report the development of a lipid-encapsulated monoclonal antibody that protects against chikungunya infection.

Combating drug-resistant malaria

A rapid new blood test developed through a collaboration between the labs of Frederick Haselton (Engineering) and David Wright (Chemistry) detects drug resistance in patients infected with malaria to enable more efficient and effective therapy.

Promoting β cell development

A collaboration between the labs of Roland Stein (MPB) and Christopher Wright (CDB) outlines an interaction between the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and the Pdx1 transcription factor that promotes healthy development of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas.

Structure of a toxin-delivery machine

Research from the labs of Borden Lacy (PMI) and Tim Cover (Medicine) provides new insight into the structure of the protein complex used by H. pylori to deliver its cancer-causing CagA toxin to gastric epithelial cells.

Featured Core

Did you know that Basic Sciences boasts 19 cores that can help you with an assortment of needs and techniques? We’ll be featuring them each month so that you can get to know them. Maybe they can help you with that project you’ve been putting off… Just don’t forget to acknowledge your cores in your publications!

Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource
If you have been wondering what happened to the Transgenic Mouse/ES Cell Shared Resource (TMESCSR), fear not, for it has simply rebranded. The Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER) provides services in several areas, including assisted reproduction technologies, cryopreservation of embryos or sperm, embryonic stem cell microinjections, genome editing, and pronuclear or cytoplasmic zygote microinjections. So far this year, the core has already been credited for furthering the research of at least 20 published papers. Check out their Summer 2019 newsletter to find out about their latest service additions (including the characterization and expansion of CRISPR-edited mice and the guarantee of success of two categories of CRISPR edits) and consider working with them on your next project.

External Funding Opportunities

NIH Guide
If you have not already done so, you are encouraged to subscribe to the NIH Guide email list, which provides a wealth of information on NIH grant programs. Subscribe here.

NCI Cancer Moonshot
The Cancer Moonshot program at the NCI has a variety of funding opportunities available. Details are here.

Basic Experimental Studies with Humans
The NIH has recently announced the publication of new funding opportunities specifically for research involving human subjects that aims to understand the fundamental aspects of phenomena without an immediate or apparent application. See their FAQs here and keep on the lookout for these opportunities.

New NIH F33 grant opens for NIGMS-funded PIs
This F33 is targeted toward experienced scientists who wish to make major changes in the direction of their research careers or who wish to broaden their scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities. Standard application dates apply to this grant. Visit the program announcement for more details.

2019 NIH Director’s Award Programs
Requests for applications for the following Common Fund/Office of the Director NIH programs have now been issued:

New Innovator Award Program (DP2) – Application deadline is August 26. RFA-RM-19-006.
Pioneer Award Program (DP1) – Application deadline is September 6. RFA-RM-19-005.
Early Independence Awards Program (DP5) – Letter of intent is due August 13. Application deadline is September 13. RFA-RM-19-008. Register for a webinar taking place on Wednesday, July 24 at 1:00 PM EDT, and submit your questions by July 22.
Transformative Research Awards Program (R01) – Application deadline is September 20. RFA-RM-19-007. Register for a webinar taking place on Wednesday, July 24 at 3:00 PM EDT, and submit your questions by July 22.

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation Award Program has an open call for postdocs conducting advanced research within the core areas of fundamental chemistry or the development and building of chemical instrumentation. Their research must be innovative in method, speed, or process, or must represent new instrument technology. The 2020 applications are open between June 12, 2019 and September 6, 2019. Visit the Beckman website for more information and to apply.

NIH Director’s Early Independence Awards (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional)
Investigators wishing to forgo the traditional postdoc route after completing their doctoral studies may apply for this grant designed to accelerate their entry into research careers. Applications are due by September 13, 2019, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

VU Bridge Program
Primary Basic Sciences faculty with lapses in federal grant support are invited to apply for the VU Bridge Program. The next submission deadline for Bridge/Realignment Grant funding is September 15. The instructions for submission of proposals have been posted on the VBS website. It is critical that faculty who wish to apply follow the posted instructions.

NIH Director’s Transformative Research Awards (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
This FOA is a Common Fund initiative for scientists proposing “groundbreaking, exceptionally innovative, original, and/or unconventional research with the potential to create new scientific paradigms, establish entirely new and improved clinical approaches, or develop transformative technologies.” Applications must be submitted by September 20, 2019, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. More details here.

Limited Submission Opportunities

Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholars
Vanderbilt is seeking to nominate one postdoctoral fellow who studies neuroscience in the School of Medicine for the 2020 Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholars program. These awards are meant to help scientists with an MD or a Ph.D. who have a minimum of three years but no more than five years of postdoctoral training transition into faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level or higher. The internal deadline for nomination is August 15, 2019 at 5:00 PM.

Precision Medicine & Health Disparities Collaborative seeks pilot projects
The Precision Medicine & Health Disparities Collaborative (PMHDC) invites pilot projects that meet three key requirements: they have relevance to precision medicine, relevance to health disparities, and community engagement. You can request a pre-application consultation for guidance on preparing your application by September 30. An informational webinar will take place on August 13 at 2:00 PM CST – information on registration will be available on the PMHDC website and will be provided to anyone who requests a pre-application consultation. For more information, please refer to the RFA.

Additional LSO information
Information regarding limited submission opportunities may be found on the University and Medical Center websites. You can also sign up to receive regular updates by email. These opportunities are not limited only to faculty. Make sure you check these opportunities out, as some are open to postdocs and graduate and medical students.

Internal Funding Opportunities

Microbiome Venture Fund
This opportunity is open to all Vanderbilt faculty and graduate students and is looking to connect microbiome scholarship with diverse topics and investigators. Projects could span research, education, outreach, ethics, law, policy development, among others. Send your questions or your completed proposal to Seth Bordenstein. Applications are due July 31.

Announcements

Nashville metropolitan general election coming up
Nashville has elections coming up for mayor, vice-mayor, and council members on August 1. Early voting will take place from July 12 to July 27. For more information, visit the Davidson County Election Commission webpage.

VUMC wireless network to get security upgrade
If you find that the wireless networks on campus have recently kicked you out on your personal devices, this is likely due to the security upgrades performed on the VUMC wireless network on July 17. For information on how to log back in, visit the announcement page. The website also includes information on pop-up support kiosks that VUMC network users can visit to obtain help on re-logging in to the network.

New ORCID iD requirement
Starting in fiscal year 2020, all individuals supported by research training, fellowship, research education, and career development awards from the NIH, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the CDC must have ORCID iDs. For more information, you can visit the NIH announcement. Students, postdocs, and faculty members without an ORCID iD are encouraged to obtain one as soon as possible.

New online courses announced
The Department of Pharmacology and Basic Sciences are proud to announce the launch of the new didactic resource Drug Discovery Online! These two-week, online mini-courses are perfect for graduate or medical students and even advanced undergraduates. Four courses have now launched, and are open to the first 30 VU students to complete the interest form.

BioRender interest
Basic Sciences is considering purchasing a BioRender site license for School of Medicine users. Therefore, we are looking for input from community members (students, postdocs, faculty, staff, etc.) on whether or not they would find this service useful. Please fill out our survey to let us know your opinion.

Chancellor’s Heart and Soul Award open for nominations
Nominations for this award, which celebrates the selfless dedication of staff members to the institution and the campus community, are now open. Given annually by the chancellor, each Heart and Soul Award includes a $1,500 cash prize and an engraved piece of wooden artwork, hand crafted by artist Brenda Stein. The deadline to submit nominations is July 31.

2020 Vanderbilt Prize open for nominations
The Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the science of medicine. Nominations are open to all women scientists in any area of basic or clinical research or practice at any institution. The recipient of the prize will give a lecture at Vanderbilt, receive an honorarium, and mentor the Vanderbilt Prize Scholar, a promising woman undergoing her Ph.D. studies at Vanderbilt.

What is social media good for, and how can you make use of it?
Basic Sciences is considering running a workshop and/or a panel discussion on the use of social media in our professional lives. Whether you have no experience at all or whether you’re a #ScienceTwitter veteran, we want to know if you would find this opportunity beneficial. If you’re a faculty member, a lab manager, or simply someone who manages a lab’s social media accounts, please fill out our survey to let us know your thoughts.

Science Club Nashville looking for volunteers
You’ve got your scientific talks down – you can present to the experts all day long. But can you explain your science non-scientists without using jargon? Take a stab at presenting to a general audience at Science Club Nashville, the once-monthly lecture for science enthusiasts in Nashville. If you’re unsure of how to go about doing this, need some pointers, or could simply use some encouragement, reach out to Lorena Infante Lara, and together you can work through any doubts, issues, or concerns you might have before you ever commit to talking. Students, postdocs, faculty, staff – everyone is welcome to present.

Lab website editing
In an effort to improve the quality and consistency of our online communications with the world, the Office of the Dean of Basic Sciences will be consulting with each primary VBS faculty who has a lab website in order to standardize grammar, correct typos, and create new content where warranted. Look out for an email from Lorena Infante Lara within the next few months. You can also reach out to her with questions.

We want YOU to submit your research images
We know all of you generate beautiful data, so help us show the world. Basic Sciences will now share your images, whether they be microscopy, Western Blots, NMR spectra, or anything else in between. Submissions will be shared on social media along with a tidbit about what’s going on in each image. You can submit up to 5 images at a time here.

Check us out on social media
Looking for the latest news from Basic Sciences? Follow us on Twitter for details on who’s presenting where and on Instagram to see the research our trainees are doing.

Faculty – are you on social media?
Whether you’re on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or other, we want to connect with you! Submit your social media handles and increase your reach!

Events

Save the date for the Annual VICB Student Research Symposium
The 2019 symposium of the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology will be held August 8 and will feature a keynote talk by Christopher Austin, Director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the NIH. Registration is now closed. Registrants must submit an abstract by July 19. You do not need to be a member of VICB to attend.

P.R.I.D.E. training session
The P.R.I.D.E. (Pursuing Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) program is hosting a training session on July 22 at 1:00-4:00 PM that is open to all members of the Vanderbilt community. By participating, you will show your support for people of all genders and sexualities and will commit to developing allyship skills. The registration form includes space for you to voice particular questions. P.R.I.D.E. training occurs two to three times per semester.

Center for Quantitative Sciences Summer Institute
The Center for Quantitative Sciences is hosting its annual Summer Institute, featuring four courses to help sharpen your quantitative research skills and to provide methods and tools that you can use in your biostatistics or bioinformatics research. The courses, Machine Learning in Data Science, Regression and Modeling in R, Big Data in Biomedical Research, and Introduction to Causal Interference, will take place in the Kissam Center during the weeks of August 5 and August 12.

Day of the Documents
Do you feel prepared to enter the academic job market? Are you a graduate student or a postdoc looking for feedback or guidance on crafting a teaching statement, a diversity statement, a CV, a cover letter, or other document? Register to attend a one-day workshop held by the Graduate School and the Center for Teaching, complete with a continental breakfast, lunch, and plenty of discussions. The workshop will take place August 15 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM in the Heard Library Community Room.

Vanderbilt Software Carpentries: Programming bootcamp
This two-day bootcamp is aimed at helping graduate students and other researchers improve their coding workflow by covering program design, version control, data management, and task automation through skills with Unix, Git and Version Control, Python, and R. Registration costs $25 (plus a processing fee). Hurry, spots are filling fast!

About the Newsletter

This monthly newsletter recognizes the achievements and latest discoveries of any trainees, faculty, and staff who aid in the basic research enterprise of the biomedical sciences at Vanderbilt University. Archive.

About this Issue’s Banner

There is more to this artwork than meets the eye: this kaleidoscopic image is actually a single immunofluorescence slide that has been rotated three times about a corner. The artist and researcher, graduate student Caroline Cencer (lab of Matt Tyska), uses enterocytes to study the maturation of the intestinal brush border. In this image, the microvilli (magenta) are coming out of the screen toward the viewer. View previously featured images in our gallery.

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