May 9, 2011
Press Availability - Thursday May 12, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
Press Availability - Thursday May 12, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Reuben Shaw and Dr. Marc Montminy, both of Salk’s Helmsley Center for Nutritional Genomics, will be presenting two research studies disclosing critical discoveries in the area of diabetes and metabolism.
Together, their studies reveal that so called HDACs (histone deacetylases), a group of enzymes that is the target of the latest generation of cancer drugs, play a central role in controlling the body’s energy balance and that HDAC inhibitors may provide a novel way to cut excessive blood glucose level at the source.
|
Who: |
Dr. William R. Brody, President of the Salk Institute Dr. Marc Montminy, Professor in the Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology. Dr. Reuben Shaw, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career scientist, Hearst Endowment Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory Dr. Ronald M. Evans, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Professor, Professor of Gene Expression Laboratory, March of Dimes Chair in Molecular and Developmental Biology |
|
Why: |
Dr. Reuben Shaw and Dr. Marc Montminy, both of Salk’s Helmsley Center for Nutritional Genomics, will be presenting two research studies disclosing critical discoveries in the area of diabetes and metabolism. Dr. Montminy revealed how insulin increases fat storage during feeding in fruit flies. Dr. Shaw discovered a novel “fasting pathway” that points the way to a new class of diabetes drugs that can restore abnormally high blood glucose level to normal. Together, their studies reveal that so called HDACs (histone deacetylases), a group of enzymes that is the target of the latest generation of cancer drugs, play a central role in controlling the body’s energy balance and that HDAC inhibitors may provide a novel way to cut excessive blood glucose level at the source. Information strictly embargoed until May 12, 2011, 12 noon US EST Although the findings are the result of separate research efforts, it was the uniquely collaborative and targeted approach taken by members of the Salk Center for Nutritional Genomics that made this success story possible. The Center for Nutritional Genomics was founded two years ago with a $5.5 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. |
|
What: |
Short presentations to announce findings by panelists followed by Q&A session. |
|
When: |
Begins promptly at 9:00 am, Thursday, May 12, 2011 |
|
Where: |
Instituto Salk de Estudios Biológicos Trustee’s Room 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, California 92037 (The Trustee’s Room is located on the 1st floor in Southeast building) |
|
How: |
TO COVER THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TALK TO THE SCIENTISTS: Attend In Person: RSVP to reserve a place at the discussion to be held in the Trustee’s Room at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. (Parking and directions available upon request) Online Viewing/Participation: Phone Participation: 1 – Dial the toll-free number: 888-387-8686 (International callers: 001-720-259 -0759) Questions can submitted ahead of time via twitter by tweeting @salkinstitute and using the hashtag #salkdiabetes or sending them via email to communications@salk.edu |
Acerca del Instituto Salk de Estudios Biológicos:
El Instituto Salk de Estudios Biológicos es una de las instituciones de investigación básica más destacadas del mundo, donde un cuerpo docente de prestigio internacional investiga cuestiones fundamentales de las ciencias de la vida en un entorno único, colaborativo y creativo. Centrados tanto en el descubrimiento como en la formación de las futuras generaciones de investigadores, los científicos del Salk realizan contribuciones revolucionarias a nuestra comprensión del cáncer, el envejecimiento, el Alzheimer, la diabetes y las enfermedades infecciosas mediante el estudio de la neurociencia, la genética, la biología celular y vegetal, y otras disciplinas relacionadas.
Los logros del cuerpo docente han sido reconocidos con numerosos galardones, entre los que se incluyen premios Nobel y la pertenencia a la Academia Nacional de Ciencias. Fundado en 1960 por el Dr. Jonas Salk, pionero en la vacuna contra la poliomielitis, el Instituto es una organización independiente sin fines de lucro y un hito arquitectónico.
Oficina de Comunicaciones
Tel.: (858) 453-4100
press@salk.edu
