Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have recently demonstrated that lacking one copy of a gene called CTCF causes mice to develop cancer. CTCF is a DNA binding protein that exerts a major influence on the architecture of the human genome. It has been well studied but never linked to cancer.
The current predominant “two-hit” theory on tumor suppressor genes implies that mutations in tumor suppressor genes are recessive and loss of suppressor fuction only occurs when mutations take place in both genes. This model has provided a conceptual framework in cancer research for three decades and has dominated tumor suppressor genetic studies. CTCF was ruled out as a candidate for breast cancer genes because it was believed to not conform to the “two-hit” model.
Dr. Chris Kemp of the Human Biology Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has recently discoveried that, it is not necessary to lose both alleles; loss of just one copy of the CTCF gene can trigger epigenetic changes and greatly enhance tumor formation in multiple tissues. Other recent studies at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have also revealed that deletions or mutations in CTCF are one of the most common events in breast, endometrial, and other human cancers.
Cutting-Edge Research Attracts More Funds
Groundbreaking cancer research investigations and discoveries such as this one have attracted a huge amount of research funding to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In the past 18 months, UW medicine has been working with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in an ambitious fundraising partnership to accelerate cancer research. This effort has so far raised $116.3 million, including a gift of $20 million from the family of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. The rest came from other private donors as smaller gifts. By the end of April 2014, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will have also received over $81 million from the National Institutes of Health. This large proportion of the NIH funding indicates the insight of researchers and the excellence of research programs at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Researchers at this institution also demonstrate that investment in Fred Hutchinson’s cancer research projects have high-value economic return. The overall economic return from the Woman’s Health Initiative (WHI), estrogen plus progestin (E+P) trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has provided a net economic return of $37.1 billion, or approximately $140 on every dollar invested in the trial, over the 10-year period since the main findings were published.
Networking with Fred Hutchinson Researchers
Cutting edge resesearch programs, the newest technologies, and the novel improved treatments available at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center make it a desirable marketplace. Biotechnology Calendar, Inc. provides an opportunity for laboratory supply companies to meet face-to-face with life science researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at the BioResearch Product Faire™ Event on August 19th 2014.
Lab supply companies are invited to the BioResearch Product Faire™ Event at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where they can:
-Explore market opportunities in the Seattle marketplace.
-Demonstrate product capabilities and answer product questions.
-Distribute product samples and literature.
-Obtain and sustain relationships with leading scientists, post docs, and purchasing agents.
-Enjoy a free delicious lunch with qualified potential clients.
Last year, the BioResearch Product Faire™ Event at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research attracted 140 attendees. Of these attendees, 40 were purchasing agents, professors and post docs, and 19 were lab managers. These attendees came from 8 different research buildings and 19 on-campus departments.
If you are a laboratory supply company and would like to participate in the BioResearch Product Faire™ Event on September 17th 2014, please click the button below:
There are more events available at different institutions throughout the nation, please read: National Show Schedule for 2014.
If you are a researcher and would like to explore new techniques, products, and services please pre-register to attend this event at: