PDRI Researchers Seek to Unlock Mysteries of Vitamin D
|
|
|
Health reporter Kyung Song details the promising research of Principal Investigator Bill Hagopian, M.D., Ph.D., in his effort to identify the causative environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes. Particular attention is given to Vitamin D and the future clinical trials Dr. Hagopian and his team are planning in order to investigate the vitamin’s potential protective benefits against the disease.
|
Vol 11, number 2, 2008
|
|
|
In this issue learn how and why we changed our name to Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute. Jim Gore also introduces Bryon Epp as the new Director of Finance for PDRI and the American Diabetes Association reports on the economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. in 2007.
|
January e-Laser
|
|
|
The latest edition of the e-Laser, PNRI's electronic newsletter, is now available. Learn about Dr. William Hagopian's receipt of the Life Sciences Discovery Fund award, and about the resounding success of the Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance.
|
January Laser
|
|
|
In this issue, learn more about diabetes predictive testing at PNRI—which was recently awarded a competitive Life Sciences Discovery Fund Grant. In addition, read about the resounding successes of the Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance and PNRI's reformatted lunch program for community leaders.
|
Magnuson Congress Profiled in Toronto Star
|
 |
|
Health reporter Megan Ogilvie describes the potentially devastating consequences of the global diabetes epidemic and outlines how PNRI has taken a leadership role in mobilizing the world's leading diabetes experts to pinpoint trends and public health solutions for curbing the 'rising tsunami' of diabetes worldwide.
|
New Developments in Diabetes Treatment
|
 |
|
Anita Manning describes how new drug treatments and more accurate methods for monitoring blood sugar levels have dramatically improved health outcomes. Yet, concerns remain as the soaring rate of diabetes threatens to overwhelm health systems and undermine economies worldwide – as highlighted at the recent Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance.
|
Seattle Diabetes Declaration Announced
|
 |
|
Seattle Post Intelligencer consumer health reporter Cherie Black describes the Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance that PNRI convened October 21–23, 2007, in Seattle as part of the larger effort to tackle the growing "tsunami" of diabetes worldwide. In this article, the Seattle Diabetes Declaration is outlined.
|
Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance
|
 |
|
In this lead article, Clay Holtzman, nonprofit reporter for the Puget Sound Business Journal, details PNRI President and Scientific Director R. Paul Robertson’s vision for the upcoming Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance—which PNRI will assemble October 21–23, 2007 at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle.
|
October 2007 Laser
|
|
|
In this issue, read about the Warren G. Magnuson Congress for a Global Diabetes Alliance, which PNRI will convene in Seattle from October 21–23, 2007. Also included: a profile of PNRI Trustee Bob Russell and an introduction by Dr. Robertson of Jim Gore – PNRI's first Vice President! The unprecedented success of PNRI's fourth annual signature fundraiser An Evening of Wine 2007 is also featured.
|
Children Benefiting From PNRI TEDDY Study
|
 |
|
Bellingham Herald Correspondent Amy Harder highlights how children at St. Joseph Hospital are benefiting from enrollment in Pacific Northwest Research Institute’s TEDDY study
|
July 2007 Laser
|
|
|
In this issue, read about PNRI's partnership with the Snoqualmie Nation. Plus, Snoqualmie Chief Jerry Enick details his experience living with type 2 diabetes and explains his vision for "bringing his people home." PNRI board member Gilliat G. Schroeder, Jr., and PNRI Research Interviewer Stephanie Kleven are also profiled.
|
Seattle at Forefront for Type 1 Diabetes Research
|
|
|
Seattle P-I reporter Cherie Black details how researchers at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, the Benaroya Research Institute and the University of Washington are poised to address rising rates of type 1 diabetes in Seattle and beyond.
|
March 2007 Laser
|
|
|
In this issue, PNRI welcomes its newest principal investigators, Dr. Joe Bryan and Dr. Lydia Aguilar-Bryan, a husband and wife team famous for locating the gene that regulates insulin secretion. Also included in this issue: profiles of PNRI board member Jack Faris PhD; our new Laser editor Amy Wales; and, KOMO AM 1000 news anchor Bill Yeend -- who will emcee PNRI's An Evening of Wine in August 2007.
|
DEW-IT Study recently featured in Seattle Times
|
|
|
Seattle Times medical reporter Warren King details how being alert to symptoms in children with genetic risk for developing type 1 diabetes can lead to early diagnosis, timely application of insulin, and decreased morbidity at disease onset.
|
November 2006 Laser
|
|
|
In this issue Board member Benjamin Danielson discusses community health care and Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, where he is a pediatrician as well as Medical Director. See a profile on PNRI scientist Huarong Zhou, and find details and photos from PNRI's third annual fundraiser, An Evening of Wine.
|
Northwest Cable News Reports On TEDDY Study
|
 |
|
NorthWest Cable News reports on the progress of PNRI's huge and extremely important TEDDY study.
|
July 2006 Laser
|
|
|
Read what PNRI is doing, and what needs to be done on a global level, to conquer diabetes. See profiles on Board member Sarah Armstrong and PNRI scientist Hui Peng, and find details on PNRI's third annual fundraiser, An Evening of Wine; dedicated to raising awareness and funds for diabetes research.
|
Science Teacher at a PNRI Bench
|
|
|
|
Carol Sandison has her work gloves on this week at PNRI. The veteran Columbia River High School biology teacher is conducting a five-day internship studying diabetes research with Dr. Marika Bogdani, a post-doctoral scientist in the Robertson lab. What Carol learns about lab technique and pioneering diabetes research she will take directly back to her students in the fall.
|
PNRI Receives $2.25 Million Gift from Klaische Estate
|
|
|
|
PNRI announced today that it has received a $2.25 million gift from the estate of William R. Klaische. The unrestricted gift will seed an endowment fund being established to support the advancement of PNRI's diabetes research.
|
Having That Hope Is Something To Look Forward To
|
 |
|
Dr. William Hagopian is fighting on a new front to knock out diabetes before it takes hold in children.
|
March 2006 Laser
|
|
|
This issue features Dr. Bill Hagopian's hOKT3 study, designed to prolong insulin function in type 1 diabetes. There are also profiles on Board member Carol Heimkes, and PNRI scientists Huarong Zhou and Marika Bogdani, both of whom recently received recognition for their research. Read about their work and the commitment we all share to preventing and curing diabetes.
|
Diabetes not Equal Opportunity Disease
|
|
|
In a guest editorial, Cheza C. Garvin and R. Paul Robertson discuss how diabetes impacts some communities more severely than others. They also explain what we can do to reduce these health disparities.
|
DNA Structure May Signal Prostate Cancer
|
|
|
|
Scientists at PNRI have identified a DNA structure that potentially signals a high risk for prostate cancer. They believe that this structure has potential for use in diagnosis and drug therapy.
|
Have You Recently Been Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes?
|
|
|
|
A new research trial that hopes to prolong natural insulin production in people with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes is occurring at PNRI.
|
November 2005 Laser
|
|
|
Read about endocrine scholarship, financial health, institutional safety, and international collaboration in this issue of The Laser. All of these strengthen PNRI's capacity to prevent and cure disease and advance its diabetes mission.
|
PNRI's Rhodes to Head Prominent Diabetes Research Group
|
|
|
|
Dr. Christopher Rhodes, PNRI's Associate Scientific Director, today assumes the post of chair of the Medical and Scientific Review Committee of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
|
July 2005 Laser
|
|
|
The insulin-producing beta cell is unbelievably fascinating. So is the research Dr. Chris Rhodes is doing to elucidate its mechanisms. Read about both in this issue of The Laser, along with a profile of Trustee Lois Broadway and important PNRI contributions to the ADA scientific meetings and outreach programs.
|
The Global Diabetes Threat
|
|
|
|
The global threat of diabetes is increasingly severe. What must we do to contain it? In this guest editorial, Paul Robertson and Chris Elias provide some answers.
|
March 2005 Laser
|
|
|
Fatty acids play a key role in insulin dysfunction in diabetes. Dr. Vincent Poitout is investigating how. Read about his research and the passionate mind of a teacher that informs it. Read also profiles of Trustee Rick Omata, Postdoctoral Fellow Derek Hagman, and more.
|
Type 1 Diabetes and the Environment--Uncovering the Secret Triggers of Disease
|
|
|
|
Researchers at PNRI are embarking on the largest and most ambitious research study ever undertaken to learn about the environmental causes of type 1 diabetes. The program will span almost two decades and involve the experiences of hundreds of thousands of families and children in the Northwest, elsewhere in the US, and in Europe
|
November 2004 Laser
|
|
|
This issue of The Laser features Dr. Paul Robertson's glucose toxicity research, as well as profiles of PNRI's newest investigator Dr. Barton Wicksteed, Chief Financial Officer David Rood, and Board of Trustees member Juanita Garrison. Read about their work and their shared commitment to preventing and curing diabetes.
|
September e-Laser
|
|
|
The latest edition of the e-Laser, PNRI's electronic newsletter, is now available. Learn about the Institute's first annual fund raiser, An Evening of Wine—First Flight; Dr. R. Paul Robertson's appointment as a board member for the American Diabetes Association; and the latest cancer research findings from the Biochemical Oncology Program at PNRI.
|
Cancer Phenotypes Suggest New Diagnostic and Treatment Possibilities
|
|
|
|
Scientist in the Biochemical Oncology Program at PNRI recently looked at the questions--Can distinctive changes in DNA structure be seen before cancer tumors begin to grow? Can tumor metastasis be predicted by observing particular DNA alterations in cells?
|
An Evening of Wine—First Flight
|
|
|
|
The first annual fundraiser for the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, PNRI, An Evening of Wine—First Flight, was held at the Golf Club at Newcastle on August 5, 2004. Over 150 guests experienced an unforgettable evening of extraordinary Washington State wines, provided by eight premier Washington wineries.
|
Summer School at PNRI--Science Education Partnership Connects a Local Teacher with a Local Scientist
|
|
|
|
Learn how a local teacher from Lakewood Middle School worked with a PNRI scientist to gain knowledge about research and diabetes.
|
New Discovery Could Provide Tool
to Detect whether a Cancer Will Develop and Spread
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
Scientists in the Malins lab at PNRI have found evidence for a DNA structure characteristic of metastasis in normal tissues from prostates with metastazing tumors.
|
July 2004 Laser
|
|
|
Dr. Bill Hagopian and his colleagues are embarking on a landmark study of the environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes. Read about this major research project in the July issue of The Laser, along with profiles of PNRI scientists Lori Hays and Isabelle Briaud, Board Trustee Ardy Johnson, and PNRI supporter John Hussman. Together they are working to predict, prevent, and treat diabetes.
|
May e-Laser
|
|
|
The May edition of the e-Laser, PNRI's electronic newsletter, is available. Learn about promising developments, including a new test for myelodysplasia and a new cancer vaccine, and discover how eleven middle schoolers became scientists for a day.
|
PNRI Hosts Middle School Scientists for a Day
|
|
|
|
Eleven 7th and 8th graders visited Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) today to become scientists for a day. The students are all winners in the annual essay and poster contest--"Biomedical Breakthroughs"--sponsored by the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR).
|
Study Points to Promising New Test of Myelodysplasia,
a Blood Disorder Often Leading to Leukemia
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
A report to be published in the April 6th edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and appearing online the week of March 29th describes the development of a promising new test for the early diagnosis of a serious blood disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure and acute myelogenous leukemia
|
New Cancer Vaccine Promise
|
|
|
|
Scientists at the PNRI announced today the development of a promising new cancer vaccine technology. Their report points the way toward cancer vaccines that will trigger rejection of tumors by the immune system. In the April 6 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers describe a process whereby cells from melanoma, are engineered to express a particular molecule that induces the immune system to attack and kill them.
|
PNRI Ovarian Cancer Research Featured in the Wall Street Journal
|
|
|
|
The ovarian cancer research being conducted at Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) under the direction of Karl Erik and Ingegerd Hellstrom was featured in this morning's Wall Street Journal. In an article entitled, "Ovarian Cancer: Discovery Could Yield Early Test," Journal reporter Michael Waldholz describes the promise of recently discovered proteins in diagnosing ovarian cancer.
|
March 2004 Laser
|
|
|
The March issue of The Laser, PNRI's print newsletter, is available for download. Vol 7, number 1, 2004. Discover the orderly social world of cells, and learn about some common misconceptions about Type 2 Diabetes.
|
PNRI Diabetes Research Featured in the Wall Street Journal
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
The diabetes research being conducted at Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) under the direction of Dr. William Hagopian was featured in this morning's Wall Street Journal. Read how Hagopian is one of "a small group of physicians around the world that are part of a path-breaking international effort to predict and prevent type 1 diabetes."
|
PNRI Scientist Recognized for Education Efforts
|
|
 |
|
Dr.Vincent Poitout, principal scientist at PNRI, has received the 2004 Education Outreach Service Award from the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR).
|
January e-Laser
|
|
|
The January edition of the e-Laser, PNRI's electronic newsletter, is available. Learn about the Institute's mesothelioma research, participation in the 2004 Biotech Expo and islet transplantation leadership.
|
Three PNRI Scientists Receive WAFMR Awards
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
Three scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) have been honored with research awards by the Western American Federation of Medical Research (WAFMR). Kristine Hope and Hiroki Takahashi are recipients of 2004 Aventis Metabolism Scholar Awards, and Huarong Zhou is the recipient of a WSCI Travel Award. All have been recognized for the significance of their recent research into the mechanisms of insulin.
|
PNRI's Diabetes Research
|
 |
|
Diabetes is one of the most devastating and costly diseases in the U.S. KPLU interviewer Keith Seinfeld talks with PNRI scientists Paul Robertson, Jamie Harmon, and Salwa Al-Noori to learn how the disease works and what is being done to prevent and cure it.
|
Dr. Paul Robertson Opens 3rd Annual Annenberg Symposium
|
|
 |
|
Dr. Paul Robertson, CEO and Scientific Director of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI), opened the 3rd Annual Annenberg Symposium on Islet Transplantation December 4, 2003. This year's program included an international roster of scientists and surgeons reporting on the clinical and basic science of islet transplantation, today's most promising therapy for type 1 diabetes.
|
PNRI Team Develops New Blood Test for Mesothelioma
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) have reported the development of a blood test for mesothelioma, a highly aggressive lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
A PNRI team led by Dr. Ingegerd Hellstrom, and an Australian team, led by Dr. Bruce Robinson, of the University of Western Australia, conducted the research, which appears in the November 15th issue of Lancet.
|
November 2003 Laser
|
 |
|
The November issue of The Laser, PNRI's print newsletter, is available for download. Vol 6, number 3, 2003. Learn about the tools of science that advance PNRI's important diabetes and cancer research.
|
2003 WRISG Meeting
|
 |
|
The 2003 Meeting of the Western Region Islet Study Group was held at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, Washington this past September.
|
Institute Appoints Trustee, Panelist
|
 |
|
Pacific Northwest Research Institute has named Gene Williams to its board of trustees and Juanita Garrison to its development committee.
|
Progress, Not Profit:
Nonprofit Biotech Research Groups Grow in Size, Influence
|
|
photo © Nancy Levine, 2000 |
|
Nonprofit biotech research institutes are growing. "Even though the big money is elsewhere, many scientists are being drawn to nonprofits. One example is Robertson, the man in charge of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI), part of an emerging cluster of nonprofit biomedical-research centers in Seattle." Seattle Times. Monday, Aug. 4, 2003.
|
The Importance of ADA Research Funding
in the Fight against Diabetes
|
 |
|
Vincent Poitout, principal scientist at PNRI, addressed the national Research Foundation Board of the American Diabetes Association in Seattle August 1, 2003. He described the importance of diabetes research and the critical role the ADA plays in advancing that research toward prevention and cure.
|
Science Education Partnership
|
 |
|
Two area teachers joined the PNRI team in conjunction with the highly regarded Science Education Partnership, now in its 14th year at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Along with more than 20 other teachers, the two PNRI interns have been teamed up with professional scientists in working research labs-the University of Washington, Zymogenetics, Amgen, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, as well as Fred Hutch and PNRI-- to get hands-on experience doing what they teach.
|
New Ovarian Cancer Hope for Women
Scientists Bring Early Detection Closer
|
 |
|
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) in Seattle announced a new biomarker for ovarian cancer today. Their discovery promises improved diagnosis of the disease, which usually remains hidden until it is too late for effective treatment.
|
Scientist for a Day
|
 |
|
Friday, May 9, 2003, PNRI hosted ten students, their teachers and parents in its annual Scientist for a Day event. The students were winners of the Biomedical Breakthroughs contest, sponsored by the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research. They toured PNRI labs, had hands on training with experiments and were given an overview of PNRI's broad research program.
|
April is Organ Donation Month
|
|
|
Some 80,000 Americans are on waiting lists for life saving organ donations. Important research is being done and donated organs are desperately needed. Read the full article by PNRI Scientific Director Paul Robertson and Community Relations Director Rich Murphy to find out how you can help. Seattle PI. Wednesday, April 30, 2003.
|
Age-Related Structural Changes in DNA are Associated with Prostate Cancer
|
 |
|
In the April 29, 2003, edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, lead author, Donald C. Malins, reports that prostate DNA changes with age. The structural changes in DNA may be the basis for new tests to predict and diagnose prostate cancer, especially the early identification of metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci 100(9): 5401-5406.
|
How Does Obesity Affect Type 2 Diabetes?
|
 |
|
Vincent Poitout, principal scientist at PNRI, has been studying that question. For his work, he has received the Thomas R. Lee Award from the American Diabetes Association in order to investigate the acute effect of fatty acids on beta cells. Seattle PI. Friday, April 25, 2003.
|
2003 Diabetes Expo
|
 |
|
Saturday, April 12, 2003, PNRI joined hundreds of other health-concerned organizations at the 2003 Diabetes Expo, at Seahawk Stadium in Seattle. PNRI representatives gave Expo attendees materials and information on islet transplantation, the Washington State infant diabetes screening, as well as ongoing research on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
|
Totem Award Recognition for Islet Teamwork
|
 |
|
A 2003 Totem Award has been presented to PNRI on behalf of the media program of the human islet transplantation consortium, HITS. Together, representatives from six area research and clinical sites built a media campaign to publicize the early results of the transplantation program in Seattle.
|
New Small-Molecule Inhibitor Suggests Possible Asthma Therapies
|
 |
|
Mike Kahn, principal scientist at PNRI, has developed a small-molecule inhibitor that appears to turn off a key asthma-invoking protein. In murine asthma models, PNRI 299 decreased airway swelling and mucus production. This result suggests the possibility of new therapies for asthma. PNAS 100(3): 1169-1173. 2003. The Scientist 17(7): April 7, 2003.
|
Student Biotech Expo
|
 |
|
Monday, March 24, 2003, PNRI attended the Student Biotech Expo. Six PNRI scientists mentored seven area high school students for several months giving them a hands on look at the inside workings of a research institute. Two of the students mentored by PNRI staff, Jyllian Scott and Annaliese Weber, took first place in the competition.
|
Structure, Organization, and Function of Glycosphingolipids in Membrane
|
 |
|
Senitiroh Hakomori, principal scientist at PNRI recently published a review; "Structure, organization and function of glycosphingolipids in membrane." The assembly of glycosphingolipids with signal transducers and other membrane proteins is important in the formation of a functional unit, glycosynapse. The interaction between glycosynapes after cell adhesion is essential in the development of the cells.
|
First Seattle Patients Receive Islet Transplants
|
 |
|
A clinical research team in Seattle, under the program leadership of PNRI, has performed the first three human islet transplants in the Northwest.
|
PNRI Reports Dramatic Success In Cancer Immunotherapy
|
 |
|
Scientists in the Hellstrom and Ledbetter laboratories at PNRI have created a method to make the immune system more powerful in destroying tumors. It is described in an April 1 Nature Medicine paper.
|
Goal: To Develop Test for Infants to Predict Diabetes
|
 |
|
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle have begun testing the blood samples of 32,000 Washington children to see if they carry a genetic marker for juvenile diabetes. Seattle Times, Page B1, Monday, March 18, 2002.
|
The Glycosynapse, by Senitiroh Hakomori
|
 |
|
In his inaugural article for the National Academy of Sciences, Hakomori synthesizes years of work -- his own and others' -- to define a distinctive group of molecules essential to the process of cell adhesion coupled with signal transduction in cell membranes. He names this assembly "glycosynapse." PNAS, Vol. 99(1), pp. 225-232, 8 Jan 2002.
|
Islet Image Featured in "Nature"
|
 |
|
This image shows a pancreatic islet. It has been stained red to distinguish the islet's insulin-producing beta cells. The image was generated by Barton Wicksteed in Chris Rhodes' PNRI laboratory. It was used by Nature for the cover of its reprinted Insight issue on diabetes, Vol 414, 13 December 2001, 781-827.
|
