Conrad transitioning to Lineberger, Bull promoted

After successfully serving as the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences (IBGS) Business Manager, Tracey Conrad has announced she will be transitioning to her new position as the Assistant Director, Business Administration of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center effective Oct. 31.

Ms. Conrad was hired in July 2011 by School of Medicine (SOM) Finance and Business Operations (FBO) to provide financial support and strategic direction for a variety of departments, including iBGS.  This includes managing all state, FNA, trust, and clinical accounts; managing faculty commitments; making projections and strategic planning.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Tracey,” says Dr. Bob Duronio, iBGS director. “She has been continually committed to the success of iBGS and I have very much enjoyed working with her.  Tracey’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to her new position has been exemplary of her skill and dedication.”

Delphi Bull, the current Business Officer, will be transitioning to the Business Manager position while retaining several of her current responsibilities. Ms. Conrad and Ms. Bull have been able to collaborate during the overlap of their positions to ensure a seamless transition.

“Delphi’s combination of talent and experience is an outstanding resource for the faculty, staff, and students at iBGS, “Duronio states. “I have no doubt that she is capable of taking on these additional responsibilities and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Questions regarding this transition may be directed to Dr. Bob Duronio at duronio@med.unc.edu.

Biology discovery: tight DNA packaging protects against ‘jumping genes,’ potential cellular destruction

Duronio, McKay, Strahl, Matera co-authored the paper that appeared in the August 2016 publication of Genes and Discovery.

Duronio, McKay, Strahl, Matera co-authored the paper that appeared in the August 2016 publication of Genes and Discovery.

The following article, highlighting the work of IBGS faculty members Robert Duronio, PhD; Daniel McKay, PhD; Greg Matera, PhD; Brian Strahl, PhD., appeared in the September 1, 2016 edition of UNC Health Care and UNC School of Medicine’s Vital Signs newsletter and highlights findings published in the Volume 30, No. 15 release of Genes and Discovery.

UNC School of Medicine researchers discovered that the major developmental function of heterochromatin – a form of tight DNA packaging found in chromosomes – may be to suppress activity of virus-like DNA elements known as transposons or “jumping genes,” which can otherwise copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes, and causing cancers and other diseases.

Read more at the UNC School of Medicine Newsroom…

Jill Dowen selected as 2016 Sidney Kimmel Foundation Scholar

Dr. Jill Dowen is a recipient of the 2016 Kimmel Scholar Award.

Dr. Jill Dowen is a recipient of the 2016 Kimmel Scholar Award.

IBGS extends its congratulations to Dr. Jill Dowen, supported IBGS faculty and Assistant Professor of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Biology, on her selection as a 2016 Sidney Kimmel Foundation Scholar award recipient. She is one of 15 junior researchers selected to receive the $200,000 award based on the promise and innovation of their work. Dowen’s project is entitled “Role of long-range chromosomal interactions in cancer.”

Learn more about the Sidney Kimmel Foundation, Dowen’s selection, and the Jill Dowen Lab.

Rallying for Research

From top left: Blossom Damania, Phd, David Peden, MD, Brian Strahl, PhD, and Robert Duronio, PhD. Image courtesy of UNC Heath Care and UNC School of Medicine Newsroom.

From top left: Blossom Damania, Phd, David Peden, MD, Brian Strahl, PhD, and Robert Duronio, PhD. Image courtesy of UNC Heath Care and UNC School of Medicine Newsroom.

Robert Duronio, PhD, assistant dean for research at the UNC School of Medicine, professor of genetics and biology, and director of the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, recently headed to Capital Hill with three other UNC investigators to bring awareness to the need for more federally funded medical research.

 

Read the full story here.

Invitation to Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting

Register for the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting, held Sept. 21, by August 24.

Register for the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting, held Sept. 21, by August 24.

 

One of the outstanding strengths within the Research Triangle is research on the cytoskeleton – the defining structure of every living cell. The Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting aims to strengthen communication and collaboration between the Triangle’s institutions.

The one-day event will be held Monday, September 21 and will host talks and poster presentations divided among three sessions:

  • Mechanics and Structure of Cytoskeletal Complexes
  • Quantitative and Modelling Approaches in Studying the Cytoskeleton
  • and the Cytoskeleton in Development and Disease

These sessions, as well as lunch and a happy hour will provide opportunities to interact with fellow researchers throughout the day.

For more information please visit the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting website or view the invitation here.

Registrations close on Aug 24th.

 

Duronio, McKay, Matera, Strahl noted for development of histone research tool

The following article, highlighting the work of Robert Duronio, PhD; Daniel McKay, PhD; Greg Matera, PhD; Brian Strahl, PhD., appeared in the February 12, 2015 edition of UNC Health Care and UNC School of Medicine’s Vital Signs newsletter.

Epigenetic Breakthrough: A first of its kind tool to study the histone code

Robert Duronio, PhD; Daniel McKay, PhD; Greg Matera, PhD; Brian Strahl, PhD., Photo courtesy of UNC Health Care/School of Medicine News.

Robert Duronio, PhD; Daniel McKay, PhD; Greg Matera, PhD; Brian Strahl, PhD., Photo courtesy of UNC Health Care/School of Medicine News.

University of North Carolina scientists have created a new research tool, based on the fruit fly, to help crack the histone code. This research tool can be used to better understand the function of histone proteins, which play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression in animals and plants.

 

This work, published in the journal Developmental Cell, opens the door to experiments that are expected to uncover new biology important for a host of conditions, such as neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity, and especially cancer, which has become a hotbed of epigenetic research.

 

Read the full article here