News and Research - NMU Umbtc

Lawrence JE, ***Patel A, Rovin RA, Belton RJ, Bammert CE, *Steele CJ, Winn RJ. Quantification of protoporphyrin IX accumulation in glioblastoma cells – A new technique. ISRN Surgery, 2014, 2014.

**Nicholas Shortreed, **Ivan Wiljanen, Johnathan Lawrence and Robert Winn. The Synthesis and Efficacy of Artificial 3D Chitosan-Alginate Scaffolds for In Vitro Cell Culture. Poster Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Detroit, MI, May 12-13, 2016.

**Bridget Waas and **Melanie Flaherty. Exploiting the Warburg Effect: Using CRISPR/Cas9 to Target Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Cells. Poster Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Detroit, MI, May 12-13, 2016.

**Bridget Waas, **Melanie Flaherty, Johnathan Lawrence and Robert Belton. Exploiting the Warburg Effect: Using CRISPR/Cas9 to Target Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Cells. Oral Presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Asheville, NC, April 7-9, 2016.

**Connor Greer, Johnathan Lawrence, and Robert Belton. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 and GBM. Accepted for Oral Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Boyne Falls, MI, April 30-May 1, 2015.

**Danielle Schafer, **Melanie Flaherty, **Bridget Waas, **Holly Shoemaker and Robert Belton. Generation of Basigin-2 Mutations is Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor Cells to Determine the Necessity for Basisgin-2 in Monocarboxylate Transporter Function. Poster Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Boyne Falls, MI, April 30-May 1, 2015.

**Allison Mitchell, **Aaron Mellesmoen, and Robert Belton. CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOCONJUGATED CHLOROTOXIN BINDING TO POPULATIONS OF NEURAL STEM CELLS AND CANCER STEM CELLS. Oral Presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Cheney, WA, April 16-18, 2015.

**Danielle Schafer, **Melanie Flaherty, **Bridget Waas, **Holly Shoemaker and Robert Belton. Generation of Basigin-2 Mutations is Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor Cells to Determine the Necessity for Basisgin-2 in Monocarboxylate Transporter Function. Poster Presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Cheney, WA, April 16-18, 2015.

*Danielle VanBeckum, **Jacob Studt, Donald Shaffer, Robert Belton, Johnathan Lawrence, Richard Rovin, Catherine Bammert and Robert Winn. CHARACTERIZATION OF HCMV-ECODED CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR US28 TRANSDUCED MSU1.1 HUMAN FIBROBLAST CELLS. Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL, November 13-16, 2014.

**Steele C, Lawrence JE, Rovin RA, Winn RJ. Phenytoin reduces 5-ala mediated fluorescence in glioblastoma cells. Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, November 21-24, 2013, San Francisco, CA.

*Cook NJ, Lawrence JE, Rovin RA, Belton RJ, Winn RJ. Effects of ß3-adrenergic receptor agonist on gene expression of leptin in glioblastoma. Neuro-Oncology. 14(suppl 6):vi7-vi20, 2012.

Lawrence JE, **Cook NJ, Rovin RA, Winn RJ. Leptin Promotes Glioblastoma. Neurol Res Int. 2012:870807, 2012.

Lawrence JE, **Cook NJ, Rovin RA, Winn RJ. β3-adrenergic agonists mimic eustress response and reduce leptin-mediated proliferation in a GBM cell line. Neuro-Oncology. 13 (Suppl 3):iii1-iii167, 2011.

Lawrence JE, **Cook NJ, Rovin RA, Winn RJ: β3-Adreneric Agonists Mimic Eustress Response and Reduce Leptin-Mediated Proliferation in a GBM Cell Line.  Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, November 17-20, 2011, Orange County CA.

Rovin RA, **Brown N, Winn RJ:  Temozolomide in Addition to Gliadel Wafer and Radiotherapy in Adults with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme.  The Impact of MGMT Expression.  Poster at the 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology, November 15-18, 2007, Dallas, TX.

Rovin RA, **Brown N, Winn RJ:  Temozolomide in Addition to Gliadel Wafer and Radiotherapy in Adults with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme.  The Impact of MGMT Expression.  Accepted at the Annual Meeting of the Neurosurgical Society of America, June 3-6, 2007, Kohler, WI.

Rovin RA, **Brown N, Winn RJ:  MGMT Expression and Temozolomide Response in a Patient with a Malignant Spinal Cord Astrocytoma.  Accepted at the Annual Meeting of the Neurosurgical Society of America, June 3-6, 2007, Kohler, WI.

Rovin RA, **Brown N, Winn RJ:  ZBTB7 Expression in Malignant Glioma.  Presented at the 75th American Association of Neurological Surgeons Meeting, April 15-19, 2007, Washington, DC.  (The BrainLab Community Neurosurgery Research Award Presentation).

Rovin RA, **Brown N, Winn RJ:  MGMT Expression and Temozolomide Response in a Patient with a Malignant Spinal Cord Astrocytoma—Case Report.  ePoster at the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors Meeting, April 13-14, 2007, Washington, DC.

*Amanda Wigand, Johnathan Lawrence, Robert Winn, and Robert Belton. Analysis of Tumor Specific Protein Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Tumors through Immunohistochemistry. Poster Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Detroit, MI, May 12-13, 2016.

*Chris McMahon, Johnathan Lawrence, Robert Belton and Robert Winn. Examination of CD133 and CD147 as Cancer Stem Cell Markers. Poster Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Physiological Society, Detroit, MI, May 12-13, 2016.

*Cook NJ, Lawrence JE, Rovin RA, Belton RJ, Winn RJ. Effects of ß3-adrenergic receptor agonist on gene expression of leptin in glioblastoma. Neuro-Oncology. 14(suppl 6):vi7-vi20, 2012.

*Cook NJ, Lawrence JE, Rovin RA, Belton RJ, Winn RJ. Effects of ß3-adrenergic receptor agonist on gene expression of leptin in glioblastoma. Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, November 15-18, 2012, Washington, DC.

*Sabin KZ, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Belton RJ, Winn RJ. Glioblastoma Derived Exosomes Induce Apoptosis in Cytotoxic T Cells Through a Fas Ligand Mediated Mechanism. Neurosurgery. Aug;71(2):E574, 2012.

*Sabin KZ, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Belton RJ, Winn RJ. Glioblastoma Derived Exosomes Induce Apoptosis in Cytotoxic T Cells Through a Fas Ligand Mediated Mechanism. Oral presentation at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting: October 6-10, 2012, Chicago, IL. 

*Sabin KZ, Winn RJ: Glioblastoma derived exosomes induce apoptosis in T cells. Poster at the American Association for Cancer Research 103rd Annual Meeting: March 31-April 4, 2012, Chicago, IL

*Sabin KZ, *Lebert D, *Thibado V, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ. Glioblastoma derived exosomes contribute to tumor immune evasion. Neuro-Oncology. 13 (Suppl 3):iii1-iii167, 2011.

*Sabin KZ, *Lebert D, *Thibado V, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ: Glioblastoma Derived Exosomes Contribute To Tumor Immune Evasion.  Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, November 17-20, 2011, Orange County CA.

*Pinskey JM, Winn RJ: Effects of 1,α-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Cultured Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells.  Poster at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) November 2011 St. Louis, MO.

*Thibado V, Rovin RA, Winn RJ: PARP-1 Inhibition Enhances the Cytotoxic Effects of Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Poster at the Congress of Neurosurgical Surgeons Annual Meeting, October 1-6, 2011, Washington DC.

*Pinskey JM, Winn RJ: Vitamin D3-Mediated Inhibition of Brain Tumor Stem Cells in Glioblastoma Multiforme.  Oral Presentation at the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program 19th Annual Summer Research Conference. July 2011, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.

*Sabin KZ, *Lebert D, *Thibado V, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ. Glioblastoma derived exosomes contribute to tumor immune evasion. Neuro-Oncology. 13 (Suppl 3):iii1-iii167, 2011.

*Sabin KZ, *Lebert D, *Thibado V, Rovin RA, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ: Glioblastoma Derived Exosomes Contribute To Tumor Immune Evasion.  Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, November 17-20, 2011, Orange County CA.

*Pinskey JM, Winn RJ: Effects of 1,α-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Cultured Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells.  Poster at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) November 2011 St. Louis, MO.

*Thibado V, Rovin RA, Winn RJ: PARP-1 Inhibition Enhances the Cytotoxic Effects of Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Poster at the Congress of Neurosurgical Surgeons Annual Meeting, October 1-6, 2011, Washington DC.

*Pinskey JM, Winn RJ: Vitamin D3-Mediated Inhibition of Brain Tumor Stem Cells in Glioblastoma Multiforme.  Oral Presentation at the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program 19th Annual Summer Research Conference. July 2011, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.

*LeBert DC, Rovin RA, Ottem E, Winn RJ: Migration of Murine Subventricular Zone Neurospheres.  Poster at the World Stem Cell Summit, October 4-6 2010, Detroit MI.

*Thibado VL, Rovin RA, Winn RJ:   Increasing Resistant Glioblastoma Multiforme Sensitivity to Temozolomide: Silencing and Inhibition of MGMT and PARP-1. Poster at the 18th International Conference on ADP-ribose Metabolism, August 18-21, 2010 Zurich, Switzerland.

Rovin RA, *Davis S, *Segula J, Winn RJ:  MGMT Silencing using RNA Interference Renders Human Malignant Glioma Cell Lines More Sensitive to Temozolomide. ePoster at the 76th American Association of Neurological Surgeons Meeting, April 26-May 1, 2008, Chicago, IL.

Johnathan E Lawrence, Cathy E Bammert, Robert J Belton Jr, Richard A Rovin, Robert J Winn. Targeting DNA Repair Mechanisms to Treat Glioblastoma. Chapter in Advances in DNA Repair. Prof. Clark Chen (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-2209-8, InTech, 11/18/2015. DOI: 10.5772/59632. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-dna-repair/targeting-dna-repair-mechanisms-to-treat-glioblastoma.

Cole Swiston. Identification of Basigin in Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem-like Cells. Poster at the National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Conference, Denver, CO, November 5-9, 2014.

Juan Alzate, Ronald Young II and Richard Rovin. A NOVEL MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACH FOR THE RESECTION OF INTRAVENTRICULAR TUMORS. Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, Miami, FL, November 13-16, 2014.

Rovin RA, Kassam A. Minimally invasive surgical resection of subcortical tumors using the Six Pillars System. Poster at the Society of Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, November 21-24, 2013.

Lawrence JE, Segula JJ, Rovin RA, Winn RJ: The Human Cytomegalovirus Protein IE1 Confers Resistance to Temozolomide in the U87MG Cell Line. Poster at the Society of Neuro Oncology Annual Meeting, November 18-21, 2010, Montreal, Canada.

Rovin RA, Segula JJ, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ: The Human Cytomegalovirus Protein IE1 Confers Resistance to Temozolomide in the U87MG Cell Line. Poster at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, October 17-21, 2010, San Francisco, CA.

Rovin RA, Segula JJ, Lawrence JE, Winn RJ: The Human Cytomegalovirus Protein IE1 Confers Resistance to Temozolomide in the U87MG Cell Line. Accepted at the 9th International Meeting, Updates in Neuro Oncology, Brain Tumor Symposium, July 2-4, 2010, Cortona, Italy.

Rovin RA, Winn RJ:  Development of a Rapid RT-PCR Assay for MGMT Expression. Poster at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, September 20-25, 2008, Orlando, FL.

8/15/2018

Fundraising Success at the 2018 Hope Starts Here Challenge

Community support and generosity will allow research to continue on Northern Michigan University's campus. 

Final fundraising numbers from 2018 Hope Starts Here Challenge are in! More than $25,000 was raised at the Hope Starts Here Challenge, a fundraiser held on May 12, 2018 to support research efforts at the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC).

The Hope Starts Here Challenge raised funds through a combination of generous donations, mile-marker sponsorships, and more than 200 participants in the leisure walk, kids' run, 5k, 10k, half-marathon and duathlon. Funds raised at this year’s event will be split within the lab to support two areas of need: equipment updates and research projects.

Research that takes place in the UMBTC requires specialized equipment, including high-powered microscopes to examine cells, chemical fume hoods to safely handle materials, and extreme low-temperature freezers to preserve cells for future research. Maintenance of this equipment is estimated to require $15,000 this year, with funds from the Hope Starts Here Challenge covering a considerable chunk of that cost.

Remaining Hope Starts Here Challenge funds will support several exciting research projects. Research projects, led by Northern Michigan University Graduate and Undergraduate students, require an estimated $10,000 of funding. These projects pair exceptional students with talented faculty and staff of the UMBTC. Students will work to characterize patient-derived brain tumor cells to help tailor therapies to each patient, and will also spend time investigating the role of two proteins involved in how tumor cells use energy, which could be used in future treatments that “shut off” the growth of tumors.

Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center Faculty and student researchers would like to thank everyone for their generous support of the 2018 Hope Starts Here Challenge. Each dollar raised will directly support a student researcher, and their work to better understand brain tumors to help improve patient outcomes.

The Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center is a collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health System – Marquette working to provide advocacy, education, treatment and research to cancer patients, as well as their family and friends. Contact umbtc@nmu.edu with any questions, wishes to tour the lab, or for more information about the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.

2/21/2018

What the Hope Start Here Challenge means to Delight Hill

Delight Hill, Director of Just Believe!, shares why she makes sure to attend the annual Hope Starts Here Challenge 

To Delight, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center’s Hope Starts Here Challenge means hugs, reconnecting with old friends, and coming together as a community. The Hope Starts Here Challenge (HSHC) serves as the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center’s primary fundraiser, and includes a walk, 5k, 10k, half marathon, duathalon, and kids’ run. This event financially supports research at the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (a collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health System - Marquette) that works to bring cutting edge research to the area. Happening annually in May at Lakeview Arena, HSHC funds provide resources for Northern Michigan University students who commit their time to better understanding how brain cancer works. By better understanding how these tumors interact with the human brain, improved patient outcomes are possible.

In May of 2011, Hill’s daughter Jodi was diagnosed with advanced-stage melanoma. During this challenging time, Jodi and Delight met Dr. Richard Rovin and other Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center members while undergoing treatment at Upper Peninsula Health System - Marquette. Dr. Rovin, co-founder of the UMBTC, shared information about the Hope Starts Here Challenge, and Hill decided to attend to see what it was all about. Unfortunately, Jodi never had the opportunity to take part in the event, but Delight has been an avid HSHC supporter and always-smiling-face since 2012.

Others that learn of the HSHC may see it just as a fundraiser, but Hill now knows it is something much more. Besides being a chance to spend the day with other caring community members, the HSHC is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to rally behind a good cause. To Hill, the Hope Starts Here Challenge is synonymous with a yearly hug from Dr. Rovin, reconnecting with old friends and local residents, and the chance to support brain tumor research right in our backyard. Because of that, Delight returns year after year, and hopes you’ll do the same.

The Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center is a collaboration between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health System – Marquette working to provide advocacy, education, treatment and research to cancer patients, as well as their family and friends. Information regarding the Hope Starts Here Challenge can be found at hopestartshere.org.

10/20/2017

International Brain Tumor Awareness Week: What is it?

UMBTC hosts multiple International Brain Tumor Awareness Week Events to inform public on research being done to fight brain cancer

Written by: Jordan Howell

The word ‘Cancer’ comes from the latin word for crab, and was first discovered by ancient Egyptians. Cancer is something everyone knows about; it has numerous forms and can occur all over the body, most commonly in your lungs, breasts, kidneys, and even in your brain. Brain cancer, the focus of the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, can occur at any age. There are over 140 types of brain cancer, with many different unique subtypes. More than any other cancer, brain tumors in particular can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life. The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumor patients is only 34.7%. It is estimated that, in 2009, a total of 47,631 years of potential life was lost due to brain tumors in children between under the age of 19 (Cancer Society of America). 

The International Brain Tumor Alliance created International Brain Tumor Awareness week in 2005 to help create more worldwide awareness of this disease, using activities and events to help educate people. They work with over 100 countries across the globe in order to help create, advance, and learn more about brain tumor treatments. Their goal is to establish facilities to help treat the tumors, improve overall health, and create policies that promote quality care. Cancer mortality rates have fallen from 215 deaths per 100,000 people in 1991 to 172 deaths per 100,000 people in 2010 (International Brain Tumor Alliance), and as treatments for cancer improve and the more knowledge we gain, this number will continue to drop. Through work being done in the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, the more we are able to understand how brain tumors operate, and the easier it will be to combat this disease. In honor of International Brain Tumor Awareness Week, held October 21st through 28th, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center will be hosting both a lecture series and open house. Lectures will be given by experienced professionals with expertise in brain cancer. Following an open house of the UMBTC (room West Science 1620 on NMU's campus) at 5:30 on October 26th, Dr. Amber LaCrosse will speak at 7 pm in West Science 2710. Dr. Richard Rovin will speak on October 27th at 4 pm in Jamrich Hall 1320. This event is free and open to the public, in hopes that the research being conducted in the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center may be shared with the community to increase awareness for the issue that brain cancer presents. 

9/27/2017

NMU Student Researches Cutting-Edge Immunotherapy Treatment through UMBTC/UCLA Collaboration

The Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC) provides student cancer research opportunities at Northern Michigan University and across the country.

Written by: Jordan Howell & Allison Opheim

The UMBTC is a collaborative research organization between Northern Michigan University and Upper Peninsula Health System - Marquette, where undergraduate and graduate students conduct research on a deadly form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is an aggressive form of brain cancer that accounts for 15% of all brain tumors diagnosed, and is notable for its ability to quickly attack a variety of cells within the brain - making tumor removal nearly impossible. Motivated students have the opportunity to begin research projects with UMBTC during their freshman year though the Freshman Fellowship program. Students that enjoy laboratory research can work alongside knowledgeable faculty, staff, and peers, and experience numerous research opportunities outside of the Marquette area if enthusiasm and commitment are shown.

Nick Shortreed, a junior at NMU, is one such committed student. This past summer, Shortreed conducted research alongside Robert Prins Ph.D. and Horacio Soto (NMU Alumni, B.S./M.S. 2003 & 2006) at the University of California - Los Angeles on a project designed to improve cancer treatment outcomes using a patient's own immune system to fight cancer. Soto, the Senior Research Associate at the Prins/Liau Immunotherapy Lab at UCLA, invited Shortreed to work with him this last summer (and for possible future work, as a part of the new Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center and UCLA collaboration) to improve adoptive T-Cell therapy. Adoptive T-Cell therapy is on the cutting edge of cancer research and treatment; Shortreed used T-Cells collected from the lymph nodes and spleens of mice to better understand how these cells reacted to three different chemotherapeutic drugs. Shortreed, after collection of cells and application of the three separate drugs, monitored cellular changes in hopes of the cell rejuvenation prior to return to the mouse. If rejuvenation took place, these cells would be able to combat cancer cells within the body much more effectively than current treatments, providing hope for future applications in humans.

Shortreed was awarded the UMBTC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and the Rich and Anna Lundin Summer Research Fellowship, giving him the resources to travel to Los Angeles and conduct research. Shortreed feels his time spent in the UMBTC with support from Dr. John Lawrence, Chris McMahon, Dr. Rob Winn, and Dr. Robert Belton allowed him to work alongside students and faculty at UCLA with ease. During his freshman year, Shortreed worked in the UMBTC lab to refine a method for creating an artificial 3-dimensional structure for culturing early stage cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells. This experience provided the skills and confidence to explore more challenging research projects, resulting in the formal collaboration with UCLA that has come from Shortreed’s efforts.

For Shortreed, the discovery of his passion for cancer research was made possible by his involvement with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. The drive to better understand cancer and create effective treatments has taken Shortreed across the country, and it’s safe to say this excitement for research won’t disappear anytime soon. He hopes all students find something they care deeply enough about to dedicate their work to; “Once you find your passion”, Shortreed says,” you must be dedicated to it, learn everything you can about it, and take pride in what you are doing”. In the face of something as frightening as cancer, Shortreed, UMBTC Student Researchers, and the numerous members of the field that work daily to improve patient outcomes serve as beacons of hope and catalysts for future improvements in the oncology field.

The UMBTC welcomes highly motivated students to join their laboratory group. For those interested, contact Dr. Robert Belton (UMBTC Research Director) at rbelton@nmu.edu.

1/18/2016

Dr. Rovin co-founded the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. He was the 2015 John Karry Award winner (an award given to someone for their hard work, passion and support of the UMBTC). He mentored many graduate and undergraduate students at NMU. He cared tirelessly for numerous patients and families right here in Marquette. He continues to collaborate with the UMBTC research lab to advance the field of neuro-oncology. He now calls on the Vice President to visit his new lab in Milwaukee. Watch the news story below!

9/29/2016

UMBTC Undergraduate is Driving Force Behind New NMU - University of Michigan Collaboration

Written by: Allison Opheim, Edited by: Lexi Wieringa 

Not knowing the answer to a question has never been an option for Northern Michigan University senior Melanie Flaherty. As a freshman at NMU in 2013, Flaherty walked into the office of Dr. Robert Belton, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center’s (UMBTC) Research Director, in hopes of having the opportunity to get her hands dirty (or clean, rather, to prevent contamination during any experiments) in the UMBTC. The rest, as members and faculty of the UMBTC say, is history.

 Flaherty, a German and Biology double major, has spent the entirety of her undergraduate career with the UMBTC. Over the past three years, she focused on blocking the function of two metabolic proteins in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9, a new technology that allows researchers to specifically target certain genes and make them nonfunctional. In this research, Flaherty and her lab partner were hoping to find an effective and cost efficient way to utilize GBM’s own metabolism against itself. The skills gained at the UMBTC, as well as her drive to discover more answers, ultimately led her to another adventure in research - a fellowship at the University of Michigan.

 After being accepted for a 10-week fellowship, Flaherty had to make a choice - work with a researcher already in an oncology field (something she had become familiar with at the UMBTC), or undertake something completely foreign. Taking a leap of faith, Flaherty decided to work alongside Dr. Jose Diaz to study deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a clot found within the deep veins of the legs. Current treatment for DVT is anticoagulation medication, however, only a third of patients experience a complete resolution of the clot after treatment. Her work this past summer involved targeting DVT from another angle - inflammation - with hopes of developing a new treatment. As the summer progressed she learned not only about the factors that contribute to DVT, but proposed the mechanism of action for a new anti-inflammatory molecule. Throughout the summer, the concept of cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) continued to present itself. CAT is a well documented condition in which a patient who is diagnosed with cancer has an increased chance of developing DVT and vice versa. This phenomenon has been attributed to a number of different factors, but a clear understanding of the underlying mechanism that links these two diseases is lacking. Flaherty, intrigued by the connection between these diseases, began studying them during incubation periods, after work, and over the weekends. CAT gave her the opportunity to use all of her knowledge from the UMBTC and combine it with her new understanding of vascular biology.

 At the end of the 10-week fellowship at U of M, Flaherty was not ready to be done with her newfound interest and love for vascular health. After mountains of paperwork, and the go-ahead from both the UMBTC and the Conrad Jobst Vascular Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan, an official collaboration was formed. Using the resources within both laboratories, Flaherty will continue her research with the purpose of studying the link between cancer and DVT. While the UMBTC is a collaboration between Northern Michigan University and the Upper Peninsula Health System, this exciting new addition symbolizes the continued efforts to advance the health, well-being, and treatments available to both Michigan residents and those across the country.

 Following graduation from NMU in May, Flaherty plans to go medical school and ultimately become a physician; but the experience Flaherty gained at the UMBTC and the forever curious nature she brought to the lab will live on for years to come. When posed with the question as to what research means to Flaherty, she says, “research is a mindset; you have to be able to admit what you don’t know and then take the next steps to find the answers.” And for up-and-coming researchers, like Flaherty, the mindset requires courage, hard work, and an undying determination, especially in the face of scientific mysteries.

 11/17/2016

NMU Alumnus Credits Time at UMBTC As Starting Point For Career In Cancer Research

Written by: Lexi Wieringa, Edited by: Allison Opheim and Dr. Lawrence

(L-R) Chris McMahon M.S., Dr. Robert Winn, Dr. Don Shaffer, Dr. John Lawrence, and Dr. Robert Belton

Excited to be back in Marquette and on NMU’s campus, Shaffer described his time working in the research laboratory in a positive light. He highlighted the tight-knit group of faculty, staff, and students and the camaraderie that existed among them. His research outside of class and the support from those involved in the lab were what gave him the experience and confidence to pursue his interests.In light of International Brain Tumor Awareness week which took place on October 22 - 29, Dr. Don Shaffer, a Northern Michigan University (NMU) alumnus, returned to speak on an up-and-coming treatment for cancer: immunotherapy. His first talk, which sported a full house and standing room only was entitled, “Immunotherapy: A New Hope for Long-term Cancer Regression”. The following day, Shaffer did a follow up presentation for the more scientific audience on “Engineering CARs for Cancer Immunotherapy.”  

 During his time as a student, Shaffer began to develop an interest in cancer research after studying dendritic cells with Dr. Winn, the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center’s (UMBTC) Co-Founder and NMU’s Interim Assistant Provost of Graduate Education and Research. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NMU, he continued on to earn his PhD from the Baylor College of Medicine. He then conducted a fellowship in collaboration with Harvard University before starting his current job as a Senior Scientist at Jounce Therapeutics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For Dr. Shaffer, being part of the evolutionary process of an idea becoming a drug that will ultimately improve the outcome of cancer patients is what draws him to industry research instead of academia.

Since starting at Jounce Therapeutics, he has been able to watch one of their products start as an idea and then develop from small laboratory experiments into a clinical trial three years later. In his current role as a Senior Scientist, Shaffer oversees a team that investigates new and more effective immunotherapies. Testimonials and interactions with those whose lives have been changed as a result of what scientists have discovered is what motivates Shaffer to strive for results.

 Shaffer’s advice to current students is to position yourself for success. Just like he did in his time at NMU, he suggests getting involved and taking advantage of what NMU has to offer and to not be afraid of new adventures.

Dr. Shaffer is proud to have been a Wildcat.  

The UMBTC welcomes highly motivated students to join their laboratory group.  For those interested, contact Dr. John Lawrence (UMBTC Laboratory Director) at jolawren@nmu.edu.

3/3/2016

Past UMBTC student, Nick Cook, is making a difference in Detroit!  He is hoping to have an "impact on clinical care, patient education and life style changes, food access and more."  He plans to specialize in Hematology/Oncology after graduation in 2018. To see the whole press release by the Michigan Health Council, click on the story below.

12/07/2015

Congrats to Christopher Steele for his first published manuscript in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology.  He began working on this project as an undergraduate and postponed medical school to complete it. If you are interested in the article you can read it here: Dexamethasone alone and in combination with desipramine, phenytoin, valproic acid or levetiracetam interferes with 5-ALA-mediated PpIX production and cellular retention in glioblastoma cells.

11/18/2015

The book chapter on targeting DNA repair in GBM is finally here! The faculty and staff of the UMBTC with past neurosurgeon, Dr. Rovin, and Clinical Sciences Professor, Cathy Bammert, worked together to produce this work. 

10/28/2015

Dr. Sonia Geschwindt (Neurosurgeon, Research Associate and Clinical Director of the UMBTC) was the 'role model' for the Girl Scouts at Super Science Day!  Awesome!  Story was done by TV6 but has been taken down...  

07/15/2015

Dr. Sonia Geschwindt (Neurosurgeon, Research Associate and Clinical Director of the UMBTC) has started at the UPHS - Brain and Spine Center and will also soon be in UMBTC research laboratory. We are looking forward to the having her join our research team and assist us in advancing the field of central nervous system cancers. For a detailed background on Dr. Geschwindt, see the recent Mining Journal story.   

06/23/2015

Join us this Saturday! www.eskywalkinthepark.com

06/03/2015

On June 2nd, Jessica Stevenson of TV6 News covered a story on Maddie Chaillier, a fourth grader who raised money for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. This is the second time Maddie has raised funds and her efforts have now raised over $1400 dollars for the UMBTC.  Maddie is a driven young lady and has a great personality. She really exemplifies our moto: Hope Starts Here! If you missed it, click here to read the story or you can watch the video below. We have also added the video from one year ago for you to enjoy. The older story was covered by past TV6 reporter Jennifer Perez. 

05/29/2015

Thank you to all of the HSHC planning committee, Steve Asplund, Drs. Winn and Rovin, and everyone who volunteered for the 10th Hope Starts Here Challenge! We apologize that this list is not complete, but we want to extend our gratitude to all of the volunteers especially those from these groups: River Valley Bank, UMBTC Research lab, NMU Police Cadets, UPHS-Brain and Spine Center, Marquette Ward, Lake Superior Health Foundation, Marquette City Police, MSHS Honors Society, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and a special thank you to the Identity, Brand and Marketing office at NMU and the Marketing folks at UPHS.

05/19/2015

It is the 11th YEAR of the Walk in the Park for Brain Tumor Research! Please join us Saturday, June 27th, 2015 at the Ludington Park in Escanaba, MI to CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM OF HOPE. All proceeds from this fundraising activity benefit the Superior Health Foundation, and are earmarked exclusively for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.

Pre-register by June 6th for a reduced rate and guaranteed t-shirt!

Adults - $20, Kids age 15 & under - $10

After June 6th, please register on site. On-site registration fees will be $25 for adults and $10 for children.

Register, donate or sponsor online: www.eskywalkinthepark.com

05/18/2015

We want to thank the sponsors of our 10yr HSHC event. River Valley Bank has made it much easier for us to host this event and actually raise some funds. This year’s top supporters included the Superior Health Foundation, Northern Michigan University, Hampton Inn, City Insurance Agency, U.P. Health System, Border Grill, Sisu Clothing, Sunny 101.9, TV6, National Honors Society – Marquette Chapter, Northern Star Pathology, Closner Construction, U.P. Rehab Services, Yooper Shirts, Advanced Center for Orthopedics, Lakeshore Bike, Mommaerts Mahaney Financial Services, Subway and Griffin Beverage. Other donors included Casa Calabria, Downwind Sports, Fox Marquette, Getz’s, Marquette County Title, Norway Springs, Signs Unlimited, Quick Stop, and Vango’s.

05/08/2015

Northern Michigan University and U.P. Health Systems signed a formal agreement to continue their support of the UMBTC.  Mr. Ed Banos (UPHS CEO) signed for the hospital. And, because President Fritz Erickson (NMU) was out of town, our very own Dr. Robert Winn (Associate Dean of General Education and Retention, Professor of Biology, and Co-founder and CEO of the UMBTC) signed for Northern. Following the signing, the UMBTC hosted a dinner for laboratory alumni, staff of the UPHS - Brain and Spine Center, and strong community supporters to celebrate 10 years of existence. Below is a short story covered by ABC 10 UP news highlighting this event.

 Our book chapter, Targeting DNA Repair Mechanisms to Treat Glioblastoma, should be published any day  in  a new book called DNA Repair. Stay tuned for the the link.

8/9/11

Yellow fluorescent protein successfully transfected into U87 human glioblastoma cell line, by undergraduate student Christopher Steele!

02/13/2012 

Laser confocal microscope used to image GBM on a molecular level. In the photomicrograph below, the blue color is the nucleus of the cell. The bright green dots are Gli1, a cancer causing protein. The role of Gli1, the hedgehog pathway and vitamin D in GBM is the subject of Justine Pinskey's Master's Thesis

The hormone leptin more has been shown to augment tumor growth in a variety of cancers. We wrote a review paper, co-authored by undergraduate student Nick Cook, outlining the leptin's role in GBM.

01/20/2014

Research led by H.S. Student Ashish Patel and NMU Student Christopher Steele sheds new light on fluorescence guided resection of brain tumors. This work was published in a recent issue of ISRN Surgery.

Confocal images of PpIX fluorescence (a), YFP fluorescence (b), and the overlay (c) of both for U87-YFP cells treated with 0.4mM 5-ALA for 2 hours.