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.
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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 |
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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. |
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What: |
Short presentations to announce findings by panelists followed by Q&A session. |
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When: |
Begins promptly at 9:00 am, Thursday, May 12, 2011 |
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Where: |
Salk Institute for Biological Studies 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) |
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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 |
About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.
Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.
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