Annual report

30 Pages·2000·2.2 MB·English

by  Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research

Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research
* UMASS/AMHERST *
M A 312066 0367 6765 9 Supporting Basic Biomedical Research at the
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University ofMassachusetts Medical School
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GOVERNMENT OOCUMEh.
COLLECTiON
APR 2 9 2001
Massachusetti!
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Annual Report 2000
The Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization internationally recognized for its revolutionary contribu-
tions to biology and medicine. Among its best known contributions are the discovery and
development ofthe birth control pill,thepioneeringwork thatmade in vitrofertilizationpossible and
the first systematic laboratory study ofthe anti-tumor actions oftamoxifen, an anti-estrogen
drug that has subsequently revolutionized treatment ofbreast cancer.
Initially an independent research institute, theWorcester Foundation for Biomedical Research
merged with the University ofMassachusetts Medical School in 1997. Today, the Worcester
Foundation is devoted to the support ofbasic biomedical research atUMMS and to the education
and training oftomorrow's scientists.
—
On the Cover
A DMA
stylized representation ofa shortsegment ofthe double helix.The image represents one-billionth
DNA
ofthe entire length of in each ofourbody's ceUs.
Worcester Foundation Biomedical Research
for
Annual Report 2000
GOVERNMENT DOCUuit"^ ^
.
COLLECTiUN
APR 2 9 2001
Massachusetts
,ersitv of
Depository C-PV
Supporting Basic Biomedical Research
at the University ofMassachusetts Medical School
4
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Basic science research conducted at the University ofMassachusetts Medical
ScllOol is generously supported by donors who em-ision cures for cancer, diabetes and
otherafilictions.TheWorcesterFoundation forBiomedicalResearch,anonprofitorganizationpro\'iding
private philanthropic support for the Universirs^ ofMassachusetts Medical School research enterprise, experienced a
recordfund-raisingyearbecause ofour donors'commitment to that vision.TheWFBR raised S4.3 million for research
from nearly 1.000 donors, doubling the amount raised in 1999. We are extremely gratehil and thank our donors.
In2000,we celebrated the establishment offournew endowed positions at UMMS through theWorcester Foundation;
since 1997, when UMMS and theWorcester Foundation merged, a total offive endowed chairs and three endowed
professorships have been estabUshed through the Foundation at the Medical School.This is a tremendous achievement
that speaks so well ofthe mergers outcome.
The latest endo\\TTients include nvo leadership gifts from the H.Arthur Smith Charitable Foundation:the Gladys Smith
\Iarfiu Chair iu Gastrointestinal Cancer, to be held by Tmiothy C.Wang. MD. professor ofmedicme and chiefofthe
Gastroenterology' Division at UMass Memorial Health Care, who was recently recruited to UMMS; and the Barbara
Helen Smith Chair in Preventive and Behavioral Aledicine, to be held byJudith K. Ockene. PhD,professor ofmedicine and
directorofthe Division ofPreventive andBehavioralMedicine,andthe firstwoman toholdanendowedchairatUMMS.
In addition,Worcester Foundation Trustee Barbara Greenberg and her husband Nathan estabUshed the Barbara and
UMMS
Xathan Greenberg Chairin BiomedicalResearch to aid in the recruitment to ofa new.seniorlevel scientist-clinician.
The Higgiiis Family Professorship in Neuroscience, created from a major bequest from the late Ahce C. and Milton P.
Higgins II, will support Steven M. Reppert, MD, recendy recruited chairman of the new UMMS Department of
Neurobiology.
With the arrival and support ofsuch exemplary scientists destined to further
WFBR
the Medical School's reputation as one of the leading biomedical research The raised
institutions in the country, ourWorcester Foundation trustees are extremely $4.3 millionfor research
proudto serve.MartinM.Pollakwas electedvice chairofthe board oftrustees from nearly 1,000 donors,
in 2000,succeedingJohn M. Nelson, a trustee since 1992.John served as vice doubling the amount
chairforseven years,helping to guide theWorcester Foundation through cru- raised in 1999.
We
cial transitions, including the merger with UMMS.We thank him and wish are extremely grateful
him all the best. and thank our donors.
John L.Sullivan,MD,directorofthe UMMS Office ofResearch,was electedpresident ofthe board,combining his vast
experience in basic science research with the wisdom ofhis fellow trustees to lead theWorcester Foundation into the
new century. Add the generosity ofour donors,and success in uncovering the causes and cures ofdisease is guaranteed.
With thanks and best wishes,
Morton H. Sigel
—
TIte arrival ofthe year 2000 His research interests are in circadian rhythms the
—
may have been viewed by brain chemistry associated with sleep focusing on
some with trepidation, but development, cell and molecular biology ofcircadian
the achiev^enients that played out clocks from insects to mammals. Dr. Reppert will be
during the year at the University of invested as the Hi^itis Family ProfessorofNeuroscience in
Massachusetts Medical School made any apprehension ceremonies to be held in conjunction with
about the fliture a dim memory.Excitement abounds here. Commencement in the spring.
One need only pass the new research laboratory building Timothy C.Wang, MD,professor ofmedicine and
being constructed on campus to see the potential for chiefofthe Gastroenterology Division at UMass
research breakthroughs take on a tangible form. In Memorial Health Care, is one ofthe leaders in the
2000, UMMS passed the $100 milhon mark m total tleld ofgastrointestinal cancer research. Also from
Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General
annual funding for research, an increase of 16 percent
over 1999. UMMS today is emerging as an institution Hospital, his research focus is on the hormone gastrin
ofnational distinction.Talented tacult\'-researchers and its role in the development ofstomach and colon
want to be a part ofthat distinction, ensuring our cancer. Dr.Wang will be invested as the Gladys Smith
excellence in research as they strive to make remarkable Martin Chair in Gastrointestinal Cancerin the spring.
discoveries that will cure disease.
These distinguished scientists havejoined us because
UMMS
We welcomed exceptional individuals to our ranks in they recognize the commitment and the
2000. including C. Robert Matthews, PhD, chair ofthe Worcester Foundation have made to the advancement
newly comprised Department ofBiochemistry & ofbiomedical research programs here.The recruitment
Molecular Pharmacology, which unites faculty from of 100 new research faculty, the construction ofthe
the former departments ofbiochemistry' & molecular new research laboratory building, the increases to the
biology and pharmacology & molecular toxicology. endowment to provide a stable base ofsupport for the
—
Dr. Matthews is at the forefront ofone ofthe most fiiture ofUMMS' research enterprise all ofthese
exciting areas ofbiomedical research.By bringing his components together foretell a bright, promising fiiture
talents to UMMS,he will effectively guide his colleagues in which all ofus can share and be proud.
in the new and growingfields ofchemical biology and
protein engineering.
Steven M. Reppert, MD, chair ofthe new Department
MD
ofNeurobiology, comes to UMMS from Harvard [y John L. Sullivan,
Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Director, Office ofResearch
RCESTER Foundation Board Trustees
of
The Worcester Foundationfor Biomedical Research Board ofTrustees serves as the lay advisory
council for the University ofMassachusetts Medical School's research enterprise. In this role, the trustees act as coun-
selors to Chancellor and Dean Aaron Lazare and to the Director of the Office of Research John L. Sullivan, MD.
Principal responsibilities include providing guidance on matters such as strategic planning, research affiliations, finance
and philanthropy, commercial ventures and intellectual property,and physical plant and equipment. The trustees act to
facilitate research programs at the Medical School in light of its mission, goals and objectives at the behest of the
Chancellor/Dean. Pictured here at the board's fill 2000 meeting are, front row, left to right, Martin M. Pollak, vice
chair; Diane G. Dalton, secretary; Morton H. Sigel, chair;Aaron Lazare, MD, Chancellor/Dean; middle row, Penelope
B.Rockwell;Robert D. BluteJr.,MD;O. Nsidinanya Okike,MD;AlisonTaunton-Rigby,PhD;Warner S. Fletcher, Esc].;
M
back row, Maurice H. Martel, DDS; H. BrownellWheeler, MD;Thoru Pederson, PhD, director; HowardJacobson;
JoanT. Bok; and Robert Schultz. Sec the complete list of board officers and trustees, lHyiiiiiiii<^ on the next page.
Offticers Trustees
Morton H. Sigel Helen H. Beekman I. Robert Freelander
Chainnaii NewYork, NewYork Chairman
Come Play Products
MD
Martin M. PoUak Robert D. BluteJr., Worcester, Massachusetts
Vice Chairman Assistant Professor ofSurgery
and Interim ChiefofUrology Susan E. Gotz
MD
John L. Sullivan, University ofMassachusetts Worcester, Massachusetts
President Medical School
Worcester,Massachusetts Barbara R. Greenberg
ChristopherW. Bramley Worcester, Massachusetts
Treasurer Joan T. Bok
Cliairman Emeritus James H. Harrington
Diane G. Dalton NEES Companies Chairman and CEO
Secretary Westborough, Massachusetts Dolphin Resource Group, Inc.
Worcester, Massachusetts
ChristopherW. Bramley
President and CEO John HerronJr.
NA
First Massachusetts Bank, Chairman
Worcester,Massachusetts Zoologic
NewYork, NewYork
Edward Bresnick, PhD
Bow, New Hampshire Prentiss C. Higgins
CEO
Chairman and
James M. Clark PhytoChemTechnologies, Inc.
President ofthe Corporation Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Woods Hole Oceanographic
M
Institution HowardJacobson
Woods Hole,Massachusetts SeniorAdvisor
BankersTrust
Melvin S. Cutler PrivateAdvisory Services
Chairman Westborough,Massachusetts
CutlerAssociates, Inc.
Worcester, Massachusetts V. CraigJordan, PhD, DSc
Founder and Cliairman Diana, Princess ofWales Professor
Madison Bank ofCancer Research
Palm Harbor, Florida Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
Diane G. Dalton Medical School
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Chicago, Illinois
Jack Fishman, PhD Rayna Keenan
Director ofScientific Research Worcester,Massachusetts
Strang Cancer Research Laboratory
Cornell Medical School NinaJoukowsky Kopriilii
NewYork, NewYork Director
Joukowsky Family Foundation
Warner S. Fletcher, Esq. NewYork, NewYork
Director
Fletcher,Tilton &Whipple, PC
Worcester, Massachusetts
Board Trustees
of
Irwin B. Levitan, PhD Martin M. PoUak H. BrownellWheeler, MD
DavidJ. Mahoney Professor Consultant Harry M. Haidak Distinguished
and Chair ofNeuroscieiice GP Strategies Corporation Professor ofSurgery Emeritus
University ofPennsylvania NewYork, NewYork University ofMassachusetts
School ofMedicine Medical School
MD
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Robert M. Quinlan, Worcester, Massachusetts
Vice Chair
Maurice H. Martel, DDS Department ofSurgery Grant F.Winthrop
Holden, Massachusetts UMass Memorial Health Care Partner
Worcester, Massachusetts MilbankWinthrop and Company
Joseph E. Murray, MD* NewYork, NewYork
Emeritus ChiefofSurgery Louise C. Riemer
Harvard Medical School Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Honorary Trustees
Emeritus ChiefofPlastic Surgery
Brigham &Women's Hospital Penelope B. Rockwell
MD
and Children's Hospital Worcester, Massachusetts Etienne-Emile Baulieu, PhD,
Boston,Massachusetts Paris, France
MD
Paul S. Russell,
GuyW. Nichols John Homans Distinguished Robert A. Bernhard
Newton, Massachusetts Professor ofSurgery NewYork, NewYork
Harvard Medical School
MD MD
O. Nsidinanya Okike, Massachusetts General Hospital Nancy L. R. Bucher,
ProfessorofSurgery Boston,Massachusetts Lexington, Massachusetts
Vice Chair
Division ofTlioracic Robert Schultz Jane D. Claflin
and Cardiac Surgery Boston,Massachusetts
University ofMassachusetts Schultz Lubricants, Inc.
Medical School West Boylston, Massachusetts Robert Cushman
Worcester, Massachusetts Naples, Florida
Morton H. Sigel
Thoru Pederson, PhD Chairman of the Board George R. Dunlop, MD
Director and President Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester Foundation for Tekscan, Inc.
Biomedical Research Boston, Massachusetts Orrie M. Friedman, PhD
Associate Vice Chancellor Brookline, Massachusetts
MD
for Research John L. Sullivan,
VitoldArnett Professor ofCell Biology Professor ofPediatrics, Pathology and Jacob Hiatt
&
Professor ofBiochemistry Molecular Genetics Microbiology Worcester, Massachusetts
&
Molecular Pharmacology Director, Office ofResearch
MD
University ofMassachusetts University ofMassachusetts Mahlon Hoagland,
Medical School Medical School Thetford,Vermont
Worcester, Massachusetts Worcester, Massachusetts
Thomas R. Mountain, Esq.
Riccardo PigHucci AlisonTaunton-Rigby, PhD Worcester, Massachusetts
CEO CEO
President and
Discovery Partners International Aquila Biopharmaceuticals
San Diego, California Framingham, Massachusetts *Nobel laureate
Like the new research laboratory building in which it will be housed,
the "construction" ofthe Program in Gene Function and Expression reflects the promise ofdynamic research at
UMass Medical School.Although not ofbricks, mortar and steel, the program's growth since its inception in late
1999 isjust as tangible,with the recruitment oftwo new investigators in 2000 who will add their energy and expertise to
the endeavor.
Lucio H. Casrilla, PhD, and Siu IngThe, PhD (pronounced"tay"), recentlyjoined
Program Director Michael R. Green,MD,PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute "UMass is a place where
Investigator and professor ofbiochemistry & molecular pharmacology,', as founding
members. Both are young scientists from premier institutions who are investigating a tremendous amount of
interesting questions regarding the genetic and molecular basis ofdisease. Both were
recently namedWorcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Scholars for 2000- resources is being devoted
2001. And both embody the \ision ofthe Medical School andDr. Green ofcreating to a new research laboratory
a program that fundamentally promotes qualit\' science.
building and to the recruitment
"Michael Green's vision for the program goes beyond a particular hne ofgenetic
oftop-notch scientists.
research;he's looking for good science first and foremost,"explained Dr. Castilla,
the first faculty' memberrecruited to the program as an assistant professor of We have no doubt that it
biochemistry' & molecular pharmacology."By ha\inga group ofscientists working
in differentsystems and focusing on different questions in biologythe program fosters will continue to be considered
a wide-ranging knowledge and collaborative spirit among members, something that
one ofthe premierplaces
I find enriching to my growth and success as a researcher."
to conduct research."
Castilla holds a bachelor's degree in biology and genetics from the University of —
Siu IngThe, PhD
BuenosAires and a PhD in biology and genetics from the University ofMichigan.
He comes to UMMS from the National Human Genome Research Institute at the
National Institutes ofHealth,where he completed his postdoctoral work on cancer genetics, developing a better under-
standing ofthe genes (and pathways) associated with the initiation and progression ofacute myeloid leukemia. It is
this question he will continue to pursue at UMMS.
"Our lab will use molecular genetics and molecular biological techniques to identify which genes in the mouse are
cooperatingwith the oncogene in leukemia formation and then try to find the bridge with leukemia in humans. Ifwe
can identify the genes involved,the impact may be felt with other types ofleukemia and may present us with methods
ofinhibiting or repressing this cancer via drug or gene therapies."