NIH NCRR - IDeA Program

Purpose: to expand biomedical research infrastructure in Arkansas

A multidisciplinary research network with a thematic scientific focus

Cancer and Signaling MechanismsCancer and Signaling MechanismsDirector: Robert E. McGehee

Two Research Focus Groups

NeuroscienceNeuroscienceDirectors: Paul D. Drew & Robert D. Skinner

Cellular Signaling, Growth, and DifferentiationCellular Signaling, Growth, and Differentiation

• Promote networking among project leaders (PLs), their students and mentors through

Research Focus GroupsResearch Focus GroupsNeuroscienceCancer and Signaling Mechanisms

• Help monitor the PLs’ progress in becoming competitive for extramural research funding throughMentoring Advisory CommitteeMentoring Advisory Committee

1. review progress of PLs via annual reportsannual reports2. provide recommendations on continued support to Steering & External Advisory Committees

Mentoring Core Objectives

• Meet regularlyMeet regularly (3x/year) to promote informal, “friendly” critique of ongoing research activities in PLs’ labs

• meetings hosted by local PL(s) (Mentoring Core budget)

Research Focus Groups

• PLs required to present once a year overview of progressoverview of progress on research projects (informal seminar/lab meeting format)

• Seminar SeriesSeminar Series - to encourage formation of outside contacts (potential grant reviewers, editorial board members)

3 seminar speakers budgeted per Research Focus Group per year

Project Leaders, their Mentors, and Research Projects

Research Focus: NeuroscienceResearch Focus: Neuroscience

The effect of c-Myc expression on the activation of the gastrin promoter

Frank A. Simmen, PhDPatricia Marks, PhD

Translational regulation during Xenopus oocyte development

Angus MacNicol, PhDRobert Gregerson, PhD

p107 function in 3T3-L1 differentiationRobert E. McGehee, Jr., PhDTimothy Hayes, PhD

Signaling by non-classical ligands of estrogen receptor: novel approaches to detection and mechanism

Stavros C. Manolagas, MDBarry Gehm, PhD

Investigation of thermal effects in photodynamic therapy to treat solid tumors

Vladimir P. Zharov, PhDPradip Bandyopadhyay, PhD

Research Focus: Cancer and Signaling MechanismsResearch Focus: Cancer and Signaling Mechanisms

Cholinergic mechanisms in neuronal regenerationFang Zheng, PhD; Kevin Phelan, PhD

Malathi Srivatsan, PhD

Assessment of drug uptake and permeability properties of novel anticancer agents in the brainSteve W. Barger, PhDAntonie Rice, PhD

Effects of adverse perinatal experiences on cortical organization

Kanwaljeet S. Anand, MDBarbara Clancy, PhD

Effects of nicotine on processes mediated by the reticular activating system

Edgar Garcia-Rill, PhD; Robert D. Skinner, PhD; Bill Gurley, PhD

Roger Buchanan, PhD

Project Leaders, their Mentors, & Research Projects cont.

Research Focus: NeuroscienceResearch Focus: Neuroscience & & Cancer and Signaling MechanismsCancer and Signaling Mechanisms

The role of bone morphogenetic proteins in nociceptive neuron development

Patricia A. Wight, PhD Richard Murray, PhD

Molecular mechanisms contributing to gender disparity in multiple sclerosis

Paul D. Drew, PhD Lori Hensley, PhD

Transcriptional regulation of the myelin proteolipid protein gene: Effect of intron 1-binding factors on chromatin remodeling during oligodendrocyte differentiation

Patricia A. Wight, PhD; John Majors, PhD

Brian Greuel, PhD

Mentoring Advisory Committee

• Dennis A. BaeyensDennis A. Baeyens, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Biology, UALR

• Gwen V. ChildsGwen V. Childs, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Dept. of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, UAMS

• Robert J. Shmookler-ReisRobert J. Shmookler-Reis, D.Phil., Professor, Depts. of Geriatrics, Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology & Toxicology, UAMS

• Michael S. OwensMichael S. Owens, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, UAMS

• Rose Marie McConnellRose Marie McConnell, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, UA Monticello,

• Thomas E. GoodwinThomas E. Goodwin, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Hendrix College

MAC’S ROLE

• Meets as a study section annuallyannually to review annual progress reportsannual progress reports from the 14 UGI PLs

• Prepares short report on each PLshort report on each PL to the Steering Committee, External Advisory Committee, and INBRE PI (to advise on the continued support and retention of PLs)

Feb. 2006 – Yr. 1 report (after ~9 mos.) Feb. 2007 – Yr. 2 report (warning?) Aug. 2007 – Update on improvement May 2008 – Replacement? (reviewed by

P.I., Steering & EA Com.

Review of Annual Reports

Mentoring Plans of PLs

Research Mentor; Institutional Mentor; Annual Reports • mentor & PL/mentee develop timeline

(informally record meetings)

Commitments of UGI PLs as Mentees • research time protected & guaranteed by each UGI administration to commit 50% effort to research activities• meet one-on-one with Research Mentors (1-2X/month)

• attend 3 meetings per year of Research Focus Group and present 1X/year

• mentor own students• meet with Institutional Mentor (3X/year)

• submit Annual Report to INBRE MAC

Roles of Research Mentors

• help PL/mentee establish professional contacts

• host the mentee at mentor’s lab meetings (1X/month)

• make techniques & equipment from own laboratory available to the PL

• help PL develop timelines for manuscript, grant proposal submission, & help the PL keep on target in the accomplishment of the specific aims of project

• visit PL’s laboratory annually to give research seminar at PL’s UGI & interact with students

• attend the specific Research Focus Group meetings (when PL presents)

• meet with his/her mentee (at least quarterly) to discuss PL’s research progress

Mentoring Core Budget

• ~$18,000:$9,000 for Seminar Speakers$9,000 for Travel

$6,000 for Seminar Speakers’ travel $3,000 for Mentors’ and MAC travel