The rapid evolution of sophisticated data-intensive technologies has created a growing need for well-trained informatics scientists and computational biologists particularly in the field of cancer research. An inter-institutional effor to support state-of-the art training in computational biology and bioinformatics in San Antonio has assembled an experienced group of faculty in order to develop a unique educational training program in bioinformatics and computational biology with an emphasis on the needs of the cancer research community.

Project Summary. We have shown that regulatory T cells (Tregs) defeat anti-cancer immunity and that their depletion can be therapeutic, but their rapid regeneration is problematic. This project uses our discoveries that B7-H1 immune co-signaling facilitates Treg generation and that estrogen receptor (ER)? signals inhibit Treg regeneration in relevant pre-clinical mouse models with proven substantial translational relevance.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders characterized by dysfunctional blood cells that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). At this time the etiology of MDS development and progression to AML is not understood and there is no cure (median survival at time of diagnosis is less than 5 years). Yet, DNA damage and mutations appear to play a key role with the initiating defect in a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). In support, people with certain DNA repair defective syndromes including Fanconi anemia (FA) and Bloom syndrome (BS) exhibit MDS.

Exposure to environmental synthetic estrogens, such as bisphenol A (BPA), has been implicated to contribute to the increasing incidence of breast cancer. Bisphenol A is a most pervasive chemical in modern life as a component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used widely for food and beverage containers and dental sealants. Perinatal exposure to low, environmentally relevant doses of BPA in rodents resulted in induction of preneoplastic ductal hyperplasias, carcinoma in situ, and increased susceptibility to tumorigenesis.

Adolescent substance use is common and associated with both significant negative individual consequences and substantial costs to society. The proposed study will capitalize on a cost-effective opportunity to identify neurobiological mechanisms underlying risks for, and consequences of, adolescent substance use. Tests will be conducted in adolescents with high (n= 68) and low (n = 34) familial risk for substance use disorders, selected from a larger ongoing longitudinal study that is testing causal relationships between the development of impulse control and substance use.

Adolescent substance use is common and associated with both significant negative individual consequences and substantial costs to society. The proposed study will capitalize on a cost-effective opportunity to identify neurobiological mechanisms underlying risks for, and consequences of, adolescent substance use. Tests will be conducted in adolescents with high (n= 68) and low (n = 34) familial risk for substance use disorders, selected from a larger ongoing longitudinal study that is testing causal relationships between the development of impulse control and substance use.

The CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) is a five day international symposium that provides state-of-the-art information on translational research in breast cancer both for basic scientists and clinicians who work directly with patients. The symposium's aim is to achieve a balance of clinical, translational, and basic research, providing a forum for interaction, communication, and education for a broad spectrum of researchers, health professionals, and those with a special interest in breast cancer to advance the work of fighting against breast cancer.

Project summary/abstract: The long-term career goal of Dr. Arunabh Bhattacharya is to establish himself asa successful and well-funded, independent investigator through sustained basic and translational research inthe field of aging, in particular, in the area of muscle biology. His doctoral and postdoctoral training in the areaof inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress laid the foundation for this career development awardapplication. His research career to date has been highly productive with more than 38 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The long latency in clinically significant prostate cancer development provides numerous intervention opportunities. The existence of oxidative stress markers in prostate cancer patients suggests that oxidative stress signaling may be a reasonable target to prevent clinical prostate cancer. Although the failure of the SELECT trial argues against this approach; we propose that a cocktail of antioxidants with the capacity to neutralize several classes of reactive species would be an excellent prophylactic remedy.

The long latency in clinically significant prostate cancer development provides numerous intervention opportunities. The existence of oxidative stress markers in prostate cancer patients suggests that oxidative stress signaling may be a reasonable target to prevent clinical prostate cancer. Although the failure of the SELECT trial argues against this approach; we propose that a cocktail of antioxidants with the capacity to neutralize several classes of reactive species would be an excellent prophylactic remedy.