2 Chair's Greeting 3 Class of 2022 4 Loftfield Awards 5 ÉLITE Career Mentoring 6 Alumni Spotlight
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine UNM Health & Health Sciences
NEWSLETTER
7 Groundbreaking Research 8 CSI Research & New Grants 9 High Impact Publications 10 Meet The New Faculty 11 Awards & Recognition
BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
INSIDE
SPRING 2023
CHAIR'S GREETING
Dear friends, I want to extend my warmest welcome from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine. In this issue, we welcome new faculty members, Dr. Nathan Zaidman and Dr. Brett Manifold-Wheeler. You will read about the remarkable accomplishments of our faculty, students, and staff including awards, publications and funding. We invite you to explore the new groundbreaking catalog of all the participating cells of the human breast that Dr. Hines has released, a comprehensive study of cellular and molecular dissections of all twelve types of human breast cells. You will learn how Dr. Adolphi’s post-mortem CT (PMCT) scans are used to interpret important injuries at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. In the Alumni Spotlight you will meet NM Senator Harold Pope Jr., and learn of the fascinating career journey that took him from biochemistry to the NM Senate. Senator Pope Jr. not only crafts public policy decisions in Santa Fe, but he also champions mentoring and STEM programs for people of color in New Mexico, for which we are thankful. We launched our new ÉLITE Career Mentoring Program last fall. Absolute success! ÉLITE (Spanish for "elite") connects students with our alumni and faculty to guide career decisions for 12-weeks. This new alliance with our alumni explores new ways to create career opportunities for our biochemistry majors. Under-represented minorities and first-generation graduates who represent 50% of UNM students will particularly benefit from appropriate mentoring. I am thrilled by the success of our undergraduate biochemistry program. This year, the program received full 7-year re-accreditation (2023-2029) by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which is a national, independent, outcome-based evaluation mechanism that recognizes excellence in BS or BA degree programs in biochemistry and molecular biology and related disciplines. Since our first accreditation in 2015, the biochemistry program awarded 390 Bachelor’s degrees. The average GPA of our graduating class is 3.65. This level of success has been possible thanks to the dedication of our faculty. Faculty in the BMB department earned several recognitions last year. Dr. Xiang Xue received the HSC Excellence in Research Award for Junior Faculty Research and Dr. Laura de Lorenzo became a CURE Fellow (Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences). These outstanding BMB faculty were also appointed to leadership positions. Dr. Liu became director of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Signature Program, and Dr. de Lorenzo was appointed director of the Undergraduate Biochemistry Program. Additionally, Dr. Hines was named director of Honors Biochemistry Research. The BMB department has hit the ground running in 2023, and I look forward to more success stories the rest of the year. I invite you to join me in the Women in Biochemistry Committee events at ASBMB annual meeting and the first UNM SOM Biochemistry alumni gathering in Seattle (March 27). For more information, please Email me at kjparra@salud.unm.edu. Lots of good wishes to you, - Karlett
42% POST GRADUATE PROGRAM 30% MEDICAL PROGRAM (MD OR MD/PHD) 18% RESEARCH PROGRAMS (MS OR PHD) 58% POST GRADUATE WITHIN 2-3 YEARS 18% PROFESSIONAL, DEGREE PROGRAMS IN HEALTH CARE (MD, MD/PD, DMD, PA, NP) 45% RESEARCH PROGRAMS (MS OR PHD)
WHERE ARE THEY HEADED?
Class of 2022 by the Numbers
CLASS OF 2022 REPORT CARD 3.69 AVERAGE GPA 57% DUAL DEGREE OR DOUBLE MAJOR 76% PARTICIPATED IN RESEARCH
AWARDS & HONORS 7 DEAN'S LIST & HONORS SCHOLARS 8 AWARDS 7 SCHOLARSHIPS
2022 BIOCHEMISTRY GRADUATES
2022 ROBERT B. LOFTFIELD RECIPIENTS
Isabella Reitz Excellence in Academics
Lien Tang Excellence in Academics
Krishna Patel Excellence in Research
Katey Del Toro Excellence in Education
Curt Hines, PhD Assistant Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UNM SOM BMB Alumnus ’94
Our new ÉLITE Career Mentoring Program connects students with professionals to guide career decision-making. ÉLITE provides mentoring through professional development seminars where experts give advice, professional inspiration, and insights about various career paths in biochemistry and other fields. A goal of the ÉLITE career mentoring program is to support underrepresented and first-generation college students make the transition to jobs, professional school and graduate school. Students prepare Individual Development Plans, learn time management skills, practice giving interviews, create effective resumes and CVs and participate in round-table discussions with BMB faculty and invited alumni speakers to learn about careers - both in and outside of academia.
ÉLITE Career Mentoring Program Hits The Ground Running!
BE READY, BE CONFIDENT, BE POSITIVE
Gloria Lopez-Hernandez, MD Assistant Professor, Pediatrics Critical Care, UNM SOM
Vincent Metzger, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher, UNM SOM
Ellen Bickel, PharmD Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist, UNM Health & Health Sciences
Randy Ko UNM Board of Regents Candidate MD/PhD Candidate BMB Alumnus ’18
Mark McCormick, PhD Assistant Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UNM SOM
Sarah Dallo PhD candidate, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL BMB Alumnus ’20
James McKinnell, MD Professor, Pediatrics, UNM SOM Director, Office of Pre-Health Professions Student Development
Laura de Lorenzo, PhD Director, Undergraduate Program Lecturer III, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UNM SOM
THE MENTOR SERIES
Louis Metzger IV, PhD Head Basic Research, Rejuvenate Bio. Co-Founder & CEO, DeepViews, Inc. Loftfield Awardee ’04 (BMB Alumnus)
Katey Del Toro Graduate Research Assistant, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Loftfield Awardee ’22
We would like to feature YOU in our next issue! If you are interested, please let us know at 505-925-4095
NM STATE SENATOR HAROLD POPE JR.
A
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
non-traditional path led me to the Department of Biochemisty & Molecular Biology at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine. After high school, I enlisted in the Air Force and served for four years. I never thought that college was an option for me growing up. As I struggled with school, and never got the mentorship I needed or the support to succeed. As a result of my military leadership's support and encouragement, I decided to pursue college during my service. As a result, I came to UNM to pursue a degree in Biochemistry and to join AFROTC. As soon as I graduated, I accepted a commission as an Air Force Officer and returned to active duty. The majority of my work would be in the area of satellite programs and weapon systems as an acquisitions officer (project manager) & chemist. The rigor from the BMB program helped me serve the nation in these capacities and gave me the foundation to complete an MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Florida, an MA in Organizational Leadership from the USAF Air Command & Staff College, and currently be enrolled in the UNM Executive MBA Program. As the first African American State Senator in New Mexico, my education has been invaluable in crafting public policy decisions as well as championing mentorship and STEM programs for people of color. It is because of people's investments in me that I have been successful, and we must ensure that all New Mexicans receive these same investments.
Thi, Kate, Katelyn Del Toro, Yamhilette Licon-Munoz, Rosalyn W Sayaman, and William Curtis Hines."Comprehensive Identification, Isolation, and Culture of Human Breast Cell Types."bioRxiv(2022).
Have you ever wondered what you are made of?Or pondered how all the cell types in your tissues communicate to form a functioning organ? Answers to these questions are essential for understanding processes that go awry in cancer. Armed with a healthy dose of curiosity and tenacity, Dr. Curt Hines—who joined the BMB faculty in 2016— and his team of researchers have just completed their multi-year endeavor to identify and characterize every cell type in the human breast. They identified and characterized twelve major cell types. These included two distinct luminal epithelial cell types, myoepithelial cells, adipocytes, white blood cells, pericytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, erythrocytes, fibroblasts, lymphatic and vascular endothelial cells, and a newly identified epithelial cell type.
Left: Normal Breast lobule. This is where milk is formed in lactating women (100x magnified)
Ground Breaking Research
www.breastcancerlab.com
Del Toro, Katelyn, Rosalyn W Sayaman, Kate Thi, Yamhilette Licon-Munoz, and William Curtis Hines."A Cellular and Transcriptomic Dissection of the Human Breast for Studying Mechanisms of Cell and Tissue Function."bioRxiv(2022).
Curt Hines
His team performed a comprehensive cellular and molecular dissection of these cell types, revealing vital processes making each cell type unique. Novel cell models they created have allowed Dr. Hines' laboratory to pinpoint a cell type that causes rapid tumor cell proliferation and they are actively exploring its contributions to breast tumor development and progression. The pair of articles describing these different cell types are in review and are available at BioRxiv.Over 20,000 genes were measured in each cell type, and you can visualize which cells express these genes using a web/phone application his lab developed (at right). For example, Her2 (ERBB2—the target of the drug Herceptin) is expressed by the two luminal epithelial cells.
NEW GRANTS AWARDED
Mark McCormick | Two Impetus awards from the Norn Group to investigate tRNA Synthetases in the amount of $398,396 Meilian Liu | NIH R01 award to investigate brown fat cellular heterogeneity in the amount of $1,482,940 Meilian Liu | HSC RAC Award to study the beneficial effects of brown adipose tissue (BAT) on cardio-metabolic health in the amount of $25,000 Curt Hines | HSC RAC Award to identifythe pericyte-derived factor driving breast tumor growth in the amount of $25,000 Laura de Lorenzo Barrios | NSF CURE award from the University of San Diego for BMB teaching labsin the amount of $2,150 Laura de Lorenzo Barrios | American Society for Cell Biology to support student mentoring in the amount of $2,000
BMB CSI-Research
Natalie Adolphi
Dr. Adolphi’s group published a paper in the Journal of Forensic Sciences entitled “Accuracy of forensic pathologists in incorporating post-mortem CT (PMCT) in forensic death investigation,” which resulted from research funded by an NIJ Grant. The study found that forensic pathologists with limited formal training in interpreting PMCT scans adequately recognize the vast majority of important injuries, integrate the PMCT information with physical examination findings, and accurately classify the cause and manner of death. The study also suggested that some educational interventions, such as increased training for pathologists in the CT appearance of abdominal pathologies, should be considered. Dr. Natalie Adolphi is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Center for Forensic Imaging at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
Curt Hines published "Lost in transduction: Critical considerations when using viral vectors" in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. It is a commentary on Lentiviruses. Meilian Liu published "Adipocyte-derived PGE2 is required for intermittent fasting-induced Treg proliferation and improvement of insulin sensitivity" in The JCI Insight. This study uncovered a novel mechanism involving lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that mimics intermittent fasting regimen and contributes to the immunosuppressing microenvironment within fat tissue, promoting proliferation of regulatory T cells and systemic metabolic homeostasis. Mark McCormick published "Cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNA synthetase inhibitors increase lifespan in a GCN4/atf-4-dependent manner" in iScience. This study showed that a class of compounds called tRNA synthetase inhibitors can provide one of the largest pharmacological lifespan increases seen to date in any model organism, through biological pathways that are conserved all the way to humans and might significantly delay to onset of human diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer. Mark McCormick published "Single-cell RNA-seq reveals early heterogeneity during aging in yeast" in Aging Cell. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNASeq) to show that cell-to-cell transcriptional variation increases with age in yeast including during early aging. Xiang Xue published "The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in Colorectal Cancer Hepatic Metastasis" in Cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatic metastases is of dire need for the development of potent targeted therapeutics, this brief review discusses the involvement of three representative cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), a lipid molecule PGE2 and two chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2) in the process of CRC liver metastases. Xiang Xue published "Transferrin Receptor-Mediated Iron Uptake Promotes Colon Tumorigenesis" in Advanced Science. This is the first genetic demonstration of the importance of TFRC-mediated iron uptake in normal and tumor colon tissues in vivo. Xiang Xue published "Myeloid FTH1 deficiency protects mice from colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer via reducing iron-driven STAT3 activation" in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. This is the first demonstration that myeloid FTH1 is required for colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer via maintaining of STAT3 signaling activation under excess iron condition. Nathan Zaidman published "The Transcription Factor Foxi1 Promotes Expression of V-ATPase and Gp116 in M-1 cells" in American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. Using the transcription factor Foxi1, this study developed an in vitro system that generates renal intercalated-like cells in a dish. M-1 cortical collecting duct cells transfected with Foxi1 demonstrated transcriptional upregulation of several genes associated with intercalated cells. In particular, Foxi1 induces expression of several intercalated cell-specific subunits of the V-ATPase as well as Gpr116, Slc4a9 and Slc26a4.
HIGH IMPACT PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Nathan Zaidman, grew up in Eagan, Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota (UMN) where he earned an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering - during that time, he researched iPS cells at the very dawn of the technology. Then, Dr. Zaidman earned his PhD degree in Integrative Biology and Physiology at UMN. In 2016, he joined Dr. Jen Pluznick’s group at Johns Hopkins University for his postdoctoral training to investigate understudied G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the kidney. His studies revealed new roles for Gpr116 at regulating V-ATPase proton pumps in A-type intercalated cells. The physiological functions of these GPCRs are poorly understood. Dr. Zaidman will expand his studies in the kidney and beyond in his new lab at UNM. Outside of the lab, Dr. Zaidman enjoys playing soccer, reading archaeology books, hanging outdoors and "the futile pursuit of the 300 game." He is joined in Albuquerque by his wife Sarah, his one year old daughter Jackie, and Dragon, their cat.
NATHAN ZAIDMAN
Dr. Brett Manifold-Wheeler, Lecturer III, has worked in research science since early college, covering a diverse range of studies, such as life-span extension, infectious disease and innate immunity, Alzheimer’s, and COVID diagnostics development. After attending UNM as an undergraduate, he transferred to and received his B.S. in genetics from UC Davis, before returning to UNM for his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. He did research in Alzheimer’s as post-doctoral fellow at UNM, and most recently finished a post-doctoral fellowship for Bryce Chackerian in UNM’s Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department. Between post-doc positions, Dr. Manifold-Wheeler also taught secondary public education as a science teacher at APS for 4 years, and now lectures undergraduate biochemistry for non-majors at UNM.
Brett Manifold- Wheeler
MEET OUR NEW FACULTY
DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS
BMB STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
The UROC180 Competition asks competitors to create an elevator pitch presenting their research in just 180 seconds. These presentations are made in front of a general audience.
RYLA CATERGIANI WINS 2022 UROS 180 AWARD
Tyler Humble, Accountant II, received the School of Medicine 2022 Dean's Staff Award for outstanding demonstration of core values of excellence and accountability, diversity, integrity and innovation.
Luke Villareal, from Xiang Xue's research group, received a Graduate Student Travel Award from ABRCMS, BSGP and the HSC DEI office to present a poster titled "Hypoxia-inducible Factor 3⍺1 Promotes Epithelial-to Mesenchymal Transition in Colon Cancer Cells" at ABRCMS in Anaheim, CA on November 11, 2022.
Olivia Heath, from Mark McCormick's research group, has been awarded The National Institutes of Health’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) Fellowship for her project, "Investigating Racial and Gender Biases in the Natural Language Processing Algorithm Med-BERT and Their Effects on Predicted Health Outcomes". This fellowship is a Training Practicum focused on minority health disparities in behavioral health, cardiometabolic health, and cancer, that use and/or develop cutting-edge tools in Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning with applications on the use of data from different sources and varying formats.
BMB staff received The UNM Mortar Board Society Award for furthering the values of scholarship, leadership, and service at UNM and for their service to UNM Students.
BMB STAFF RECOGNIZED
TYLER HUMBLE WINS DEAN'S STAFF AWARD
luke villareal receives graduate student travel award
OLIVIA HEATH AWARDED NIH FELLOWSHIP
NEW DIRECTORSHIPS
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Program Director
Dr. Xiang Xue was awarded the HSC Basic Science Excellence Research Award for Junior Faculty.
Dr. Meilian Liu is the Director for the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Program (CVMD) which recently hosted a Research Day. Over 50 participants attended oral and poster presentations, including a keynote speaker, Dr. Scott Summers, professor and chair of the department of Nutrient and Physiology at the University of Utah.
HSC Basic Science Excellence Research Award
Laura de Lorenzo Barrios Director, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Undergraduate Program
Curt Hines Director, Honors Undergraduate Research Program
FACULTY AWARD
BMB Undergraduate Director & Honors Undergraduate Research Director
With nearly 1,000 graduates, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has prepared students for a diverse array of careers. Now growing rapidly, but maintaining its tradition of rigor and excellence, the Department Chair welcomes your partnership. These funds will be used to serve the greatest needs within the department. Consider a planned gift through your estate or charitable trust. Email Liz Kahane (liz.kahane@unmfund.org), Director of Development for the School of Medicine, to learn more.
WEBSITE: hsc.unm.edu/medicine/departments/biochemistry/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/karlett-parra-b957151bb/ Instagram (@unm_BMB) www.instagram.com/unm_bmb/
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF DISCOVERY & INNOVATION
Robert B. Loftfield Fund
Department Chair's Fund
JOIN US ONLINE
From the foundation web page search for the name of the preferred fund or "Biochemistry".
John L. Omdahl Memorial Lectureship
goto.unm.edu/biochem
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | UNM School of Medicine MSC08 4670 | 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 Karlett Parra, PhD | Department Chair KJParra@salud.unm.edu Heather Armstrong | Department Administrator HEArmstrong@salud.unm.edu