Inaugural Legends of Science Oncology Symposium |
Through the scientific talks and panel discussions on the future of cancer research featured at this event, discover how UC San Diego researchers and industry trailblazers are revolutionizing cancer care through breakthrough therapeutics, innovative research, and AI-driven advancements in oncology to transform treatment and reshape the scientific landscape.
The symposium will conclude with the Legends Cocktail Party and Networking Reception, which will provide a unique environment to discover and connect with top researchers, academic leaders, industry experts, visionary venture capitalists, and legendary surfers.
The symposium is free for Moores Members and Trainees. Register today! RSVP>> | Download the Agenda>>
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$1.7B in Research Funding Fuels Breakthroughs in Cancer and Beyond |
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UC San Diego secured $1.7 billion in grants last year, which support more than 5,600 active research projects that include clinical trials, diagnostic tools, innovative therapies, and training for future scientists. At Moores, these projects advance studies in precision medicine, immunotherapy, early detection, and survivorship. Learn More>>
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UC San Diego Ranked No. 1 Public University for Research |
This 2025 Washington Monthly ranking considers research spending, doctoral degrees awarded, faculty recognition, and membership in national academies, which highlights UC San Diego’s role in advancing discoveries that improve health, drive innovation, and support the next generation of researchers. Learn More>>
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Microbial DNA Signatures Differentiate Tumor Origin |
UC San Diego researchers, led by Moores Member (Cancer Control Program) Amir Zarrinpar, MD, PhD, have identified a microbial DNA signature in blood plasma that distinguishes primary liver cancer from metastatic colorectal cancer with 90% accuracy, demonstrating the promise of microbial DNA as a non-invasive diagnostic tool when imaging is inconclusive. Learn More>>
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Moores Member Receives Research Funding |
Moores Member Hojun Li, MD, PhD has been awarded an R01 from NHLBI to fund his project, Major Histocompatibility Complex Gene Editing to Prevent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Graft Rejection, which features gene editing to modify immune system genes to reduce stem cell graft rejection and improve transplant outcomes for patients with life-threatening blood disorders. Dr. Li’s co-investigators and collaborators include not only Moores Members Jack Bui, MD, PhD, Alexis Komor, PhD, and Xinlian Zhang, PhD, but also La Jolla Institute’s Alessandro Sette, PhD. Kudos to Dr. Li and his team.
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Support for First-Time NCI SBIR/STTR Phase I Applicants: STEP |
Informational Webinar with Q&A
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
11:00 a.m. PDT
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Researchers preparing for this application can take advantage of the SBIR/STTR Training and Entrepreneurship Program (STEP), which offers free, 16-week support to help develop a competitive submission.
STEP participants will:
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- Strengthen grant-writing skills to improve competitiveness,
- Learn customer discovery and entrepreneurial fundamentals
- Gain insight into the SBIR/STTR application process, and
- Access post-submission support (e.g., summary statement review, NCI consultations, and resubmission guidance)
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Application window: September 3 to October 3, 2025 (for the April 5, 2026 deadline). Register Now>>
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Sanford Stem Cell Institute Town Hall |
Hybrid (in person + Zoom)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Duane Roth Auditorium
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This month’s Town Hall, Stem Cells & Surgery: The Nervous System Frontier, will feature breakthrough treatments for adult and pediatric brain cancers, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Opening remarks will be delivered by Moores Member Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. Featured speakers include Moores Member Frank Furnari, PhD and Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA, Co-directors of the Brain Tumor and Neurorestoration Program, who will discuss avatar platforms and MERFISH, collaborative ecosystem curriculum for translational research, surgical science progression, and patient-directed therapy. Register Now>>
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FDA-AACR Workshop: Approach to Novel Oncology Endpoint Development
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Hybrid (in person and virtual options)
Thursday, September 11, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Alexandria, Virginia
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This is a key opportunity to elevate the expertise of Moores. Moores Member participation will help shape regulatory thinking in novel endpoints in oncology.
Workshop Rationale:
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- Overall survival remains a key measure, yet it often is impractical as a primary endpoint in early-stage or rare cancer trials.
- Novel endpoints such as pCR and MRD offer promise, yet they must be validated rigorously to ensure that they reflect long-term benefit and do not compromise patient outcomes.
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As such, this workshop will explore successful strategies, unmet needs, and evidence requirements to support novel endpoints in regulatory decision-making. Register Now>> | Learn More>>
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FEATURED FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES |
View featured limited submission, federal, and non-federal grant and funding opportunities. |
LIMITED SUBMISSION (UCSD FACULTY ONLY) |
Application Deadline: September 18, 2025
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Award: $30,000 for 6 months
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Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
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Award: $375,000 for 3 years
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| Noncanonical roles of chemokine regions in CCR9 activation revealed by structural modeling and mutational mapping |
Irina Kufareva, PhD (Cancer Biology and Signaling) and Tracy M. Handel, PhD (Solid Tumor Therapeutics)
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| Antisense oligonucleotide DGAT-2 inhibitor, ION224, for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (ION224-CS2): results of a 51-week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II trial |
Rohit Loomba, MD (Cancer Control)
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| A hypoxia-responsive tRNA-derived small RNA confers renal protection through RNA autophagy |
Louise C. Laurent, MD, PhD
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CLINICAL TRIALS OFFICE (CTO) |
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ARX517-2011 (APEX-01): A Phase 1, Multicenter, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation, and Dose-Expansion Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Anti-Tumor Activity of ARX517 as Monotherapy and in Combination With Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors in Subjects With Metastatic Prostate Cancer
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PI: Rana McKay, MD
NCT ID: NCT04662580
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UCSD 811484: Phase I Study of Neoadjuvant Therapy Imatinib Mesylate and Fampridine in KIT Mutant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
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PI: Paul Fanta, MD
NCT ID: N/A
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (COE) |
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The Science Of… Live Podcast Recording |
Join COE, in collaboration with CRTEC, Cloudcast Media, and the Jackie Robinson YMCA, for another live taping of The Science Of . . . podcast on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Moores Goldberg Auditorium, which will feature Moores Member Silvia Vincenzi, PhD.
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