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June 10, 2005|Volume 33, Number 30|Four-Week Issue


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MacMicking named a Searle Scholar
for infection research

John D. MacMicking, an assistant professor recently recruited to the Section of Microbial Pathogenesis at the School of Medicine, has been named as a 2005 Searle Scholar and will receive $240,000 during the next three years to support his research program on novel host defense pathways to infection.

MacMicking studies aspects of the interferon pathway that bridge the processes of innate and acquired immunity which are crucial for controlling infection of macrophages and dendritic cells by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB).

MacMicking's selection was based on his demonstrated innovative research that has the potential for making significant and extended contributions to the complex innate immune response of higher organisms.

"Currently our research focuses on a group of newly identified host proteins called Immune-related GTPases that are elicited in response to infection. These GTPases appear critical for preventing the pathogen from establishing a safe and nutrient-rich niche used for microbial growth," says MacMicking. "The details of how these new proteins remodel the intracellular environment are still being worked out -- it's a fascinating challenge."

His research uses a combination of mammalian and mycobacterial genetics along with cell biology, immunology and protein crystallography to study these processes. It should lead to a better understanding of the biological relationship between eukaryote and prokaryote while providing a basis for rational TB vaccine or drug design in the future.

"What makes the Searle award so special is that it gives investigators the freedom to pursue larger questions within the biomedical and chemical sciences, questions that are for the most part conceptually driven," says MacMicking. "The Searle award will bring new researchers to the group and pay for newer research technologies for the lab."

Funds for the awards come from trusts established by John G. and Frances C. Searle. The former was president of G.D. Searle & Co., of Skokie, Illinois, a research-based pharmaceutical company. The 393 Searle Scholars have shared over $69,780,000 in grants since the program began in 1981. This year, 15 scholars were chosen from 193 applications by recently appointed assistant professors at 122 universities and research institutions nationwide. Nominated applicants come from all branches of the biomedical and chemical sciences.


T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale committed to offering overseas opportunities to all undergraduates

Project funded by Class of 1957 is adding music education . . .

International festival marks 10th year of arts & ideas

Student writer's works cast light on injustices

COMMENCEMENT 2005

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

Study: More students expelled in preschool than in later years

Team sheds light on RNA quality-control system

Music linked to decreased need for sedation

Biologists successfully extract and analyze DNA from extinct lemurs

Law deanship endowed with Goldman family gift

Harvey Goldblatt is reappointed as Pierson master

Radio interview leads Ruff to a 'magical' discovery

Head coach post endowed in honor of late Yale tennis star

Swimmer donates Olympic gold to alma mater

Tsunami-causing earthquake yields new data about Earth's core

Children develop cynicism at an early age, says study

'Lost' papers of journalist noted for her stories on Russian Revolution . . .

All hail Hale!

New risk assessment program will provide early genetic screening

Works by young playwrights to be staged as part of Drama School project

Internationally renowned tenor joins the faculty as voice teacher

Workshop explores chronic disease prevention

MacMicking named a Searle Scholar for infection research

Elimelech garners Clarke Prize for water research

Congresswoman to speak at benefit gala for cancer research

Student Awards and Fellowships

Search committee named for School of Music dean

Memorial to honor Dr. Alvin Novick

Campus Notes


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