New York, NY (March 13, 2003) -- The guilty gene responsible for initiating oncogenesis in Kaposi's Sarcoma has been identified -- at last -- by researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College. As reported in the latest issue of Cancer Cell, Kaposi's Sarcoma associated Herpes Virus (KSHV), which is consistently detected within this highly vascularized cancer, carries the gene, vGPCR. The vGPCR (viral G-Protein Coupled Receptor) gene has been a suspect for a long time. However, scientists have been faced with the conundrum that vGPCR is not expressed either long enough or in enough of the cells within the KS tumor to be "pinned"down.Now, Dr. Enrique Mesri of Weill Cornell and colleagues propose a new scenario and a new mechanism -- namely, a "hit and run" type of crime, where vGPCR is expressed just long enough to cause the initial damage, but then retreats so as not to be caught. These findings, generally, reveal a new way to look at the role of viruses in disease and to determine which genes may be important targets for treatments. Specifically, this research offers the promise for alternative treatments of Kaposi's Sarcoma by blocking the actions of the vGPCR protein itself.
The Carl Sagan Postdoctoral Fellowships in Exoplanet Exploration were created to inspire the next generation of explorers seeking to learn more about planets, and possibly life, around other stars. (Sept. 5, 2008)
Winters are getting warmer and some crops are starting to bloom earlier. Climate change is already upon us, but changes are not uniform across regions or species.
Starting this summer, Cornell and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will offer dual-degree programs in food science and plant breeding with up to 15 Indian students accepted for each program. (Feb. 5, 2009)
President David Skorton announced the naming of the Carolyn 'Biddy' Martin Room at Martin's farewell reception on Bailey Plaza, Sept. 2. (Sept. 3, 2008)
The more hands players win in online poker, the less money they're likely to collect, especially when it comes to novice players. That is but one of the findings from a new Cornell study.
The Second Annual 21 Dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. in Bridgewaters in New York City to celebrate the life and legacy of Mario St. George Boiardi '04. (Jan. 24, 2007)