Dance collective, The Pharmacy Project, performs a story about tumor suppressors

Featuring

  • Dr. Scott Lowe (cancer – tumorigenesis & resistance to chemotherapy; MSKCC)
  • Nora Petroliunas (choreography)

Overview

According to Scott Lowe, “my research has shown that p53, a tumor suppressor, plays an important role in “apoptosis” – a form of cell suicide – and in doing so provides a natural brake to tumor development. Cells lacking p53 are more prone to becoming cancerous and more resistant to chemotherapy. Current research in my lab is based on the premise that distinct genetic changes in a patient’s cancer creates molecular dependencies that represent therapeutic opportunities. The lab is also studying genes specifically needed for survival of cancer cells in an effort to identify targets for new cancer therapies. Combining innovative approach to cancer biology research we are working toward identification of new therapeutic strategies to treat some forms of cancer.”

Cancer arises as cells acquire alterations in oncogenes — genes that when mutated may cause a cell to survive and divide indefinitely. But oncogene mutations do not inevitably cause cancer. Normally, cells can “fight back” against oncogene activity through genes called tumor suppressors. Tumor suppressor genes trigger cells to self-destruct or to halt their own growth, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development. The Lowe lab investigates how the disruption of these mechanisms may lead to cancer. They have also found that mutations in tumor suppressors can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. They hope to shed new light on why some tumors become drug resistant and to discover more effective therapeutic targets

As a performer, Petrolinas “began with the same foundation as the lab, working with movement principles based in oncogenes and tumor-suppressors; these cell mutations are a trouble of cancer, unique to every individual. This idea was taken into the studio to grow.”

Her final work was five bodies working together as a unit, dividing, and then dividing again, sometimes allowed to do so freely and rapidly, other times with an outside force holding them together, ‘stopping’ the division

Bios

Nora Petroliunas

www.thepharmacyproject.tumblr.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pharmacy-Project/212430152104551

SUNY Purchase, BFA dance (’06); Artistic Director, The Pharmacy Project, a Brooklyn based dance collective.

Dr. Scott Lowe

http://mskcc.org/research/lab/scott-lowe

http://www.hhmi.org/scientists/scott-w-lowe

B.S., UW-Madison; Ph.D., MIT; Associate Dir. Basic Cancer Research, MSKCC; Chair, Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center; Investigator, HHMI & Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

“My research has shown that p53, a tumor suppressor, plays an important role in “apoptosis” – a form of cell suicide – and in doing so provides a natural brake to tumor development. Cells lacking p53 are more prone to becoming cancerous and more resistant to chemotherapy. Current research in my lab is based on the premise that distinct genetic changes in a patient’s cancer creates molecular dependencies that represent therapeutic opportunities. The lab is also studying genes specifically needed for survival of cancer cells in an effort to identify targets for new cancer therapies. Combining innovative approach to cancer biology research we are working toward identification of new therapeutic strategies to treat some forms of cancer.”

Cancer arises as cells acquire alterations in oncogenes — genes that when mutated may cause a cell to survive and divide indefinitely. But oncogene mutations do not inevitably cause cancer. Normally, cells can “fight back” against oncogene activity through genes called tumor suppressors. Tumor suppressor genes trigger cells to self-destruct or to halt their own growth, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development. The Lowe lab investigates how the disruption of these mechanisms may lead to cancer. They have also found that mutations in tumor suppressors can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. They hope to shed new light on why some tumors become drug resistant and to discover more effective therapeutic targets.

False Starts, Unruly Paths

Featuring

  • Dr. Scott Lowe (cancer – tumorigenesis & resistance to chemotherapy; MSKCC)
  • Grace Markman (paint)

Overview

According to Scott Lowe, “my research has shown that p53, a tumor suppressor, plays an important role in “apoptosis” – a form of cell suicide – and in doing so provides a natural brake to tumor development. Cells lacking p53 are more prone to becoming cancerous and more resistant to chemotherapy. Current research in my lab is based on the premise that distinct genetic changes in a patient’s cancer creates molecular dependencies that represent therapeutic opportunities. The lab is also studying genes specifically needed for survival of cancer cells in an effort to identify targets for new cancer therapies. Combining innovative approach to cancer biology research we are working toward identification of new therapeutic strategies to treat some forms of cancer.”

Cancer arises as cells acquire alterations in oncogenes — genes that when mutated may cause a cell to survive and divide indefinitely. But oncogene mutations do not inevitably cause cancer. Normally, cells can “fight back” against oncogene activity through genes called tumor suppressors. Tumor suppressor genes trigger cells to self-destruct or to halt their own growth, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development. The Lowe lab investigates how the disruption of these mechanisms may lead to cancer. They have also found that mutations in tumor suppressors can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. They hope to shed new light on why some tumors become drug resistant and to discover more effective therapeutic targets.

Markman, “was inspired by Scott’s lab, by the open-ended nature of inquiry, the freedom of investigative methods and the group spirit focused on their goals. I work alone in my studio yet when I close the door to work I have faith in the process of painting, the process of sustaining efforts through many false starts and unruly pathways, similar to scientific methods."

Bios

Grace Markman

www.gracemarkman.com

Born in Paterson New Jersey. She received a BA in Studio Art is from Fordham University and an MFA in painting from Bard College. She has exhibited her work for over twenty years in numerous groups shows both upstate and in New York City. Grace has been awarded residencies at Yaddo, Blue Mountain Center & Byrdcliffe

Dr. Scott Lowe

http://mskcc.org/research/lab/scott-lowe

http://www.hhmi.org/scientists/scott-w-lowe

B.S., UW-Madison; Ph.D., MIT; Associate Dir. Basic Cancer Research, MSKCC; Chair, Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center; Investigator, HHMI & Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

“My research has shown that p53, a tumor suppressor, plays an important role in “apoptosis” – a form of cell suicide – and in doing so provides a natural brake to tumor development. Cells lacking p53 are more prone to becoming cancerous and more resistant to chemotherapy. Current research in my lab is based on the premise that distinct genetic changes in a patient’s cancer creates molecular dependencies that represent therapeutic opportunities. The lab is also studying genes specifically needed for survival of cancer cells in an effort to identify targets for new cancer therapies. Combining innovative approach to cancer biology research we are working toward identification of new therapeutic strategies to treat some forms of cancer.”

Cancer arises as cells acquire alterations in oncogenes — genes that when mutated may cause a cell to survive and divide indefinitely. But oncogene mutations do not inevitably cause cancer. Normally, cells can “fight back” against oncogene activity through genes called tumor suppressors. Tumor suppressor genes trigger cells to self-destruct or to halt their own growth, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development. The Lowe lab investigates how the disruption of these mechanisms may lead to cancer. They have also found that mutations in tumor suppressors can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. They hope to shed new light on why some tumors become drug resistant and to discover more effective therapeutic targets.

An artist explores parallels between themselves and a scientist

Featuring

  • Dr. Teresa Bandosz (Chemical Engineering, Environmental Issues)
  • Marie Roberts (Painter)

Overview

Dr. Bandosz has a broad experience in the field of materials preparation, and their applications to environmental problems related to development of adsorbents for gas separation. Her work during last 25 years has resulted in 5 US patents and over 290 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Her recent research interests include synthesis of Graphene/ MOF. Graphene/hydroxide composites for separation and energy harvesting applications, visible light photoactivity of carbonaceous materials, energy storage and CO2 sequestrations. She is the Editor of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.

The Bandosz lab studies the performance of various commercial activated carbons as adsorbents of odor/gas/contaminant and understanding how to modify the surface of carbons to increase their performance as adsorbents. The goal of their work is to apply their discoveries to environmental pollutants and odors, among other things. The Bandosz lab is also involved in monitoring the performance of activated carbons used to remove hydrogen sulfide odor in the City of New York Water Pollution Control Plants.

Roberts work created for Art of Science is "an attempt to capture in visual language the experience of being exposed to Dr. Bandosz & her work. Some pieces attempt to make pictorial her descriptions of becoming interested in science as a young girl, some are of my memories as a child”

Roberts says, “I was surprised at parallels between this scientist and myself: we both are inveterate coffee drinkers, both driven to do our work. As is my usual practice, I made many drawings from direct observation; then synthesized compositions based on those drawing “notes” in my studio. I would be interested to see what pictorial possibilities I could come up with after all this work, done in such a short time frame, has a chance to stew in my brain.”

Bios

Marie Roberts

www.bitterwonder.com

Native New Yorker, Professor of Art, Fairleigh Dickinson University & Artist in Residence, Coney Island USA where she is the show painter for the world famous Coney Island Circus Sideshow & also Teaching Artist at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Work for Art of Science supported by Fairleigh Dickinson.

Dr. Teresa Bandosz

http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/Teresa-J-Bandosz.cfm

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Krakow Polytechnic) and D.Sci. in Physical Chemistry (Mari Curie University) . She is a full professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the City College of New York.

Dr. Bandosz has a broad experience in the field of materials preparation, and their applications to environmental problems related to development of adsorbents for gas separation. Her work during last 25 years has resulted in 5 US patents and over 290 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Her recent research interests include synthesis of Graphene/ MOF. Graphene/hydroxide composites for separation and energy harvesting applications, visible light photoactivity of carbonaceous materials, energy storage and CO2 sequestrations. She is the Editor of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.

The Bandosz lab studies the performance of various commercial activated carbons as adsorbents of odor/gas/contaminant and understanding how to modify the surface of carbons to increase their performance as adsorbents. The goal of their work is to apply their discoveries to environmental pollutants and odors, among other things. The Bandosz lab is also involved in monitoring the performance of activated carbons used to remove hydrogen sulfide odor in the City of New York Water Pollution Control Plants

A tapestry linking invented creatures and random people

Featuring

  • Dr. Steve Franks (plant evolution & climate change; Fordham University)
  • c.hill (paint & drawing)

Overview

“Humans are drastically altering the face of the earth by changing the climate, converting the landscape, and transporting plants and animals around the globe. In some cases, populations may be able to adapt to changing conditions through the process of evolution by natural selection. In our lab, we study the process of evolution in natural plant populations to better understand responses of plants to global change. The aim of our research is to gain a more complete understanding of the process of evolution and to generate information that can aid the management and protection of natural plant populations confronted with global change.”

Steve Franks team is establishing a seed bank, Project Baseline, which through a competitive proposal process will one day provide the scientific community access to the archived seeds. Those seeds will be used for grand research projects, with immeasurable consequences, such as resurrection studies (diagram, top right) which have shown early flowering in plants as an adaptation to seasonal drought conditions & climate change.

The underlying theme of c.hill's work was interconnectedness. It "came through to me during my time spent with Dr. Steve Franks & his lab. Their climate change studies using seed collection prompted my series of small interconnected pieces."

C.hill said, "I asked 200 random people to tell me an object & a living creature that don’t go together. This two part answer was combined into one invented creature drawn on individual metro cards, the husks of a giant interconnected system. Cards were then wired together using old telephone wire in the colors of the subway lines. This interconnected tapestry links all of the participants.”

Bios

Dr. Steve Franks

http://www.sfrankslab.wordpress.com/

www.facebook.com/projectbaselineseedbank

Franks at Fordham

BA in Biology from Brown University; Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Georgia.  He worked as a research biologist at the USDA Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and as a postdoctoral researcher in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of CA, Irvine.  Currently Assistant Professor of Biology at Fordham University in New York.

“Humans are drastically altering the face of the earth by changing the climate, converting the landscape, and transporting plants and animals around the globe.  In some cases, populations may be able to adapt to changing conditions through the process of evolution by natural selection.  In our lab, we study the process of evolution in natural plant populations to better understand responses of plants to global change.  The aim of our research is to gain a more complete understanding of the process of evolution and to generate information that can aid the management and protection of natural plant populations confronted with global change.”

 

An ecologist and an artist create a children's story on interconnectedness

Featuring:

  • Dr. Steve Franks (plant evolution & climate change; Fordham University)
  • Gustavo Asto (collage)

Introduction

“Humans are drastically altering the face of the earth by changing the climate, converting the landscape, and transporting plants and animals around the globe. In some cases, populations may be able to adapt to changing conditions through the process of evolution by natural selection. In our lab, we study the process of evolution in natural plant populations to better understand responses of plants to global change. The aim of our research is to gain a more complete understanding of the process of evolution and to generate information that can aid the management and protection of natural plant populations confronted with global change.”

Steve Franks team is establishing a seed bank, Project Baseline, which through a competitive proposal process will one day provide the scientific community access to the archived seeds. Those seeds will be used for grand research projects, with immeasurable consequences, such as resurrection studies (diagram, top right) which have shown early flowering in plants as an adaptation to seasonal drought conditions & climate change.

For his work Asto, wanted to have a dialogue through piecing together a short children’s story about a broader theme in his work – interconnectednesss.

The story would inspire the artwork, a collage. Steve mentioned that he had been reading lots of children’s stories to his 3-year old daughter Nina, so we exchanged story ideas, imagining a 3 to 5 year old target audience. Since I work with NYC public school students in grades K through 12 in various arts programs, the story could have the added benefit of allowing me to share, with some of my students, some of what I experienced through meetings with Steve and his team. The story, mostly nonsense and gibberish, is about the misadventures of a leaf, its branch, trunk and root who are each unaware that they are connected to one another. They brag about their natural skills (e.g. The leaf turning the sun’s rays into food), each seeing themselves as the center of the universe. Their buffoonery knows no bounds as they repeatedly sabotage themselves in odd ways because they see themselves as independent of one another.

Steve’s daughter, Nina, served as the model representing the characters development (mischievous, haughty, aware). Her favorite park, Riverside Park, served as the backdrop. Steve sent me photos of Nina. Pages of National Geographic magazines were cut up to create the collage.

Bios

Gustavo Asto

www.smartworksnyc.com

Founder, Smartworks; art education programs in image, visual arts, dance, theater, & music.

Dr. Steve Franks

http://www.sfrankslab.wordpress.com/

www.facebook.com/projectbaselineseedbank

Franks at Fordham

BA in Biology from Brown University; Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Georgia.  He worked as a research biologist at the USDA Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and as a postdoctoral researcher in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of CA, Irvine.  Currently Assistant Professor of Biology at Fordham University in New York.

“Humans are drastically altering the face of the earth by changing the climate, converting the landscape, and transporting plants and animals around the globe.  In some cases, populations may be able to adapt to changing conditions through the process of evolution by natural selection.  In our lab, we study the process of evolution in natural plant populations to better understand responses of plants to global change.  The aim of our research is to gain a more complete understanding of the process of evolution and to generate information that can aid the management and protection of natural plant populations confronted with global change.”

Captured Sound Meets Cancer

Featuring

  • Dr. Charles Sherr (Cancer, Tumor Suppressors & Uncontrolled Cell Growth)
  • Jasmine Murrell (Sculptor)

Overview

The Sherr lab works on cancer biology and have made numerous contributions to the fields of growth factor receptor signaling, cell cycle control, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and the etiology of hematopoietic (blood) malignancies. Studies from the lab have helped to elucidate how mammalian cells respond to extracellular cues in starting and stopping their cell division cycle, and how perturbations in these signaling pathways lead to many common forms of cancer

When cell division pathways fail, proteins that normally spur proliferation make the cell divide even more & those that normally put the brakes on division lose their potency. RB & p53 are tumor suppressors, meaning they normally prevent growth of damaged cells. But if the genes that code for RB or p53 become altered, suppression stops, injured cells grow, and a tumor results. has found that three genes that regulate p53 and RB are also vitally important for governing normal cellular growth. The genes—Ink4a, Ink4b, and Arf. Cancer cells often eliminate all three of them at once as a tumor progresses, making the cancer more virulent.

Murrell's art was "inspired by the way living things adapt & transform, so his research in cell division & cancer was most exciting. Cancer, deadly & complex is invariably, and understandably, viewed with trepidation & negativity. Contrarily, there exists the possibility of these complex cells advancing human physiology and evolution to an unknown and perhaps unimagined level. Some of humanity’s greatest innovations have come from the most horrific circumstances.”

“Dr. Chuck explains that cancer is most deadly during metastasis, when cancer cells spread often killing its host. However, the cancer itself is very vulnerable during this period and can easily be killed. This seemingly opposing dichotomy is exactly what makes cancer so incredible to me. I choose to contrast the death of music with the death of the body. Where captured sound meets cancer.”

Bios

Jasmine Murrell

www.jasminemurrell.com

www.jasminemurrell.tumblr.com

Brooklyn /Detroit visual artist; creates sculptures that blur history & mythology.

Dr. Charles Sherr

http://www.stjude.org/sherr

http://www.hhmi.org/scientists/charles-j-sherr

M.D., Ph.D., Investigator Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Herrick Foundation Chair Department of Tumor Cell Biology St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and part-time Visiting Investigator, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Science, the Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

The Sherr lab works on cancer biology and have made numerous contributions to the fields of growth factor receptor signaling, cell cycle control, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and the etiology of hematopoietic (blood) malignancies. Studies from the lab have helped to elucidate how mammalian cells respond to extracellular cues in starting and stopping their cell division cycle, and how perturbations in these signaling pathways lead to many common forms of cancer

When cell division pathways fail, proteins that normally spur proliferation make the cell divide even more & those that normally put the brakes on division lose their potency. RB & p53 are tumor suppressors, meaning they normally prevent growth of damaged cells. But if the genes that code for RB or p53 become altered, suppression stops, injured cells grow, and a tumor results. has found that three genes that regulate p53 and RB are also vitally important for governing normal cellular growth. The genes—Ink4a, Ink4b, and Arf. Cancer cells often eliminate all three of them at once as a tumor progresses, making the cancer more virulent.