Lu Chen, Ph.D. Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California, Berkeley Dr. Chen has developed a novel hybrid cell system to explore how signaling proteins interact at nerve synapses. A variety of experimental methods will control which proteins interact. Such research could point the way toward creating functional synapses that might reverse conditions such as age-related cognitive decline. Brian Kuhlman, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dr. Kuhlman uses computational methods to design novel proteins to engage in specific molecular interactions. The system will allow him to test whether synthetic antibody-like proteins could be custom made to target a specific pathogen but remain chemically stable like an oral medicine. David M. Sabatini, M.D., Ph.D. Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Cambridge, MA Dr. Sabatini investigates the metabolic adaptations that allow solid tumors to survive in a nutrient- and oxygen-poor environment and permit many cancers to evade treatment. He will also test how these adaptive mechanisms interact with genes that cause or suppress tumors. The research could lead to treatments to boost the effectiveness of other cancer therapies or prevent recurrences. Kang Shen, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Biological Sciences Stanford University, Stanford, CA Dr. Shen studies how the nervous system forms at a molecular level during development. He plans to piece together the sequence of action by which dendrites are attracted to form synapses. This will be a necessary step in understanding degenerative neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999