Integrative Training in Oncogenic Signaling

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This first renewal application seeks continued National Cancer Institute (NCI) support for a successful ‘Integrative Training in Oncogenic Signaling’ (ITOS) Program developed to train postdoctoral fellows by a select group of cancer scientists affiliated with the Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The programtakes place in an active and growing medical center with state -of-the-art facilities,a vibrant NCI-designated cancer center, and an active Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Led by a Program Directorship team with an exceptionally strong cancer research and leadership background, the ITOS Program selects and supports the placement of trainees in experienced, well-funded, productive laboratories led by the Program Faculty who reside in an interactive, multi-departmental research environment with extensive resources. Each trainee has a primary mentor and one/two secondary mentors with complementary expertise to ensure distinct and valuable perspectives that enhances the overall cancer-relatedresearch training experience. The objectives of the ITOS Programremain unchanged, seeking to provideproactive mentoring, oversight and research training in cutting-edge methodology; to develop useful academic and essential career development skills; to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary interactions with faculty and other trainees; and, to provide exposure to current cancer research discoveries and how these are being translated into novel approaches to prevent, diagnosis, and treat cancer. The ITOS Program has seven essential programmatic components: 1) 33 member Program Faculty who share common cancer research interests and provide essential mentoring for trainees; 2) one to two year experiences in designated Program Faculty laboratories; 3) an ITOS Program Research Club providing an engaging community forum for the trainees and Program Faculty to discuss work in progress as well as the latest discoveries; 4) shared research resource workshops and tailored training in cutting-edge biotechnologies; 5) interdisciplinary engagement with trainees in HCC-sponsored thematic research retreats, symposia, work in progress meetings, and seminars; 6) career development workshops and courses that equip trainees for independent success; and, 7) opportunities to network nationally at a minimum of two professional conferences each year. In its fourth year, the ITOS Program has graduated 9 fellows; 1MD, 1MD/PhD, 7 PhDs. Trainees from diverse backgrounds, 58% female and 30.8% underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities, whom have all successfully transitioned to positions in academia or industry. Based on the capabilities, capacity, trajectory of MUSC for cancer-related training, and the successful accomplishments achieved during its initial funding period, the ITOS Program is requesting the support for seven postdoctoral trainees each year, representing an increase of two trainee positions. In summary, our ITOS Program offers distinct experiences and opportunities only afforded to the selected ITOS Fellows, and the program, led by an outstanding cadre of Program Faculty, is anticipated to remain highly attractive to emerging junior investigators locally and nationally.