UT Southwestern Medical Center
Early Career Development Grant

Congratulations to Karine Pozo, PhD, MSc. On behalf of The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) it is a pleasure to announce the selection of Karine Pozo, PhD, as the recipient of one of the 2011 Early Career Development awards in the amount of $50,000.

Her research proposal, entitled “Identification of new RET-associated signaling mechanisms in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)” is focusing on the protein kinase, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), and its activating cofactor, p25 which has recently been implicated in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) oncogenesis and proliferation.
Dr. Pozo says, “The aim of this study is to delineate the role of p25/Cdk5 in the activation of RET signaling cascade and subsequent mechanisms leading to MTC tumorigenesis. This work will lead to the identification of novel targets on which to base the development of treatments for MTC."

This award is supported by Ipsen with the goal to improve patient outcomes in NETs. This collaborative partnership and the assistance of Ipsen in funding research will be a critical component of improving the lives of people with carcinoid/NET cancers. Their continued support and commitment to assist NANETS in fulfilling our mission is critical to the success of the NANETS organization.