Research Update from Dr. S!

PROJECT STEALTH UPDATE

December 15, 2014

Overall, in the last 6 months, our research lab has submitted 2 manuscripts and all have been accepted for publication.  They are as follows:

1.    Michael J. Mertensotto, Jeremy J. Drees, Lance B. Augustin, Janet L. Schottel, Daniel A. Saltzman:   Increased Expression of Periplasmic Chaperones in Salmonella Typhimurium Reduces Its Viability In Vivo Current Microbiology, Nov, 2014.

2.    Drees J, Mertensotto M, Liu G, Panyam, J, Augustin L, Schottel J, and Saltzman D: Attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium   Reduces Tumor Burden in an Autochthonous Breast Cancer Model.  Anticancer Research, In Press, 2015

As you recall, our research centers on the fact that Salmonella finds, attaches itself, and colonizes solid cancers and we then use this unique property to deliver a host of immune modulating proteins to alter the tumor micro-environment to facilitate an immune mediated tumor destruction.   Our work is now focused on 2 particular cancer models.  First we are studying our treatment strategy in a mouse model of triple negative breast cancer and second in mice who posses a breast cancer gene in that these animals spontaneously develop breast cancer.  It is now the opinion of many cancer researchers that the ideal and most “true to life” way to study potential cancer treatments are in animal models where the animal will spontaneously develop a cancer and not in a model where a researcher gives an animal a cancer and then treats this cancer 2 weeks later.

Over the last 6 months, we have concentrated our efforts in finding the most ideal strain of Salmonella that colonizes cancers the best.  Not all strains are equal and we have discovered that strain SL3261 of Salmonella is the best at tumor invasion and colonization.

In the above figure, one can notice a nearly 4 fold better in tumor colonization after a single dose of Salmonella in mice with breast cancer.  Subsequent efforts in the laboratory were then centered on genetically engineering this SL3261 strain of Salmonella to carry the various immune modulating proteins that our previously studied strains carried.  Current laboratory efforts are now using this optimum tumor colonizing strain of Salmonella in the breast cancer models in mice.  The following graph illustrates 3 cohorts of mice; control animals, mice given salmonella without any immune altering proteins and mice given salmonella with a combination of 4 immune modulating proteins.  This preliminary study illustrates that administration of the salmonella with the immune modulating proteins not only prevents tumor growth but actual regression.

Currently, our efforts are now concentrated on optimizing the timing of the dosing and strategies to further increase tumor colonization.  One of the strategies we are using to enhance tumor invasion and colonization is a medication called a vascular disrupting agent or VDA.  Experiments conducted in our laboratory demonstrated a nearly 1000 time better tumor invasion by Salmonella when these VDA’s are used.

Again, thank you very much for your generous support of our research lab at the University of Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Daniel Saltzman, M.D., PhD.

Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics

Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery

Surgeon-in-Chief, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital

Give to the Max Day!

Give to the Max Day is on Thursday, Nov. 13. Please join us in donating to Project Stealth!

You can donate in two ways:

1. Through the Give to the Max website: GTMD Website

2. Through the University of Minnesota Foundation website: UMNF Crowdfund Website

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Meet the Research Team!

Emily Balczewski

Emily is a junior at Carleton College studying computer science and pre-medicine. Last year, Emily organized a TEDx conference for Carleton College and sought inspirational professionals to speak about their expertise. One of the speakers at the TEDx conference was Dr. Daniel Saltzman. After hearing Dr. Saltzman share the Project Stealth story, Emily immediately knew she wanted to work in his research lab. After interviewing with Dan and shadowing him at the lab, Emily was more than excited. Emily heads off to Budapest, Hungary this Fall to study abroad.

Mike Mertensotto

Mike graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2009 with a degree in microbiology. During his undergraduate research project, Mike spent his time in the Saltzman research lab. After gaining a sincere passion for the research, Mike decided to prolong his dedication to Project Stealth. Upon graduation, Mike became a full-time scientist for Project Stealth cancer research. In his spare time, Mike enjoys hanging out with his friends. Mike’s next step is to take the MCAT and hopes to attend medical school.

Joe Lane

Joe is a sophomore at the University of Iowa and writes for The Daily Iowa newspaper. Aside from being a columnist, Joe conducted medical research while at the University of Iowa. As summer approached, Joe wanted to continue researching and heard about Project Stealth through a family connection. Joe’s mom had attended the Project Stealth launch and inspired Joe to get involved. Joe spent many of his summer days in the Saltzman research lab and when he returns to the University of Iowa, he will study pre-medicine.

Abdi Adan 

After meeting Dr. Saltzman at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, 14-year-old Abdi contacted him and simply asked, “How do I become a pediatric surgeon?” Dr. Saltzman was moved by Abdi’s diligence and passion. Dr. Saltzman remarked that Abdi asked some of the best questions he had ever heard. Abdi, a local high school student, now assists in the Saltzman lab with his fellow researchers. Abdi’s dream is to attend the University of Minnesota and to become a pediatric surgeon just like Dr. Saltzman.

Update on Research from Dr. Saltzman – We’re Getting Closer!

Here is an update on our research from Dr. Saltzman himself! We’ve already raised over $200,000! We’re so close! Read More: goo.gl/m3Coie

Project Stealth Featured Among PM360′s “2014 Greatest Creators”

Project Stealth was featured on PM360 as a “2014 Greatest Creator.” Much thanks to our partners, StoneArch and Pineapple RM! Read More: PM360 Article

StoneArch Wins Award for Project Stealth Media Kit

Congratulations to Jessica Boden, President of StoneArch advertising agency, for winning a Women In Business award for creatively branding the Project Stealth media kit. Check out the article here!

Verdant Tea Donates all Proceeds to Project Stealth 12/6-12/8, 2013

HELP FUND a SNEAK ATTACK on CANCER
For every dollar you spend between Friday December 6th and Sunday December 8th,
Verdant Tea is donating one dollar to a revolutionary cancer research lab called Project Stealth. This new treatment for cancer is being developed just blocks away from
Verdant Tea at the University of Minnesota, with proven results.
So if you spend $50, we’ll donate another $50 to Project Stealth.
If you spend $100 this weekend, we’ll donate $100, too!
We’re matching purchases in donations – dollar for dollar
- up to $7500 over the weekend.

Today’s StarTribune features Project Stealth

In an extensive article in the November 24, 2013 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reporter Dan Browning explains Project Stealth to millions. Please read the article and share it via social media, email or whatever.  It’s a perfect Thanksgiving story.

Click here to read the very inspiring article.

Project Stealth Featured in Pioneer Press Today!

Great article on Project Stealth by Caryn Sullivan in today’s Pioneer Press.

Project Stealth to be Featured in StarTribune

Be on the lookout!

This Sunday, November 24, 2013