“Like any good system, immune cells have a plan A and a plan B." New research from VAI scientists and collaborators found that immune cells have a metabolic backup plan for accessing their anti-cancer playbook:
Van Andel Institute
Research
Grand Rapids, MI 7,093 followers
We do more than dream about improving human health. We strive to make it a reality everyday.
About us
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premiere research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 360 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), the research division of VAI, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute’s scientists work in on-site laboratories and participate in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI), the education division of VAI, is leading a national revolution in science education by uniquely empowering teachers to engage students to think and act like scientists. VAEI is dedicated to strengthening science education through programs that provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities across the entire educational spectrum—from elementary up to the professional level. Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS), housed within the Institute, develops future leaders in biomedical research through an intense problem-focused Ph.D. degree in cell and molecular genetics. By combining rigorous, inquiry-based coursework with extensive experience in laboratories led by the Institute’s expert faculty, VAIGS prepares students for productive careers in biomedical research and beyond.
- Website
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http://www.vai.org
External link for Van Andel Institute
- Industry
- Research
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1996
- Specialties
- Basic Research, Translational Research, Cancer Research, Parkinson's Research, Epigenetics, and Science Education
Locations
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Primary
333 Bostwick Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503, US
Employees at Van Andel Institute
Updates
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✨2024 JBoard Member Mixer✨ We thank each attendee for their contagious philanthropic spirit. This event is a special opportunity to hear about the progress being made at VAI from the scientists themselves while networking with an inspiring group of West Michigan professionals. If you are interested in becoming a JBoard Ambassador, please visit https://lnkd.in/ePA8rXdJ
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We are happy to welcome structural biologist, Dr. Liman Zhang, as an associate professor in our Department of Structural Biology. Her research explores how the immune system responds to infection, cancer and metabolic disorders. https://lnkd.in/eHuVBFbR
Structural biologist and inflammation expert Dr. Liman Zhang joins Van Andel Institute
https://www.vai.org
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We are pleased to welcome neuronal cell biologist, Dr. Melissa Hoyer, as an assistant professor in our Department of Neurodegenerative Science. Her innovative research aims to prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. https://lnkd.in/emPDGZ2p
Van Andel Institute recruits neuronal cell biology expert Dr. Melissa Hoyer
https://www.vai.org
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VAI welcomes renowned structural biologist, Dr. Hong Li, as a professor in the Department of Structural Biology. She will leverage VAI’s state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopes to investigate RNA, an important molecule that helps carry out the instructions found in our genetic code, to better understand cancer and other disorders. https://lnkd.in/e7xgNwsv
Structural biologist and CRISPR expert Dr. Hong Li joins Van Andel Institute
https://www.vai.org
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At least 40 diseases, including cancer, are linked to errors in DNA replication.🧬 Now, a pair of studies by VAI’s Dr. Huilin Li and collaborators at The Rockefeller University visualize for the first time a molecular complex — called CTF18-RFC in humans and Ctf18-RFC in yeast — that loads a “clamp” onto DNA to keep parts of the replication machinery from falling off the DNA strand. These findings improve our understanding of this intricate process and underscore the value of baker’s yeast as a simple model system for studying genetics. https://lnkd.in/g7jSRsau
When it comes to DNA replication, humans and baker’s yeast are more alike than different
https://www.vai.org
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We are excited to welcome Dr. Travis Walton as an assistant professor in our Department of Structural Biology, where he will explore how the architecture of our cells affects brain health.
Structural biologist and cellular ‘architecture’ expert Dr. Travis Walton joins Van Andel Institute
https://www.vai.org
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“Blood stem cells are the reason bone marrow transplants are so effective at treating cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. We’re interested in how these cells are made and whether we can translate this knowledge into cures — and zebrafish are helping us do that.” Dr. Stephanie Grainger and her lab in VAI’s Department of Cell Biology rely on these tiny fish investigate how stem cells are made, how they are maintained and — when things go wrong — how they can become cancerous. Learn more about Dr. Grainger’s research at https://lnkd.in/emx6z6bx.
Can a tiny fish help us cure cancer?
https://www.vai.org