Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2011 to Jun 30, 2012

Signed

Feb 7, 2013

Return Version

2011v1.2

Gross Receipts

$65,766,539

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Cardiovascular Biology - The creation of blood vessels plays a key role not only in heart disease but also in the growth of cancers. OMRF scientists made an important finding about how a family of proteins known as epsins can stunt the growth of some cancerous tumors. Using cell cultures and laboratory mice, the researchers removed epsin from the system. They expected to see unrestricted blood vessel growth and large, aggressive tumors. Instead, they found the opposite. Their findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could lead to new therapies for breast cancer and other forms of cancer. This year, OMRF's cardiovascular biologists also made an important discovery in the field of adult stem cells. They identified a specialized adult stem cell that, when coupled with reduced cholesterol in the blood, helped shrink arterial plaques. The discovery could play a key role in helping those with cardiovascular disease restore heart health.

Activity 3

Immunobiology and Cancer - Scientists in this research program continued their investigations into the immune system. In particular, their work examined how the system is built and maintained and how defects in this intricate process can result in immune diseases and cancer. In 2012, they made a surprising breakthrough on how chronic infections contribute to defects in the immune system as we age. Their work also proved instrumental in casting light on how fat cells develop. This breakthrough will serve as a building block as scientists at OMRF and elsewhere work toward the development of new and more effective ways to prevent and treat heart disease.

Filer

EIN

73-0580274