91勛圖窪蹋厙 scientist wins Cosmo grant

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VANCOUVER, Wash. Cynthia Cooper, assistant professor of molecular genetics at Washington State University Vancouver, has been awarded the first-ever Cosmopolitan/Melanoma Research Foundation Practice Safe Sun Research Grant. The $100,000 award was established to enable researchers to explore new avenues in melanoma biology and treatments ultimately leading to a cure for skin cancer.

Cooper will accept her award June 29 at the Practice Safe Sun luncheon to be held on the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower in New York City. Fellow honorees include Laura Linney, actress; Giada DeLaurentiis, Food Network host; Sean Avery, New York Rangers left wing; Dr. Jennifer A. Stein, dermatologist; and Cara Biggane, activist, American Academy of Dermatology.

The award will further work in Coopers zebrafish genetics lab. Cooper and her team study cell biology, developmental biology and genetics of pigmentation. Black pigment cells, or melanocytes, are found throughout human skin, hair follicles and eyes. These cells are essential to providing color to those features as well as in initiating the tanning response.

Cosmo and the MRF are specifically interested in melanoma-related research, which is a good match for the work we do in my lab. These funds will allow us to purchase some much-needed equipment and reagents, and will cover the cost of attending some scientific conferences, said Cooper. Most importantly, it will cover pay and benefits for the people who do the work in my lab and allow me to keep them as employees through next year.

Melanocytes (or melanophores in fish and frogs) are present throughout the animal kingdom and serve a variety of purposes in different organisms, including mate choice in ducks, warning response in frogs and social behavior in fish.

Coopers lab uses zebrafish melanophores as a model to ask questions regarding the cell biology and genetics of pigment/skin cell development. How do melanophores maintain their characteristic shape that is essential for their function? What genes are important for production of mature, healthy melanophores? Cooper hopes answering these questions will help with understanding normal pigment cell development and shed light on mechanisms governing normal skin cell behavior, health and function.

I am looking forward to meeting and thanking everyone linked to this grant, said Cooper. I am eager to represent 91勛圖窪蹋厙 and showcase the importance of research. The Practice Safe Sun event will be a great way to let people know how their donations are helping further melanoma-related research. I am very excited to be a part of it.

Cosmopolitan, the go-to magazine for millions of young women looking for the latest in fashion, beauty, women's health and well-being, pop culture and entertainment has also diligently campaigned to raise skin cancer awareness. Cosmopolitan has 63 international editions, is published in 32 languages and is distributed in more than 100 countries. It has the power to spread the word. With its Practice Safe Sun campaign launched in 2006, Cosmos goal is to alert women to the connection between unprotected UV exposure and skin cancer.

The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.

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