The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 2016-08-22 14:10:31

2014-annual-report

2014-annual-report

Dynamic Duo

When Francis Crick and James Watson started working together at Cambridge University in 1951, neither
imagined they’d discover the structure of DNA—and usher in a revolution in molecular biology and genetics.

2014 Annual Report
The power of pairs at OMRF

6 8

Odd Couple Parallel Lives

Gabriel Pardo, M.D. Merthie Cooksey
Director, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence Lupus Patient and Study Volunteer

Robert Axtell, Ph.D. Linda Prince
Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Healthy Control and Study Volunteer
Research Program

10 12

Joint Venture Lab Partners

Kathy Sivils, Ph.D. Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D.
Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Merrick Foundation Chair in
Research Program Biomedical Research

Manu Nair Mike McDaniel
Vice President of Technology Ventures Lab Manager

2

14 16

Lessons Learned For Better

Luke Szweda, Ph.D. Charles Esmon, Ph.D.
Hille Family Foundation Chair in Lloyd Noble Chair in Cardiovascular Research
Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Naomi Esmon, Ph.D.
Clair Crewe Coagulation Biology Laboratory
Graduate Student and Ph.D. Candidate

18 20 4

Target: ALS Taming Cancer Simple Math

Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D. Alana Welm, Ph.D. Dr. Stephen Prescott
Free Radical Biology and Aging Scott Zarrow Chair in Biomedical Research
Research Program 22
Kathleen Moore, M.D.
Katherine Coyle Gynecologic Oncologist, Year in Review
Co-Trustee, Judith and Jean Pape Adams Stephenson Cancer Center
Charitable Foundation 24

Financials

26

OMRF Honor Roll

34

Selected Scientific Publications

36

Scientific Faculty

38

National Advisory Council

40

Board of Directors

3

4

When 1+1=3President’s Letter

It’s simple math. One and one makes two. More frequently, though, creative duos fit

Or does it? Because when it comes to what I’d call the complementary model. In this

creativity and innovation, the whole can exceed approach, two people with distinctly different

the sum of the individual parts. skill sets work in tandem. When successful,

Take, for example, the pairing of a young the partnership soars to heights the individual

geneticist and a 35-year-old graduate student in partners could not have reached alone.

molecular biology. Working together in a lab at Think Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar

Cambridge University in the early 1950s, these Hammerstein (lyrics), who collectively fathered

two budding researchers with slim resumés “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific” and,

made perhaps the most important scientific of course, “Oklahoma!” Or Steve Wozniak, a

breakthrough of the 20th master programmer, who joined
with Steve Jobs, a marketing and
Something magicalcentury: Francis Crick and James sales visionary, to create Apple.
happens when a pairWatson (with help from Rosalind
Franklin and Maurice Wilkins) While there are still solitary
geniuses, the challenges we face
of insightful, drivendiscovered the structure of DNA. in medical research have grown
people team up.This joint discovery would
prove to be the basis of modern mind-bogglingly complex. So it

genetics. It would eclipse anything that either is rare, indeed, that all the expertise and

Watson or Crick accomplished individually in resources needed to tackle a problem lie within

the half-century that followed. one individual.

Something magical, it seems, can happen That’s why, for the Oklahoma Medical

when you put a pair of insightful, industrious Research Foundation’s 2014 annual report,

people together. Yes, each brings special tools we’ve chosen to focus on partnerships at

to the table. But when they pool their talents to OMRF. Specifically, twosomes.

focus on a single problem, it’s almost as if that In these pages, you’ll learn about lab

combination creates something extra. researchers working with physicians.

Creative partnerships come in different Philanthropists teaming with scientists. Even

stripes. You’ll find competitive collaborations, husbands joining forces with wives.

where two people with similar skill sets work By joining together to work toward

jointly yet, at the same time, seek to outdo each common goals, our chances of success grow

other. That tension—part intellectual race, part exponentially. That, in a nutshell, is the power

mutual inspiration—can fuel the fires of two.

of innovation.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney

represented the prototypical competitive

collaborators. Together, the songwriting duo

penned “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude” and “A Day in Stephen M. Prescott, M.D.

the Life.” Their post-Beatles solo careers yielded

“Mother” and “No More Lonely Nights.” Need

I say more?

5

Odd Couple

Bob Axtell is clearly the Oscar of this of the disease and effectiveness of different
pair: wild hair, baggy jeans and hiking boots treatment regimens.
(untied, of course). That leaves Gabriel Pardo,
who favors dark suits, print ties and a carefully “By combining laboratory research with
manicured goatee, to play the role of Felix. clinical observations, we’re learning more
about how MS begins and progresses,” says
“I guess you could say we don’t have the Axtell. “And that’s information I can plug back
same tailor,” says Axtell with a laugh. into my research.”

But the unlikely pair does share one The effect on his work, says Axtell, is
important trait: a desire to help people profound. “Without my involvement with Dr.
suffering from multiple sclerosis. And that’s Pardo and the clinical staff, my job mostly
led to a valuable scientific partnership between would center on mice and writing papers
a physician (Pardo) who sees MS patients about what might happen in humans. But
every day and a laboratory researcher (Axtell) what I’m doing now is taking it another step
who’s dedicated his career to unlocking the further by confirming our laboratory findings
secrets of this perplexing disease. in humans.”

For most biomedical researchers, their The whole feedback loop—information
only contact with patients comes in the form flowing from the clinic to the lab and then
of blood, tissue or serum samples: tubes of back to the clinic—has had a remarkable
faceless, nameless biologics delivered to their impact on the treatment landscape for MS,
labs for use in experiments. But at OMRF, says Pardo. “New therapies are coming out,
where his lab sits one floor above the Multiple and we’re part of that. I’ve never seen a
Sclerosis Center of Excellence, Axtell regularly revolution of this kind in any other disease
sees the toll MS exacts on those it strikes. process as dramatic as what we’re seeing and
The disease robs sufferers of balance, muscle will continue to see with multiple sclerosis in
control and sometimes sight. the coming years.”

“Bob encounters our patients on a daily Each new treatment that arrives in the clinic
basis,” says Pardo. “It provides him with a also brings fresh insights and questions. So
true reality check, because he gets a tangible OMRF’s unlikely pair will continue to compare
picture of the desperate need for a better notes on how best to reach their shared
understanding of this complicated disease.” scientific goal.

In the lab, Axtell focuses on how certain “We constantly ask ourselves where MS will
therapies behave differently in patients with be five or 10 years from now,” says Axtell.
MS from people with other autoimmune “What will patients need then? By talking
diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. together today, Gabriel and I can push the
Through regular interaction with Pardo, who science and the clinical aspects forward more
treats thousands of patients each year, Axtell quickly.” In the end, MS patients will reap
is gaining valuable insights into the workings the rewards.

6

Gabriel Pardo
Treats MS patients

Bob Axtell
Researches MS

7

Parallel Lives
For the past decade, Merthie Cooksey and
Merthie Cooksey Linda Prince have been working together. But
Lupus Patient until they came together to pose for these
photos, they’d never met.

Both volunteer for research studies at OMRF:
Cooksey as a lupus patient, Prince as a “healthy
control.” Each plays a vital role in helping
scientists bring new treatments to the people
who desperately need them.

To understand a disease, researchers contrast
what’s normal with what changes when illness
strikes. By using biological samples, typically
a few vials of blood, from healthy volunteers
(or controls), scientists can compare them
to samples from affected individuals. This
information not only helps scientists gain new
insights into illness but also, ultimately, becomes
a building block for developing new therapies.

Prince, a long-time OMRF employee, can’t
remember what, exactly, got her to start
volunteering as a healthy control. But once she
began, she found the process was easy. “I’m not
afraid of needles, and I have good veins,” she
says. “It usually takes about 15 or 20 minutes to
do all the paperwork and give the blood sample.
Sometimes it’s even faster.”

She receives a small reimbursement—usually
$20—for her time. More importantly, she says,
“It makes me feel good to know I’m part of the
team that might find cures someday.”

8

For Cooksey, new lupus treatments can’t Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which
arrive soon enough. She first came to the
foundation when mounting health issues the body’s immune system confuses healthy cells with
led her primary care doctor to refer her to foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria, and attacks
OMRF’s research clinic. She’d never heard the body’s tissues and organs. According to the Lupus
much about lupus until her diagnosis was Foundation of America, the disease affects more than
confirmed by Joan Merrill, who heads OMRF’s 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide.
Clinical Pharmacology Research Program and About 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are
also serves as medical director of the Lupus women, and the disease is two to three times more
Foundation of America. prevalent in women of color.

“Dr. Merrill told me then they didn’t know Linda Prince
the cause of lupus,” says Cooksey. “But she Healthy Control
promised to take care of me, and she has.”

Since then, lupus has been Cooksey’s constant
companion, her body often under attack from
head to toe. She suffers with blurred vision and
breathing issues. And excruciating pain in her
legs often makes the simplest tasks impossible.

Throughout her treatment at OMRF,
Cooksey has also chosen to volunteer for
research studies. If something good could come
of her plight, she decided, she was more than
happy to help.

“It feels good to know I’m helping with lupus
research, helping Dr. Merrill and her staff find
the cause of this disease,” she says. “I hope
and pray she finds it, maybe not for me, but for
whoever else might have it in the future.”

9

Joint Venture

“Contracts, intellectual When it comes to research on autoimmune the resources they need to continue their
property, negotiations– diseases, Kathy Sivils is recognized around important work.”
the majority of the world. She was the first scientist to
scientists aren’t trained launch a large-scale, genome-wide association For Nair, it’s simple. “Kathy’s the builder;
to handle that.” study of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, I’m the realtor. Without her work, there’s
when the body mistakenly destroys its own nothing to sell.” Soon after his arrival, Nair
moisture-producing glands. She’s also led an helped put together a research funding deal for
international coalition of researchers that Sivils with a major drug company.
identified six new genes related to the illness.
“I’m dazzled by Manu’s marketing skills
But for all her scientific successes, she when we get on the phone with a company,”
admits she’s mystified by the next step in the says Sivils. “He gets everyone excited, and
process: How to take a laboratory discovery everything happens quickly. He handles the
and transform it into a diagnostic test or a details, and that helps the science move faster.”
treatment for patients.
In the project, Sivils and her colleagues
“Scientists are trained to write grants are looking for biomarkers, substances that
and publish research papers,” says Sivils, a indicate the presence of disease, in Sjögren’s
Bartlesville native who joined OMRF in 2007 patients that could identify how well each will
after spending a decade as a researcher at respond to a specific drug. The researchers are
the University of Minnesota. Developing a analyzing patient samples to try to pinpoint
clinical application typically requires tens or which biomarkers make them good candidates
even hundreds of millions of dollars. It also for specific medications before they actually
calls for expertise in a wide range of areas— begin treatment.
synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry,
pharmacology—not possessed by a nonprofit The final product, they hope, will be a
medical research institute like OMRF. test to identify patients likely to respond to a
particular course of treatment for Sjögren’s.
In other words, it requires the help of a
pharmaceutical company. “But I have no “Kathy’s lab probably has the best and most
idea how to reach out to a drug company or complete cohort of Sjögren’s samples and
develop a partnership with one,” says Sivils. data of any research lab in the world,” says
Nair. “That will be a major asset as we move
Enter Manu Nair. forward with this project.”
Nair joined OMRF in 2014 as OMRF’s
vice president of technology ventures. With Industry-sponsored research represents
an MBA, a master of laws and a decade of only a tiny piece of the funding pie for
building partnerships between industry and OMRF; the vast majority of the foundation’s
nonprofit researchers, he has a wealth of support still comes from philanthropy and
contacts and experience he can use to help competitive grants. Still, says Nair, “The more
stimulate interest from the world of biotech success we have, the more likely we are to
and pharma. build a reputation as a great place to go for
“Our scientists are consistently making partnerships. That adds value, not just to
breakthroughs in understanding autoimmune Kathy’s research, but to OMRF, as well.”
diseases, cancer, heart disease and other
vital areas,” Nair says. “I help bring those In an extremely challenging funding
discoveries to the world and find new funding environment, Sivils appreciates Nair’s help
sources to make sure our researchers have in finding new sources of support for her
research. “It’s like a breath of fresh air to have
Manu here to navigate those waters for us,”
she says.

10

Manu Nair
Dealmaker

Kathy Sivils
Scientist

11

Mike McDaniel Lijun Xia
Lab Manager Cardiovascular Biologist

12

Almost two decades ago, as a young The experience also cemented the

scientist, Lijun Xia launched a daunting, labor- relationship between Xia and McDaniel. It’s

intensive project no one at OMRF had yet a partnership that continues to thrive, albeit

attempted: to create a “knockout” mouse. with each in slightly different roles: Xia as lead

The idea was that by engineering a rodent researcher in charge of his own laboratory and

that lacked a specific gene—one that Xia McDaniel as his lab manager.

suspected was involved in inflammation— Xia’s lab now consists of 10 employees who

he could then study the mouse and see the study the role of inflammation in conditions

differences between the animal and its normal like colitis, colon cancer and vascular disease.

counterparts. Any differentiation would be While Xia serves as a sort of lab CEO,

attributable to the knocked-out gene, and plotting the general course of the research, he

by inference, he could better understand the devotes most of his time to preparing research

function of the missing genetic material. papers and grants that provide funds for the

At the time, says Xia, technology existed work. So he entrusts the day-to-day operations

that made this project plausible. But there was of the lab to McDaniel.

one small hurdle. “No one in Oklahoma had “We tend to have a lot of projects underway

ever done this,” he says. and many people to manage,” says Xia. “Mike

Xia knew he’d need help on this challenging is committed to getting those projects finished,

project. But as a junior scientist, he didn’t have whatever it takes. He gets things done.”

any staff of his own. Fortunately, his mentor In addition to his steady hands, McDaniel is

was kind enough to assign a technician to also a whiz with the confocal microscope. But

assist him with the project. perhaps his defining skill is juggling.

That technician, Mike McDaniel, proved McDaniel manages lab personnel from

more than up to the task. “We had to start graduate students to staff scientists. He makes

from scratch, so I needed someone organized, sure all the equipment stays in working order

focused and dedicated,” says Xia. “Working without Mike would be
“Most importantly, Mike, who was

raised on a farm, has a great pair of like working with only one hand.”
strong, yet skillful hands.”

The project required breaking

down cell clusters, and the pair pipetted—the and the lab is always amply stocked with

process of transferring tiny amounts of cells supplies for experiments. He also maintains

from one container to another using a small lab data and monitors the budgets and

tube—for hours on end. “We would trade experiments associated with three separate

off when our thumbs finally gave out,” says National Institutes of Health grants.

McDaniel. All told, McDaniel and Xia spent Somehow, McDaniel manages to keep all

nearly two years on the research. “But it was the balls in the air. In the process, he’s helped

worth the effort,” says McDaniel. Xia author scores of research papers and make

The mouse they created revealed a novel discoveries that stand poised to help patients.

function for the gene they’d knocked out. With recent new projects focusing on the

Their ensuing research paper, published in the role of a protein (called podoplanin) in the

influential Journal of Clinical Investigation, cast cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, the

new light on the process of inflammation and laboratory is staying as busy as ever. And that’s

established Xia as an authority in the field. just the way Xia and McDaniel like it.

Lab Partners
13

Luke Szweda
Mentor

Clair Crewe
Protégé

14

Lessons Learned
Mentor. The term finds its roots in Homer’s metabolism of the heart and whether that diet
“Odyssey.” And in keeping with its classical promotes cardiovascular disease over time.
origins, it conjures time-worn images of silver- They also look at the role of heart metabolism
haired elders imparting wisdom to eager but in obesity, where the mortality rate from
naïve apprentices. cardiovascular disease is high.

That picture, says Luke Szweda, is really Crewe, says Szweda, has helped ensure his
only half-right. research didn’t go astray. “Scientists can get
short-sighted in our views and stuck on our
“Yes, students learn from their mentors. But hypotheses,” says Szweda. “We know what we
just as importantly, our students teach us.” hope to find, so that’s where we focus. But
that’s the beauty of having a student like Clair,
Like just about every successful scientist, who has an innate hunger for challenging what
Szweda has relied on graduate students since she sees. She asks the tough questions.”
he began running his own lab in the 1990s.
The relationship is a symbiotic one: He trains The idea of questioning authority didn’t
his students to become scientists, and they come easily to Crewe, though. “As a student,
bring fresh ideas and energy that fuel his lab. you tend to believe if something is published
in a paper, it must be right. But now I know
Over the years, the OMRF scientist has that’s just one person’s interpretation.”
mentored many burgeoning researchers in his
lab. Szweda’s current protégé, Clair Crewe, is But Crewe brought much more than a
a perfect example of the value of the student- probing intellect, says Szweda. “She also has
mentor relationship, he says. specific skill sets I lack.”

A native of Zimbabwe, Crewe lived in For instance, in her studies at OU, she’d
Calgary before following a friend to Oklahoma learned how to “silence” a gene, a technique
for college. When she decided to pursue a that holds significant potential for treating
Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology, an array of diseases. “Genetic manipulation?
she chose the University of Oklahoma Health That’s foreign to me,” says Szweda. And so the
Sciences Center. student became the teacher.

Since the mid-1950s, OMRF has joined With Crewe’s studies at OU now finishing
with OU to provide laboratory experience up, she’ll soon begin a post-doctoral
to graduate students. Although OMRF itself fellowship. That means moving on to a new
doesn’t grant degrees, the time students institution, either to Florida to study cancer
spend working in OMRF labs counts toward or to the University of Texas Southwestern
graduation requirements. Medical School in a lab that researches both
cancer and fat cells.
This arrangement gives OMRF researchers
the chance to work with students one-on-one Whichever she chooses, she hopes it will
and train them for future careers in research. serve as a stepping stone to one day running
For Crewe, it has meant five years of in-depth her own lab, where she’d make new insights
laboratory work and a chance to learn how to about human disease. And, of course, train yet
be a researcher, with Szweda leading the way. another generation of scientists.

“Luke has played such a big part in my Szweda feels confident that Crewe is ready
development as a scientist,” says Crewe. to fly on her own. “As hard as it will be to see
“When an experiment has failed, he’s Clair go, this is exactly how it should be. To
taught me how to pick up the pieces, to send a student off to take the next step in her
find something useful from failure. I’m a career, knowing she’s thinking for herself and
completely different person now from when doing something with her life she loves,
I started five years ago.” is incredible.”

Together, Crewe and Szweda study
how eating foods rich in fat changes the

15

For Better
As newlyweds, Chuck and Naomi Esmon from a life-threatening protein deficiency. And
He’s the big-picture made a promise to one another: We will never an experimental treatment for hemophilia is in
thinker. She’s the work together. the pipeline.
stickler for details.
“By staying in different fields, if one of our “We share the responsibility for making our
careers failed, we’d have the other to keep us work the best we possibly can,” says Chuck.
going,” says Chuck. “Plus, she didn’t want to
work with me, because I had a reputation of The scientific achievements have led to
being impossible.” numerous accolades for him: a Howard Hughes
Medical Institute investigator designation;
For a half-decade, the young scientists kept a MERIT Award from the National Heart,
their oath, maintaining separate laboratories Lung and Blood Institute; and selection for
and research interests. Work was work, and membership in the National Academy of
home was home. It was all going just fine Sciences. In November, the American Heart
until 1979. Association recognized him as a Distinguished
Scientist for his “significant, original and
That was the year Chuck made a big sustained contributions” to the field.
breakthrough, discovering a key component in
the process of blood clotting. Although this Those plaudits, though, says Chuck, “are not
major finding would ignite his scientific career, mine. Or hers. They’re ours.”
it also created an acute crisis in his lab.
In addition to research, the Esmons have
“At that point, I didn’t have the personnel I shared many other passions: skiing, deep-sea
needed to take the project to the next level,” he diving, underwater photography and dogs. And
says. So he turned to Naomi. as scientists, they treat every hobby and pastime
as a potential learning experience. Even
A native New Yorker, she was not only an pet ownership.
accomplished scientist, but she possessed
certain skills her husband (who grew up in “Once we were at home yelling and
rural Illinois) lacked. “Chuck’s forte is dealing screaming—all directed at a third person—and
with unknown proteins and solving problems,” our dogs apparently thought we were fighting
says Naomi. “But someone had to keep the with each other,” says Naomi. “So they began
lab running, the progress reports submitted on to fight, too.”
time, and all the data in order. I took care of all
those details so he could keep thinking Their frustrations from the lab, the couple
big thoughts.” realized, were rubbing off on their dogs. So
they made yet another pact: Work issues stay
The arrangement, it turned out, worked at work.
pretty well.
That agreement has played a big role in
In the ensuing 35 years, their partnership has keeping their unions, both scientific and
yielded countless insights into heart disease, marital, healthy and rewarding. Sometimes, it
blood coagulation and inflammation. That seems, the key to a successful partnership lies
research has given birth to a pair of drugs: one in knowing which promises to keep.
to treat sepsis, the other for children suffering

16

Naomi Esmon
Wife

Charles Esmon
Husband

17

Holly Van Remmen Outliving a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. For
Researcher Jean Pape Adams, that nightmare became real when her only
daughter, Judy, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
18 or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 1996. Judy died four months later.

Shortly before Jean Pape Adams herself passed away in
2003, she created the Judith and Jean Pape Adams Charitable
Foundation. Per Jean’s instructions, a significant portion of the
Tulsa-based foundation’s annual charitable distributions would
be used to support research on ALS.

Much of the responsibility of realizing Jean’s vision fell to
Kathie Coyle and Marcia Manhart, whom Jean named as co-
trustees of the foundation. For more than a decade since, Coyle
and Manhart have directed foundation funds to projects aimed
at identifying the causes of the neurodegenerative disease,
which usually paralyzes and ultimately kills all of its victims.

“We only fund between two and six research projects a
year,” says Coyle, who was Jean’s long-time attorney. “And
we’re always looking for research that is innovative, aggressive
and novel.” That rare combination, she says, is something “we
found in Dr. Holly Van Remmen’s work at OMRF.”

Van Remmen studies sarcopenia, the age-related muscle
deterioration that parallels some processes involved in ALS.
With support from philanthropic partners like the Pape Adams
Foundation, Van Remmen can delve into new, untested ideas in

Target:thelab.

ALSaffects an estimated 30,000 Americans. The

disease attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord,
resulting in the loss of motor function. Early symptoms
typically include muscle weakness and difficulties with speech,
swallowing and breathing. When muscles no longer receive
messages from the motor neurons, patients become totally
paralyzed. The disease is always fatal.

“Once you get the motor neuron degeneration, weakness and Katherine Coyle
atrophy, sarcopenia and ALS can look very similar,” says Van Trustee
Remmen. “In this project, we’re taking sarcopenia, something
we know is related to aging, and applying it to ALS. If we can
pinpoint the processes involved in disease development, it could
lead to new therapeutic targets.”

Large granting agencies like the National Institutes of
Health tend to fund projects that are well on their way, with
data in hand and an existing track record of success from the
researcher. So smaller gifts from private sources offer flexibility
to scientists by letting them chart new and unexplored
research paths.

“Funding from private gifts like my grant from Pape Adams
can help develop seed ideas into concepts that can result in
additional funding from other sources in the future,” says
Van Remmen.

Of course, every hypothesis won’t hold up. “But even when
you disprove a hypothesis, it gives you more ideas and takes
you in new directions,” says Van Remmen. “With Pape Adams
funding, we have the potential to answer a lot more questions
about ALS and aging.”

“Often it just takes one new finding to make a real
breakthrough,”says Coyle. “That one finding also may come to
help dozens of other diseases.”

Jean Pape Adams’ wishes remain at the top of Coyle and
Manhart’s priority list. “We’re committed to finding the best
research, the work that will do the most good,” says Coyle. “It’s
a wonderful bonus for us that this excellent work is happening
right here in Oklahoma.”

ALS

19

Kathleen Moore
Physician

Alana Welm
Scientist

20

Taming Cancer

By the time Kathleen Moore meets her her team can observe the tumors’ growth

patients, they’re facing a diagnosis of ovarian and try a variety of treatment options. That

cancer. As a gynecologic oncologist at the information, they hope, will assist Moore and

University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer other physicians in determining which courses

Center, Moore uses a variety of different of therapy will work best for the individual

approaches—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, human patients.

hormone therapy, targeted therapy—to try to Known as precision medicine, this

save their lives. Despite her efforts, though, personalized approach to treatment represents

she does not always succeed. a departure from traditional models of cancer

“So often, our patients experience multiple care. “Right now, we can guess which therapy

recurrences of cancer,” she says. “We stick will work in a particular case, but if we’re

with them and launch an all-out offensive wrong, the patient pays the price,” Moore says.

against their disease. But even with the best Although Welm knows the project’s success

options we have, many times the outcome is is far from guaranteed, she’s particularly

bleak, especially when their cancer spreads.” excited about the potential to impact the lives

So how, Moore has often wondered, can of people suffering from a life-threatening

she best utilize the wide range of existing disease. “It’s a huge challenge in science to

therapeutic options to give her patients the move forward to the next level, where you

best chances to survive? see patients benefit from your work,” she

This quandary also represents the central says. “Without this opportunity to work with

focus of Alana Welm’s research at OMRF. Stephenson’s physicians, we probably couldn’t

“In many cancers, we take a sledgehammer meet that challenge.”

approach to treatment,” says Welm. “Some For Moore, the collaboration has opened

cancer drugs have devastating side effects. new vantage points on how she cares for

We’re also learning they often have more her patients. “The disease we once called

than one target—genes, proteins or the tissue cancer we now know is probably many other

environment, all of which can contribute to conditions,” she says. “Working with Alana

the growth and survival of has changed the way we
think about our approach to
When an OMRFcancerous tumors.
“So now we’re teaming researcher teams up cancer treatment.”
up with physicians like Katy Over time, Welm and
to try to pinpoint exactly with an OU physician, Moore hope to expand their
which drugs will work and collaboration into breast
and other cancers. The
patients win.which won’t in a particular
tumor type.” partnership, says Welm, helps

With the cooperation of patient volunteers, provide incredible learning opportunities for

Moore collects samples of ovarian tumors both researcher and physician.

removed during surgery. Then, using a “It makes us better scientists, pushes us

procedure called xenografting, Welm’s research to new realms,” she says. “It gives us a much

team at OMRF implants the tumors into mice. broader perspective of the power of research.”

With the help of these mouse “avatars,” The ultimate winners, both agree, will be

or stand-ins for human patients, Welm and the patients.

21

2014In Review Autoimmunity Center of Excellence

Rockin’ for Research

The worlds of country music and rock ’n’ roll collided For the second time, the National Institutes of Health designated
at OMRF in June when legends Vince Gill and OMRF an Autoimmunity Center of Excellence. OMRF joins academic
Alice Cooper took the stage to raise money for the medical centers such as Harvard and Stanford as one of only 10
foundation. The two music superstars joined forces ACE sites nationwide. The designation also brings with it significant
at OMRF’s annual 241 (“Two events for one great research funding for OMRF. Dr. Judith James leads a team of OMRF
cause”) benefit, which featured a golf tournament scientists and physicians, which includes Drs. Kathy Sivils, Courtney
in addition to a music and wine festival. The benefit Montgomery and Patrick Gaffney, who will use the grant to help
raised $673,000, with proceeds funding cancer research advance understanding and treatments for conditions such as lupus,
at OMRF. Sjögren’s syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Accolades Chickasaw Lab Dedication

In honor of his many contributions to The Chickasaw Nation has taken a lead role in supporting health
cardiovascular research, which include initiatives throughout the State of Oklahoma. As part of that effort,
crucial insights into blood clotting the tribal nation made a significant gift to support the expansion
that led to the creation of two new of cancer research programs at OMRF. The donation created the
drugs, the American Heart Association Chickasaw Nation Laboratory for Cancer Research, a newly renovated
recognized Dr. Charles Esmon as a lab facility where OMRF scientists focus on identifying therapeutics
Distinguished Scientist. The distinction for cancer. At the dedication, Gene Rainbolt and Christy Everest,
places him among “a prominent group co-chairs of OMRF’s cancer fundraising campaign, joined Chickasaw
of scientists and clinicians whose work has importantly Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Dr. David Jones, who leads
advanced our understanding of cardiovascular diseases OMRF’s Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program.
and stroke.”

The Lupus Foundation of America
recognized Dr. Eliza Chakravarty
with its Mary Betty Stevens Young
Investigator Prize in November.
Chakravarty, who joined OMRF
in 2011 from Stanford University,
received the prize for “extraordinary
achievements in lupus research.” Her
work focuses on studying vaccine responses in lupus
patients and improving pregnancy outcomes for women
who suffer from the autoimmune disease.

22

It’s Good to be Green OMRF’s research tower received the
2014 S-Lab Award for best new research
Granting Favor laboratory. Short for “safe, successful,
sustainable,” S-Lab presented the prize
Although national competition for federal at its “Supporting World Class Science”
research funding has grown fiercer than ever conference at Kings College, London. The
due to budget constraints, OMRF scientists tower was selected from a pool of more
continued to excel in securing National than 30 international entries.
Institutes of Health grants. In 2014, they The 186,000-square-foot facility opened
earned or renewed a dozen NIH grants that in 2011 and received LEED Gold
will fund a spectrum of research initiatives certification. Features include chilled beam
in illnesses such as cancer, flu and lupus. technology to reduce heating and cooling
needs and a green roof made up of native
Among the new grants was an award to Oklahoma plants to contain storm water
Dr. Gary Gorbsky, who will study the role discharge. The tower is also designed
of cell division in chromosome instability to capture as much natural sunlight as
and its role in increased malignancy and possible to reduce electric lighting. With
resistance to therapy in cancer. Dr. Susan a rooftop wind farm consisting of 18
Kovats will use her grant to examine DNA-shaped turbines, it is believed to be
specialized cells in the immune system and the world’s first building to incorporate
how they react to the influenza virus. And vertical turbines into its original design.
a five-year grant awarded to Dr. Swapan
Nath will fund a specialized project in 23
health disparities in minority populations,
specifically African Americans, stemming
from the disease lupus.

How we spend a charitable dollar

77.4% 14.3% 8.3%

Research Patient Operations Administrative Costs

In nine separate programs, OMRF researchers In keeping with our mission of helping For a nonprofit organization like
study a wide array of disease topics, including more to live longer, healthier lives, OMRF, administrative costs are
cancer and brain diseases, cardiovascular OMRF moves new discoveries from the a bit like golf scores: lower is
disease and autoimmune conditions such as laboratory to the clinic and the patients better. Our team of accountants,
lupus and multiple sclerosis. Research at OMRF who need them. In our onsite clinics, fundraisers, IT professionals and
benefits people throughout Oklahoma, the we focus on caring for patients with other administrative employees
United States and the world. Our research, autoimmune diseases and enhancing is essential to supporting the
published in the world’s leading scientific our understanding of these disorders research and clinical arms of
journals, deepens the ability of scientists for future generations. In 2014, OMRF the foundation, but we work
and physicians to understand and fight life- clinics recorded more than 6,000 hard to streamline the costs in
threatening illnesses. patient visits. And with 39 clinical trials those areas. Nonprofit success
underway, physicians are bringing the is often measured by how
next generation of medications to little an organization devotes
patients who need them most. to administrative costs while
simultaneously continuing to
achieve its core goals. OMRF’s
single-digit percentage of
administrative expenses places us
in an elite group of nonprofits.

24

Selected Financials

OKLAHOMA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Selected Financial Information - Operating Fund



2012-13 2013-14

OPERATING REVENUE:

Competitive research grants:

National Institutes of Health grants $ 27,314,110 $ 29,028,222

Other competitive research grants 6,470,648 7,350,57

Total grants 33,784,758 36,378,793



Private contributions:

Income and gifts from trusts 6,860,429 6,893,689

Gifts and bequests 635,344 143,980

Contributions 1,632,785 1,736,405

Memorials 755,710 696,895

Total private contributions 9,884,268 9,470,969



Special event revenue:

Ticket sales and sponsorships 595,390 607,523

Less: direct costs of event (326,736) (212,420)

Net revenue from special events 268,654 395,103



Other revenue:

Clinical revenue, net of provisions for contractual

and other adjustments 3,091,109 5,774,897

Interest and investment income 1,358,721 740,421

Mineral income 1,183,571 1,707,443

Rent 499,780 401,597

Royalties and licensing income 384,216 818,689

Loss on disposal of assets 62,164 (72,323)

Other 1,440,557 1,756,518

Total other revenue 8,020,118 11,127,242



Total revenue 51,957,798 57,372,107


Operating revenue from wills, pledges and

other restricted gifts recorded in prior years 5,440,188 6,864,157

64,236,264

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 57,397,986 46,613,009
8,608,451
5,034,456
60,255,916
OPERATING EXPENSES:
$ 3,980,348
Program Services - Research 45,628,999

Program Services - Clinic operations 6,374,088

Support Services - General and administrative 3,958,264

Total operating expenses 55,961,351



EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ 1,436,635



25

Discoveries Campaign

Launched soon after Dr. Stephen Prescott joined OMRF as our Discoveries - Campus Expansion
ninth president in 2006, the $125 million Discoveries Campaign is Phases I and II
helping to fund the largest expansion in the foundation’s 69-year $5,000,000 and above
history. The keys to this initiative are the recruitment of a new
generation of scientists and the construction of a new research Association of Central Oklahoma Governments
and clinical facility to house them. Chapman Charitable Trusts
E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
In 2011, with the opening of a new, eight-story research tower National Institutes of Health
and $85 million raised to pay for the construction, we completed Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
phase I of our efforts. We are now in the midst of phase II: a State of Oklahoma Opportunity Fund
$40 million initiative comprised of three smaller, targeted mini-
campaigns to help recruit new world-class scientists to OMRF. $1,000,000 to $4,999,999

Now in its third year, the Multiple Sclerosis Campaign already Mary K. Chapman Foundation
has provided funds to bring a lab-based MS researcher to OMRF, Mr. David J. Chernicky
as well as an additional physician to join the clinicians treating The Chickasaw Nation
patients with the complex disease. When complete, the MS Hardesty Family Foundation
Campaign will fund additional laboratory space, pilot projects and Hocker Foundation
patient care resources. Inasmuch Foundation
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.
The Cancer Campaign has allowed us to recruit new cancer Masonic Charity Foundation
researchers to OMRF. These scientists are partnering with Katie and Aubrey McClendon
physicians at the University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer New Source Energy Corporation
Center to apply novel techniques for treating breast, colon and Presbyterian Health Foundation
ovarian cancers. Funds also have helped establish the Center for Rainbolt Family
Functional Genomics, where scientists study genetic mutations in Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc.
zebrafish to pinpoint new ways to treat human forms of cancer. Sarkeys Foundation
Stephenson Cancer Center
In 2015, we’ll launch the Cardiovascular Campaign and expand The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
heart disease research programs at OMRF. The initiative will target
funding for the addition of researchers whose work emphasizes $500,000 to $999,999
translational research: transforming laboratory breakthroughs into
clinical applications. 241 Event 2014 - Cancer
241 Event 2013 - Multiple Sclerosis
By completing the Discoveries Campaign, we can ensure Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Oklahoma stays on the leading edge of biomedical research. Virginia and John Groendyke
And that OMRF scientists continue making discoveries that McCasland Foundation
make a difference. Puterbaugh Foundation

Phase II Mini-Campaigns $100,000 to $499,999

Multiple Sclerosis Campaign - $8 million Ann Simmons Alspaugh
Anonymous
Co-chairs: Nancy Ellis and Jim Morris Chesapeake Energy Corporation
ConocoPhillips
Cancer Campaign – $15 million The Dillingham Family
Drs. Naomi and Chuck Esmon
Co-chairs: Christy Everest and Gene Rainbolt William Randolph Hearst Foundation
The Kerr Foundation, Inc.
Cardiovascular Campaign – $10 million Patti and Don J. Leeman
Elaine and Harrison Levy
Co-chairs: Hiram Champlin and Bill Hawley The Merrick Foundation
Lou Ann and Jim Morris
MS Bridge Fund
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Glenn W. Peel Foundation
Susan and Stephen Prescott
Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation
Nancy and George Records
Dr. John H. Saxon, III

$50,000 to $99,999

Linda and Lance Benham
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill B. Burruss, Jr.
Elizabeth and G.T. Blankenship
Nancy Payne Ellis
Clyde R. Evans Charitable Trust
Malinda Berry and Dick S. Fischer
William D. Hawley, M.D.
Courtney and Carl Holliday
The Herman G. Kaiser Foundation
Nadine and Frank A. McPherson

Gifts less than $50,000: $1,049,154

26

OMRF Honor Roll

Between January 1 and December 31, 2014, almost 6,000 individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations made gifts and pledges to OMRF. Each one of those
donations made a difference. In this Honor Roll, we have recognized gifts of $500 and above. Your generosity makes life-saving discoveries possible.

$5,000,000 and above $10,000 to $24,999

Chapman Charitable Trusts American Fidelity Assurance Corp./American Fidelity Foundation
Anonymous
$1,000,000 to $4,999,999 Bethany Public Schools
Elizabeth and G.T. Blankenship
The Chickasaw Nation Cassandra Cavins and Charles K. Bowen
E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Leigh and J. Richard Bradley
Linda W. and Miles S. Brown
$100,000 to $999,999 Becky and Jim C. Buchanan
Mrs. Carolyn P. Coffey
241 Event 2014 Proceeds - Cancer Devon Energy Corporation
Estate of Juanita Louise Bradley Nancy Payne Ellis
Mary K. Chapman Foundation Embassy Suites
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Express Employment Professionals
Estate of Joan Agnes Coe The Ford Foundation
The Hocker Foundation Harrison Gypsum, LLC
Inasmuch Foundation Heritage Trust
Marvin and Ruth Lebow Medical Research Foundation G. Ed Hudgins Family Fund - OCCF
Linda F. Loughridge Family Trust Leslie S. and Cliff Hudson
The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. The Herman G. Kaiser Foundation
McCasland Foundation King Family Properties
The Merrick Foundation Kirkpatrick Foundation, Inc.
New Source Energy Corporation Sara and Jay Kyte
Estate of Frances W. O’Hornett LaDonna and Herman Meinders
Presbyterian Health Foundation Lou Ann and Jim M. Morris
Puterbaugh Foundation OMRF General Research - OCCF
Nancy and George Records Order of the Eastern Star Oklahoma Grand Chapter
Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc. William T. Payne Fund - OCCF
United Way of Central Oklahoma Cindy and Tom Riesen
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation The Jack O. Scroggins Charitable Foundation
Estate of William Adam Shwen
$50,000 to $99,999 Betty and Charles O. Smith
Stillwater Senior High School
Allen Family Charitable Foundation/Elizabeth and Greg Allen Mr. William H. Stoller
The Anschutz Foundation Mrs. Norma F. Townsdin
Mr. David J. Chernicky Mrs. Nancy Wienecke
Wilma Davis-McElmurry Trust Mrs. Frances E. Wilson
Clyde R. Evans Charitable Trust Estate of Evelyn Wynell Woodruff
The Kerr Foundation, Inc.
Beth and Dale Matherly $5,000 to $9,999
Matherly Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
Katie and Aubrey K. McClendon Janice B. and D.C. Anderson
Putnam City Schools Cancer Fund Anonymous
Dr. John H. Saxon, III BancFirst
BankSNB
$25,000 to $49,999 Linda and Lance Benham
Best Companies
Ann Simmons Alspaugh Dee-Dee and Bart Boeckman
American Energy Partners, LP The Branstetter Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill B. Burruss, Jr. Harry and Louise Brown Foundation
Continental Resources, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Len B. Cason
Christy and Jim Everest ConocoPhillips
Fleming Scholarship - OCCF Valerie and David M. Craig
Frontiers of Science Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc. The Crawley Family Foundation
Ann Gibbons Trust Cathy and Jed Dillingham
Virginia and John Groendyke Duncan Oil Properties, Inc.
Carl E. Gungoll Exploration, LLC Susan and Carl E. Edwards
Jessie Dearing Kinley Testamentary Trust Ms. Tricia L. Everest
Richard K. and Ruth S. Lane Memorial Trust First Mortgage Company, LLC
Mrs. Dimple C. Mobbs French Family Charitable Foundation
Glenn W. Peel Foundation
Madalynne L. Peel Foundation
Myra and Lew Ward

27

Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Funke Barbara and Dan Batchelor
Ann F. and Bob H. Gilliland Ms. Suzanne E. Baxter
David W. Gorham Gift Fund - OCCF H. Jean and Jimmy R. Bayles
Mr. Gerald P. Green Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Beale
Mr. Bret D. Hampton Ms. Elly B. Beard
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Hogan Dr. and Mrs. William Lee Beasley
Mr. Bill Howard Mr. Ed Beasley
Lezlie and David Hudiburg Joanne and Vernon Belcher
Mr. Gerald Jaquith Sheryl and Bruce T. Benbrook
Jo and Clyde Charitable Fund - Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Mr. Andrew Bennett - The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. O. Johnstone Louise G. and Clay I. Bennett
Fred Jones Family Foundation Vickie and David L. Beyer
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kirby Mr. Mike Blake
Kirschner Trusts - OCCF Mrs. Mary C. Blanton
Barbara N. and Edward A. Krei Mrs. Frances Boatright
Mr. Albert Lang Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bockus
Leidos Engineering, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Chris Boeckman
Dr. Bill P. Loughridge Mr. and Mrs. Tony Boghetich
Love Family Affiliated Fund - OCCF Ms. Zandra Boucher
McAfee and Taft Mr. and Mrs. John L. Bowen
Nadine and Frank McPherson Jana and Jon Bowers
Linda and Ron C. Merritt Peggy and Del N. Boyles
NBC Oklahoma Barbara and Rick Braught
Oklahoma Electrical Supply Company Brett Exploration, LLC/Patti K. and John A. Brett, III
W.C. Payne Foundation Gertrud and Neil Briix
Estate of Grace M. Plant Kathleen S. and Rayford K. Brown
Putnam City North High School PTSA Kelly and Justin Brown
Mr. Gene Rainbolt Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Brown
Kim and David E. Rainbolt Pat H. and David J. Brown
Vicki and David B. Righthouse Regena A. and Brownie M. Browne
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Turner Rooney Robert and Karen Browne Family Fund - OCCF
Ms. Susan Ross and D. Randolph Brown, Jr., M.D. Ms. Mary J. Brueggen
Carolyn and Paul Schulte Kim E. and Steve Bruno
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Schultz Mrs. Patty Bryan
Jackie and Robert C. Tilghman Ms. Marjorie L. Bryan
United Mechanical, Inc. D. Ellen and Richard C. Burgess
Traci and Gregory F. Walton Ms. Deane W. Burnett
Mrs. Naomi Welty Mr. Jim D. Burwell
Casey and Rainey Williams/Valari and Greg Wedel Mr. and Mrs. David E. Byrket
Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D. Mrs. Dolores P. Call
Mr. and Mrs. R. Deane Wymer Michelle M. and William Calvo
Darla and Andy Campbell
$1,000 to $4,999 Ms. Patricia Gaberino Carey
Ginny B. and Peter B. Carl
A to T Lamps, Inc. Bea Carl and R.B. Carl, M.D.
Mr. Mike G. Adams Carl’s Discount Guns and Rental/Vicki and Carl S. Hutto
Ms. Mary Evelyn Adams CarMichael Foundation
Mr. Harold L. Aebi Mrs. Norma Sue Carpenter
Judy and Winford Akins Mr. and Mrs. B. Michael Carroll
Ms. Bebe Albers Mr. and Mrs. B. Gene Carter
Mrs. Leota Margie Amsey Mr. Gregory D. Carter
Lou E. and E.R. Andrew Mr. Jeffrey F. Caughron
The Honorable and Mrs. Bill Anoatubby Central National Bank of Poteau
Anonymous Mr. Michael Cervantes
Shelly and Gary Arnold Janice and Hiram H. Champlin
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Arntz Lynn and Harry E. Chancellor
Arvest Bank Ms. J.V. Palmer Chase
Ms. Ann Asbury Carolyn and Bill R. Chatham
Linda Athey and George W. Athey Mrs. Jacqueline M. Cheatham
Mr. Robbie Auger Chicago Equity Partners, LLC
Lou and Marshall Ault Pamela and Michael A. Chozen
Automatic Protection Systems Corporation Debbie L. and Mickey L. Clagg
Cyndi B. and Jim H. Baker Dorothy N. and Max J. Claybaker
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Clay D. Clinesmith
Brenda J. and Charley F. Ballou Mr. Keith D. Clingman
Bank of Oklahoma Mary Ann and John J. Coates, Jr.
Carla G. and Mike Barber Martha and Rick M. Coe
Miss Betsy L. Barnes Lisa and Michael A. Coffman
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bartlett Mrs. Teresa Coffman
Kay and Jim C. Bass

28

Ms. Kathryn L. Coffman Mr. Paul Folmsbee
J.L. and C.N. Coffman Foundation Trust Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Fortuna
Mr. Adam B. Cohen Foundation Management, Inc.
Becky and J. Markham Collins Jeanne M. and Ed Fowler, Jr.
Mrs. Ernestine E. Cook Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Aerie
Suzy and Chuck E. Cotter - National Philanthropic Trust Mrs. Josephine W. Freede
Ms. Janet M. Cottrell Mr. and Mrs. Hal French
Gayle and Ted Cox Mrs. Barbara Fretwell
Mrs. Deborah J. Craine Deborah and Dick H. Friant
Carol and William H. Crawford Elena and Andy Friot
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley R. Crites Glenda J. and Randy S. Fudge
Russell and Hazel Crooch Endowment Fund - Amy and Patrick M. Gaffney
Jane Jayroe and Gerald Gamble
United Methodist Foundation Dr. and Mrs. John H. Gardner
Cross Family Benefit Mrs. Nina P. Gaugler
Crowe and Dunlevy Debra and Robert Gholston
Sheri and Jerry Crytzer Mr. and Mrs. George T. Gibson
Mrs. Linda Cummings Harriet and Larry A. Gilbert
Barbara and Dean A. Cunningham Jean and Ben Gile
Alice R. and Don W. Dahlgren Mr. Peter D. Gill
Susan R. and Louis M. Dakil Mrs. Casey Lauren Gilliam
Phyllis and Tommy L. Daughtrey Nancy V. and Jerry N. Glasgow
Mrs. Nancy J. Davies Ms. Carol A. Glass
Drs. Susannah Rankin and Dean S. Dawson Mr. and Mrs. Steve B. Glasser
Lisa F. Day and Ken Fletcher Carrie and Bill R. Goddard, Jr.
Rita G. and Thomas A. Dearmon, Jr. Mrs. Susan A. Gonzalez
Tricia and Mike W. Deason Mrs. Sharon K. Gowdy
Myra A. and Sam L. Decker Danae and Evan Grace
Gayle A. and Randy J. Dekker Grant Thornton, LLP
Mr. Gilbert G. Dick Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Gray
Paula V. and Lanny J. Dickmann, Jr. Louise and John Ray Green
Lisa and Chad Dillingham Mr. John W. Griffin
Kay C. and Dan L. Dillingham Griffin Holdings, Inc.
Annie and Peter Dillingham Mary K. Gumerlock, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Dillon, III Mrs. Jayne R. Hackworth
Susan P. and Ramsey W. Drake, II Mr. William A. Hadwiger
Mr. Clayton I. Duncan Rozella and Jim Hadwiger
Mr. and Mrs. Walt Duncan Jacqueline O. and Roger V. Haglund
Barbara and Bill Durrett Danette J. and Mark A. Hague
The Honorable Claire V. Eagan and Mr. Anthony J. Loretti, Jr. Mr. J. Lawrence Hague
Eastman National Bank Carole and Boots Hall
Mr. Jerry D. Eggleston Angela and B.J. Hall
Mrs. Cherri A. Eggleston Ernestine L. and Thomas Pat Hallren
Mr. and Mrs. Pete Eischen Ms. Pauline G. Hamilton
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd D. Eisenhour Ms. Arthenia L. Haney
Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Ellard Drs. Marie Hanigan and Gary James Gorbsky
Mr. and Mrs. Clark Ellison Ann and Burns Hargis
Joanne H. and Jerry L. Emmons Mrs. Beverly A. Harkness
Betty and Larry Ensz D.A. and D.B. Harmon Memorial Fund - OCCF
Evans and Associates Enterprises/Patricia Evans Linda M. and Claude M. Harris, III
Lloyd, Jerry Evans and Patricia Perdue Evans Family Foundation Mr. James H. Harrod
Excalibur Oilfield Supply/Denise E. and Joseph C. King Mrs. Maxine B. Hartman
Mrs. Mary Faili Mr. Ronald F. Hartman
Farmers and Merchants National Bank Erin and Tim Hassen
Debbie and Larry Fenity Debe and Rick Hauschild
Mr. Jarrod Lane Fergeson William D. Hawley, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Fergeson Jo Ellen and Russell O. Hayes
Ms. Cheryl Ferguson Charlene and Kevin Hays
First American Bank Mrs. Bonnie B. Hefner
First Bank and Trust Company Heiman Family Foundation
First Liberty Bank Ms. Melinda J. Heitz
First National Bank in Altus Ms. Evelyn Helm
First National Bank of Oklahoma Ms. Audrey M. Hendershot
Malinda Berry and Dick S. Fischer Mary and Frank X. Henke, III
Mr. John A. Fischer Kim and Brad Henry
R. Darryl Fisher, M.D. Mr. Richard C. Henry
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Flesher Myra and Gene Henry
Lisa and Stephen Florea Mrs. Lois C. Herndon
Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Floyd Bette Jo and Frank D. Hill
Mr. Timothy E. Foley

29

Ms. Jo Ann Hintergardt Wilda and Haskell L. Looney
Mr. Memphis S. Hixson Lana L. and Dave R. Lopez
HoganTaylor, LLP Elizabeth and Dean Loshbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Holloway Mr. Randy J. Ludwig
The Honorable Jerome A. Holmes Drs. Cristina and Florea Lupu
Pam and Steve B. Holton Peggy and Lee Mackey
Home Creations, LLC Brenda G. and Gary M. Macri
Catherine and Jerry Hoopert Inge and Melvin Hugh Madewell
Cathy and John M. Huber Paul Mainard Family Trust
Hughes Properties, LLC Janice G. and Warren D. Majors
Mrs. Annette Hull Joan L. and Mike J. Maly
Farhat Husain, M.D., and Mr. Larry C. Hazelwood Marty J. and Robert C. Margo
Mrs. Rita S. Ice Julie and William K. Marsh
Idabel National Bank Karen and Von A. Martin
Laura and Cecil R. Ingram Ms. Naomi F. Martin
Ms. Jolene R. Ingram Martin and Associates, Inc./Susan and Rick Martin
Integris Health Ms. Kym F. Mason
InvesTrust Mathis Brothers Furniture Co., Inc.
Sharon H. and L. Richard Iorio Ms. Marcel A. Maupin
Dr. and Mrs. Brett Jameson Mary T. and Arthur E. McAnulty
Loretta and Jerry L. Janzen Caroline and Billy F. McCarley
Glenda and Robert T. Jennings Letha and Bob A. McCray
Michelle and Brian Joachims Mary H. and Tom McDowell
Carrie Lou Johnson Gigi and Rod P. McEver
Mr. Charles B. Johnson Mrs. Mary O. McGraw
Mr. and Mrs. Darryl F. Johnson Kelley D. and Matt McGuire
Ms. Jana L. Johnston Janis S. and Tony R. McKaig
Lynette and Clay G. Jones Mrs. Chloe Ann McKaig
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Joe A. McKenzie
Mr. Carey Joullian Joye and Mason McLain
Janice and Dwight Journey Margaret and Cameron R. McLain
Joy Enterprises Kathy and Scott F. McLaughlin
Susan K. and Greg Kannady Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. McLennan
Mr. Don A. Karchmer Mr. Billy McPherson
The Honorable and Mrs. Frank A. Keating Susan E. and Scott A. Meacham
Keeler-Matthews Charitable Foundation, Inc. Linda and Randy N. Mecklenburg
Jane F. and John A. Kenney Meredith Corporation/Ethan Eck
Rosemary E. Kerber, Ph.D. Stephanie and Jeff Metts
Mrs. Lou C. Kerr Midstate Traffic Control, Inc.
Tracy A. and John J. Kidwell Midwest Drywall Company, Inc.
Ms. Sandra L. Kimerer Mary and Chuck Mikkelson
Debra and Gary Kinslow Ms. Judy A. Mikkelson
Kirkpatrick Bank Aimee E. and Kevin W. Miller
Kathryn N. Klotsch Endowment - The Baptist Foundation Miller Family Foundation/Billie L. and V. David Miller
Ms. Lisa J. Knight Kevin Lee Moore, M.D.
Ms. Rebecca F. Knight Mrs. Sarah F. Moore
Betsy S. and Doug R. Koontz Suzy and Chip Morgan
Ms. Joyce C. Lacey and Mr. Melvin Kenney Margaret H. and Larry E. Morris
Mr. William J. Lansdown Gayle and J. Gary Mourton
Joan and Gary Larson Annette R. and Tom Mrazik
Ms. Joanna L. Latting Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mueller
Mrs. Anita Lavicky Mrs. Elois Muncy
Ms. Dorothy A. Lawson Kay L. and Clark Musser
Mrs. Mary Grace Lebeda Mustang Fuel Corporation
Ms. Elinor A. LeDoux Swapan K. Nath, Ph.D.
Martha A. and Gary I. Leff Cena E. and Mark S. Nault
Sarah and Bruce B. Lenz NBC Oklahoma
Linda and Bob Lesher Mr. Victor R. Neal
Elaine and Harrison Levy Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Nelson
Miss Darlene Lewis Ms. Sharon F. Neuwald
Ms. LaCrecia A. Lewis Alysa I. and Charles C. Newcomb
Zhimin Liang and Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. Newman
Jere and Al Litchenburg Lydia D. Nightingale, M.D.
Mr. Dan Little Jane Ann and Bob L. Niles
Ms. Paula J. Loesch Dr. Linda Barton Nimmo
Mr. David W. Long Tina and Kevin Nimz
Loretta M. and John C. Long Ms. Joann L. Nitzel
Karen L. and Donny J. Longest Mr. Lloyd Noble, II
Ms. Sandy G. Lookabaugh Sandra N. and Dennis G. Noble

30

Nonna’s, LLC Rogers and Bell
Mr. David Nordyke Mary and Tim P. Rooney
John W. and Cecelia A. Norman Family Foundation Ms. Deborah L. Rose
Sara and Rob Northwood Sharon and Gary Roth
Diana and David O’Daniell Jennifer and Dr. Brant Rouse
Beth and P. B. Odom, III Lynne and Bob Rowley
Mrs. Frances O’Hornett Ms. Kathryn R. Ryan
Oklahoma Association of Mothers Clubs Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Ryerson
Marilyn and John S. Oldfield, Jr. Mrs. Dorothy F. Sales
Mr. Jim D. Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Bob Samis
Van and Rudy Oliver, Jr. Karen and Mike Samis
OMRF Research Fund - OCCF Mrs. Patricia P. Savage
Judy and David Onken Dr. and Mrs. Olaseinde I. Sawyerr
Sara and Nigel J. Otto Barbara and John Schaefer
Palladium Capital Ethel M. and Paul Schiller
Barbara and Kenneth Palmer Ms. Mary S. Schneeberger
Roberta and Jay Parham Dr. Clyde H. Schoolfield, Jr.
Mrs. Pam W. Parrish Schraad Enterprises, LLC
Gayle and Richard Parry/Tom Johnston Sue and Doug Schrag
Mr. and Mrs. Bradd Schwartz
Investment Management, LLC Mrs. Kathryn Metha Scott
Janet S. and Larry Patterson Mrs. Sue Seymour
Mr. and Mrs. William G. Paul Mr. Rob Shaff
Mr. Merlyn N. Pearson Pam and Bill F. Shdeed
Peck Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Rebecca A. and Kirby G. Shelton
Janis and Jack Perrault Tenna M. and Greg S. Shepherd
Gailynn and John Phelps Marilyn K. and Rex A. Sheppard
Mrs. Sue Phillips and Mr. James D. Fellers Carol A. and Kim W. Shoemake
James Pickel Jeannette Sias and R.L. Sias
Myrla and Gary C. Pierson Bonnie and Elbert W. Smith
Marceline and English Piper Jo Ann and Kenneth C. Smith
Dr. Sharon Piper Mr. Ralph C. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Donne W. Pitman Amanda G. and Rick A. Smith
Gerry R. and Richard D. Pittenger Southwestern Stationery and Bank Supply, Inc.
Kendra S. and Scott Matthew Plafker Mr. Neil Spaeth
Mr. D. Frank Plater, Jr. Katherine Pond and John S. Spaid
Jackie and James S. Plaxico Mr. and Mrs. Clyde W. Spence
Evelyn and Albert Post Millie and Jay Stafford
Wanda S. and John R. Potts Mr. and Mrs. Jeff D. Stallsmith
Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Powell Mr. and Mrs. Danny L. Stansbury
Mrs. Marcia J. Powell Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Steele
The Prudential Foundation Courtney Stevens and Owen Greenwood
Mr. and Mrs. Victor W. Pryor, Jr. Ms. Mindy Stevenson
Quail Creek Bank, NA The Stock Exchange Bank
Jan Ralls, D.D.S., and Robert H. Henry, Jr. Mrs. Phyllis Jarnagin Stough
Ramsey Real Estate/Donna and Bill J. Ramsey Daniel and Jeanne Strope Family Foundation - Raymond James
Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation
Mrs. Patsy R. Ray Charitable Endowment Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Raybourn Ann B. and Ross M. Stuntz
RBG, Inc. Jeleta and Coy Sullivan
Mr. George J. Records, Jr. Miss Joy Sullivan
Ms. Marisa Bradanini Records Julie and Mark S. Svoboda
Ms. Martha Ellen Records Margaret A. and Ross O. Swimmer
Mr. Kyle Rector Mrs. Donna A. Tefft
Mrs. Joan S. Redding Mr. Stewart Terbush
Ann M. and Thomas L. Reding Lisa R. and Tim W. Teske
Mr. and Mrs. Dee A. Replogle, Jr. Ms. Lawanda Thetford
Carol A. and Mike L. Rhodes Mr. Alvin L. Thomas, Jr.
Mrs. Mary Jane Richards Mrs. Jane L. Thompson
Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis Linda F. Thompson, Ph.D.
Helen and John Riley Cheryl J. and Phillip R. Thompson
Sally T. and John S. Riley Laura K. and William J. Toellner
Mrs. Mildred G. Ring Beth J. and Rheal A. Towner
Loydel and Fred J. Robertson Mary L. and Larry B. Trachtenberg
Mr. and Mrs. C.W. (Bill) Robertson, Jr. Jacqueline F. and Dennis Trepagnier
Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Robinson Triangle Industries, Inc.
Mr. Craig Roddy Mr. and Mrs. John A. Trigg
Ms. Beverly Rodgers Maureen and Steve E. Trotter
Ms. Teresa N. Roewe Truist
Mr. Robert L. Rogers Susan and Michael C. Turpen

31

University of Oklahoma Medical Systems Mr. William M. Bell
Valliance Bank Mrs. Laura E. Benton
Mr. and Mrs. Mickey M. Vanderwork Mrs. Alma G. Betchan
Mickey Vanderwork Farm Mr. Lloyd W. Biddick, Jr.
Ms. Margaret A. Vater Mr. Sam A. Birchall
Amber and Brandt Vawter Kaye and Howard Bond
Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Mrs. Coyla J. Bowden
Penny and Russell Voss Devota and Jim Bowers
W & W Steel, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Jack P.F. Bowles
Peggy and Jackie G. Waldo Rev. Charles E. Bradley
Mr. and Mrs. Gary V. Walker Barbara and F.W. (Pete) Brown
Ms. Ruth Louise Wallace Ms. Gloria A. Brown
Nancy and Chi-Sun Wang Ms. Regina A. Buckley
Mrs. Margie Ware Darla J. and David F. Burks
Donna K. and Allyn G. Warkentin Mrs. Karen R. Caldwell
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Warner Ann and Jack C. Cales
Linda S. and James J. Wasson Ann O. and Ed W. Carlson
Dr. Gregory L. Watkins Mrs. Barbara Cavett
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus L. Weatherall, Sr. Betty Jane and Mike A. Cawley
Ms. Margaret A. Weddle Mr. and Mrs. James A. Chambers
Barbra B. and Kenneth A. Weikel Terri and Kent Chancellor
The Well of OKC Wine and Spirits Chevron Humankind
Ms. Leslie Ann Wells Carol A. and Lawrence G. Clemens
Mr. S. Aaron Wells Mr. Don V. Cogman
Mr. and Mrs. Steve E. Wells Mr. Paul J. Collingsworth
Weokie Credit Union Foundation Comanche County Tag Agency
Mr. R. Kirk Whitman Mrs. Teresa L. Cooper
Mrs. Euteva M. Widener Mr. and Mrs. George Corkins
Cindy and Royce H. Wieden Kathleen and Jake Coughlan
Wiens Investments, LLC/Linda B. and Don A. Wiens Mrs. Mineva Crank
Renate W. and Chuck Wiggin Nancy R. Cravens and Rapheal Dean Cravens
Mrs. Mary Jo Williams Camisa and Les R. Cummings
Mr. Jimmy H. Williamson Suzanne and Jim S. Cyrus
Margaret B. and John L. Williford Ms. Freda A. Davis
Gwen L. and Daniel R. Willits Ms. Margaret S. Davis
Gara and Russ Wilsie DCP Midstream Matching Gifts Program
Judith A. James Wood, M.D., Ph.D., and Mr. Glen Aden Wood Mrs. Lisbeth L. DeLong
Cynthia T. and Jim C. Wolfe Aleen K. and Clarence C. Drumeller
Barbara B. and Robert Lee Wood Ms. Jayne Drummond
Conna D. and Paul S. Woolsey Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Dubois
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Workman Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Dunham
Mr. Dick Wright Cindy and David Eckart
Dr. William B. Wynn Mr. Grant W. Eisner
Ms. Darlene Wynne Mrs. Nancy Jo Ellis
Nancy P. and Jim J. Yoch, Jr. Ellwood Associates
Mr. John M. Yoeckel Evans and Davis Law Firm
Ms. Linda R. Young Mr. and Mrs. C. Randolph Everest
Barbara D. and Stephen F. Young Morgan M. and Will Farmer
Carol and Tim Zaloudek Terri and Les Foster
Mrs. Jan J. Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Frazier
Mrs. Betty Jane ZumMallen Dorothea French Fund - United Methodist Foundation
Lena J. and Edgar L. Frost
$500 to $999 Mr. and Mrs. Byron Gambulos
Marilynn H. and Paul F. Gassen
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Adkins Margaret C. and Jim N. Gibson
Candice H. and Chuck R. Ainsworth Ms. Andrea Gift
Allen Contracting, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Olin Gilbert
Mrs. Sue E. Anderson Mrs. Nancy L. Gilstrap
Anonymous Lisa K. and Gregory F. Gisler
Mr. Doyle W. Argo Give With Liberty
Argonaut Private Equity GLB Exploration, Inc.
Melba G. and Gene F. Arnold Goldman, Sachs and Company Matching Gift Program
Autodesk/Cathy and John M. Huber Ms. Patricia J. Goode
Mr. Charles S. Baber, PC Lisa G. and Jeff Greenlee
Shirley and Gary B. Barnett Drs. Courtney and Timothy Griffin
Debra K. Barns, M.D. Mr. Donald J. Groth
Mrs. Donna B. Beasley Mrs. Martha C. Grubb
Beau’s Wine Bin and Spirit Shoppe Mr. Justin Guinn
Denise and Terry Beck Anneene and James A. Gustafson
Mrs. Elizabeth Orr Bell

32

William H. Hall, M.D. Dr. Josephine Raburn
Ms. Marcia J. Halvorson Dr. and Mrs. Steve A. Ramsey
Teresa and Robert F. Hamra Kathryn M. and Phillip E. Rattan
Nancy A. and Arlyn C. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Norville Ritter
The Harris Family Trust/Bette Harris and Jess Harris, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Roberson, Sr.
Hartzog, Conger, Cason and Neville Ms. Sarah Jane Rodgers
Marisha and Gerry L. Hendrick Mrs. E. Joan Rollins
Gooch Hill Testamentary Trust Miss Gail E. Schmidt
Debra R. and Clint G. Hixson Mr. Dale Schoeling
Mrs. Zemirue Holden Pat A. and Eldon H. Schuessler
Betty J. and John G. Hronopulos Sue G. and John P. Scott
Janice C. and Donald E. Hubbard Dr. Hakeem Shakir
Mr. and Mrs. James Isbell Ms. Sara Sharick
Mr. Ronald G. Jacob Ms. Pamela Sharp
Mrs. Florene Jacobs Vicki and Ernest Simpson
Mr. Gerald H. Jobe Mr. and Mrs. R. Emery Smiser
Mrs. Karen S. Johnson Pat M. and Jody Smith
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Lee Allan Smith
Krista M. Jones, D.D.S., and Mr. Craig Stinson Ms. Margaret D. Smith
Mr. Russell W. Jones Mary E. and Anthony F. Stangl
Ms. Juliet Jones-Moss Glenda and Robert Steves
Ms. Cindy Jorgensen Laura and William Stonebraker
Kate Fund - Church of the Savior Susan and Owen Sutter
Ms. Laura M. King Ms. Mary Ellen Swarts
Mrs. Opal C. King Ms. Angela M. Tabor
Caroline and Mike T. Kinter Janet L. and Charles L. Talley
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Kofoed Ms. Jane Taylor
Janelle and Philip R. Kopp Marlene and Charles L. Tefertiller
Robin R. and Brad W. Krieger Mr. Mike Thompson
Carol F. and Clarke R. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Sammy S. Todd
Kim and Mark Lauer Beth and Jim Tolbert
The Lawton Constitution/Mr. Bill Burgess Joyce F. and Lynn Treece
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Leake Judy and Ron S. Turner
Kathleen Lister Fund - OCCF United Way Mile High
Mr. Dan E. Lowrance Tami and Brad Vaughan
Ms. Lori Lumsden Mary and Mark Virden
Ms. Billie W. Marcoux The Vision Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Basil Martin, III Ms. Luann M. Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Jack De McCarty Mitzi and Philip Walker
Maryl and Justin McCrary Ms. Ellen Wall
Judy A. and Dennis M. McGrath Judy F. and Gene Walters
Shari and Randy McIntosh Michelle D. and Lee R. Walther
Merco Energy, LLC/Elizabeth Coe Mrs. Patricia A. Webb
Montag and Caldwell, LLC Valeri and Greg Wedel
Mrs. Emma Rose Moore Ms. Mary Lynn West
Ms. Shelley D. Mullins Mr. J. Kent Wilkinson
Ms. Joan L. Murray-Hogan Casey and G. Rainey Williams, Jr.
My Tribute Gift Foundation, Inc. Jan K. and Jim C. Wittrock
Network for Good Ms. Carolyn Woford
Ms. Karla Nickels Ms. Donna J. Wyskup
Mrs. Elaine M. Nighswonger Jeanette I. and Kent M. Young
Sheri and David Nock - Schwab Charitable Fund Laura and Lee W. Young
Norick Investment Company
Ms. Jane Ann Norris Iiannrdr2iivv0eidd1u4ian,lsOa, McvoarRrpieoFtryartoeifcoeniwvseaadynsm:dofroeunthdaantio1n2s,.0T0h0ogseiftdsofnraotmions
Ms. Della Ruth Nuzum
OMRF Teen Leaders In Philanthropy OU.nSli.nme ail 91,,707203
Mrs. Priscilla A. Partridge PEWhmiornaeielt ransfer 821613784
SuzAnne K. and Rob F. Patterson Hand-delivered 105
Mrs. Bonnie Peek
Barbara J. and Robert W. Penick However they’re delivered, each and every gift matters. Thanks
Mr. Danny Phan ttohaytoumragkeenearodsiiftfye,reOnMce.RF scientists continue to make discoveries
Mr. Daniel W. Phelps
Ms. Melissa Phillips
Mr. Randy Pierce
Diane and Ed Polk
Ms. Laura L. Pompa
Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. Price
Price Edwards & Company
Putnam City Schools Silver Strings

33

Selected Scientific Publications

Scientific papers are how OMRF researchers share their new Carreras E, Kovats S. Girl power:
findings with researchers and clinicians around the world. estrogen promotes HSC self-renewal.
Those insights span the spectrum of medical conditions, from Cell Stem Cell 14:137-138, 2014.
autoimmune and cardiovascular disease to cancer and diseases Chakravarty E, Clowse ME, Pushparajah
associated with aging. Some articles result from work completed DS, Mertens S, Gordon C. Family
solely at OMRF. Others, such as large, multi-investigator clinical planning and pregnancy issues for women
studies, may involve collaborations with scientists representing as with systemic inflammatory diseases:
many as 15 separate institutions on one publication. In 2014, patient and physician perspectives. BMJ
OMRF researchers published a total of 176 different articles. Open 4:e004081, 2014.
Scientists at other institutions have already cited those studies Dozmorov MG, Wren JD, Alarcón-
more than 1,000 times, and that figure will continue to grow in Riquelme ME. Epigenomic elements
the coming years. enriched in the promoters of
autoimmunity susceptibility genes.
Epigenetics 9:276-285, 2014.

Hoover CM, Edwards SL, Yu SC,
Kittelmann M, Richmond JE, Eimer
S, Yorks RM, Miller KG. A novel CaM
kinase II pathway controls the location
of neuropeptide release from
Caenorhabditis elegans motor
neurons. Genetics 196:745-765, 2014.

34

Iida R, Welner RS, Zhao W, Alberola-Ila J, conjugating enzyme, UbcM2, is restricted progenitors. Genes Dev 28:2175-2187,
Medina KL, Zhao ZJ, Kincade PW. to monoubiquitylation by a two-fold 2014.
Stem and progenitor cell subsets are mechanism that involves backside * Thanou A, Chakravarty E, James JA,
affected by JAK2 signaling and can be residues of E2 and Lys48 of ubiquitin. Merrill JT. How should lupus flares be
monitored by flow cytometry. PLoS One Biochemistry 53:4004-4014, 2014. measured? Deconstruction of the Safety
9:e93643, 2014. Pan Y, Yago T, Fu J, Herzog B, of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus
* Lim HY, Wang W, Chen J, Ocorr K, McDaniel JM, Mehta-D’Souza P, Cai National Assessment-Systemic Lupus
Bodmer R. ROS regulate cardiac X, Ruan C, McEver RP, West C, Dai Erythematosus Disease Activity Index
function via a distinct paracrine K, Chen H, Xia L. Podoplanin requires flare index. Rheumatology (Oxford)
mechanism. Cell Rep 7:35-44, 2014. sialylated O-glycans for stable expression 53:2175-2181, 2014.
* Liu X, Pasula S, Song H, Tessneer KL, on lymphatic endothelial cells and for * Thanou A, Merrill JT. Treatment of
Dong Y, Hahn S, Yago T, Brophy ML, interaction with platelets. Blood systemic lupus erythematosus: new
Chang B, Cai X, Wu H, McManus J, Ichise 124:3656-3665, 2014. therapeutic avenues and blind alleys. Nat
H, Georgescu C, Wren JD, Griffin C, Xia Puente BN, Kimura W, Muralidhar Rev Rheumatol 10:23-34, 2014.
L, Srinivasan RS, Chen H. Temporal and SA, Moon J, Amatruda JF, Phelps KL, Wang Y, Yago T, Zhang N, Abdisalaam
spatial regulation of epsin abundance Grinsfelder D, Rothermel BA, Chen R, S, Alexandrakis G, Rodgers W, McEver
and VEGFR3 signaling are required for Garcia JA, Santos CX, Thet S, Mori E, RP. Cytoskeletal regulation of CD44
lymphatic valve formation and function. Kinter MT, Rindler PM, Zacchigna S, membrane organization and interactions
Sci Signal 7:ra97, 2014. Mukherjee S, Chen DJ, Mahmoud AI, with E-selectin. J Biol Chem 289:35159-
* Lupu F, Keshari RS, Lambris JD, Giacca M, Rabinovitch PS, 35171, 2014.
Coggeshall KM. Crosstalk between the Aroumougame A, Shah AM, Szweda LI, Welner RS, Kincade PW. 9-1-1: HSCs
coagulation and complement systems in Sadek HA. The oxygen-rich postnatal respond to emergency calls. Cell Stem
sepsis. Thromb Res 133 Suppl 1:S28-S31, environment induces cardiomyocyte Cell 14:415-416, 2014.
2014. cell-cycle arrest through DNA damage Vaden RM, Gligorich KM, Jana R, Sigman
Maier-Moore JS, Koelsch KA, Smith response. Cell 157:565-579, 2014. MS, Welm BE. The small molecule C-6
K, Lessard CJ, Radfar L, Lewis D, Shi Y, Ivannikov MV, Walsh ME, Liu Y, is selectively cytotoxic against breast
Kurien BT, Wolska N, Deshmukh U, Zhang Y, Jaramillo CA, Macleod GT, Van cancer cells and its biological action is
Rasmussen A, Sivils KL, James JA, Farris Remmen H. The lack of CuZnSOD leads characterized by mitochondrial defects
AD, Scofield RH. Antibody-secreting to impaired neurotransmitter release, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Breast
cell specificity in labial salivary glands neuromuscular junction destabilization Cancer Res 16:472, 2014.
reflects clinical presentation and serology and reduced muscle strength in mice. Yao L, Herlea-Pana O, Heuser-Baker
in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. PLoS One 9:e100834, 2014. J, Chen Y, Barlic-Dicen J. Roles of the
Arthritis Rheumatol 66:3445-3456, 2014. Sivakumar S, Daum JR, Tipton AR, chemokine system in development
Mohan Rao LV, Esmon CT, Pendurthi Rankin S, Gorbsky GJ. The spindle and of obesity, insulin resistance, and
UR. Endothelial cell protein C receptor: kinetochore-associated (Ska) complex cardiovascular disease. J Immunol Res
a multiliganded and multifunctional enhances binding of the anaphase- 2014:181450, 2014.
receptor. Blood 124:1553-1562, 2014. promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) * Zhao Y, Ling F, Griffin TM, He
Moktan H, Guiraldelli MF, Eyster CA, to chromosomes and promotes mitotic T, Towner R, Ruan H, Sun XH. Up-
Zhao W, Lee CY, Mather T, Camerini- exit. Mol Biol Cell 25:594-605, 2014. regulation of the Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and
Otero RD, Sung P, Zhou DH, Pezza RJ. Sreeramkumar V, Adrover JM, Ballesteros peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
Solution structure and DNA-binding I, Cuartero MI, Rossaint J, Bilbao I, gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha)
properties of the winged helix domain of Nacher M, Pitaval C, Radovanovic genes in white adipose tissue of Id1
the meiotic recombination HOP2 protein. I, Fukui Y, McEver RP, Filippi MD, protein-deficient mice: implications
J Biol Chem 289:14682-14691, 2014. Lizasoain I, Ruiz-Cabello J, Zarbock in the protection against diet and age-
* Munroe ME, Vista ES, Guthridge JM, A, Moro MA, Hidalgo A. Neutrophils induced glucose intolerance. J Biol Chem
Thompson LF, Merrill JT, James JA. scan for activated platelets to initiate 289:29112-29122, 2014.
Proinflammatory adaptive cytokine and inflammation. Science 346:1234-1238,
shed tumor necrosis factor receptor levels 2014. *Indicates publications by more than one
are elevated preceding systemic lupus Srinivasan RS, Escobedo N, Yang Y, department or group
erythematosus disease flare. Arthritis Interiano A, Dillard ME, Finkelstein D,
Rheumatol 66:1888-1899, 2014. Mukatira S, Gil HJ, Nurmi H, Alitalo K,
Nguyen L, Plafker KS, Starnes A, Cook Oliver G. The Prox1-Vegfr3 feedback
M, Klevit RE, Plafker SM. The ubiquitin- loop maintains the identity and the
number of lymphatic endothelial cell

35

Scientific Faculty Advanced Magnetic
Resonance Center
With the arrival of two new cancer researchers in July, OMRF’s scientific
faculty reached a total of 52 principal investigators and three Distinguished Rheal A.
Career Scientists. Comprised of three tiers—members, associate members Towner, Ph.D.
and assistant members—our faculty includes 38 Ph.D.s, seven M.D.s, four
M.D./Ph.D.s and one Ph.D./R.Ph. Recruiting is ongoing in several key Associate Member
areas, so new scientists will continue to join OMRF from institutions across
the country.

Arthritis and Courtney Gray Cardiovascular
Clinical Immunology Montgomery, Ph.D. Biology

Judith A. Associate Member Rodger
James, M.D., Ph.D. P. McEver, M.D.

Member and Program Chair Member and Program Chair
Gabriel
Pardo, M.D.

Patrick M. Associate Member Florea
Gaffney, M.D. Lupu, Ph.D.

Member Member
Jonathan D.
Wren, Ph.D.

Swapan K. Associate Member Lijun
Nath, Ph.D. Xia, M.D., Ph.D.
Member
Member
Robert
Axtell, Ph.D.
Robert H. “Hal”
Scofield, M.D. Assistant Member Hong
Chen, Ph.D.
Member
Associate Member
Susan
Kovats, Ph.D.
Kathy L.
Sivils, Ph.D. Assistant Member Courtney
Griffin, Ph.D.
Member
Associate Member
Christopher J.
Lessard, Ph.D.
Marta E.
Alarcón-Riquelme, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Member Sathish
Srinivasan, Ph.D.
Associate Member
Assistant Member
Ira N.
Targoff, M.D.
Eliza
Chakravarty, M.D. Assistant Member Clinical Pharmacology

Associate Member Joan T.
Merrill, M.D.
Katherine
Thanou, M.D. Member and Program Chair
Umesh
Deshmukh, Ph.D. Assistant Member

Associate Member Coagulation Biology Laboratory

Charles T.
Esmon, Ph.D.

Member



A. Darise
Farris, Ph.D.

Associate Member

36

Cell Cycle and Immunobiology and Cancer José
Cancer Biology Alberola-Ila, M.D., Ph.D.
David
Gary J. Jones, Ph.D. Associate Member
Gorbsky, Ph.D.
Member and Program Chair
Member and Program Chair Lorin
Olson, Ph.D.
Paul W. Kincade, Ph.D.
Assistant Member
Dean Member and Vice President
Dawson, Ph.D. of Research
Weidong
Member Wang, Ph.D.
Mark
Coggeshall, Ph.D. Assistant Member

Roberto Member
Pezza, Ph.D. Alana
Welm, Ph.D.
Assistant Member Xiao-Hong
Sun, Ph.D. Assistant Member

Member
Susannah Bryan
Rankin, Ph.D. Welm, Ph.D.
Linda
Assistant Member Thompson, Ph.D. Assistant Member

Member

Christopher L. Genetic Models of Disease
Sansam, Ph.D. Carol F.
Webb, Ph.D. Kenneth G.
Assistant Member Miller, Ph.D.
Member
Associate Member

Free Radical Biology and Aging
Timothy M.
Luke I. Griffin, Ph.D. Distinguished
Szweda, Ph.D. Career Scientists
Assistant Member
Member and Program Chair Morris
Reichlin, M.D.
Kenneth M.
Humphries, Ph.D.
Holly Van Jordan J.N.
Remmen, Ph.D. Assistant Member Tang, Ph.D.

Member Fletcher B.
Hui-Ying Taylor, Jr., M.D.
Lim, Ph.D.

Michael T. Assistant Member
Kinter, Ph.D.

Associate Member
Experimental
Therapeutics Laboratory

Scott M. Robert A.
Plafker, Ph.D., R.Ph. Floyd, Ph.D.

Associate Member Member



37

National Advisory Council

In 2013, OMRF assembled its first National Advisory OMRF graduate student Amanda Templeton discusses lab
Council. The group is comprised of influential individuals techniques with NAC members Cathy Keating and Whitt Lee.
from around the U.S. with a connection to Oklahoma.
Chaired by Larry Nichols, the Council gathers once
or twice each year for updates on research and new
initiatives at the foundation.

Council members help raise national awareness of the
foundation’s successes. They also introduce and endorse
OMRF to individuals, corporations and foundations that
might offer their support to the foundation.

In February, Council members heard presentations
from OMRF Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence
physicians and researchers in the Free Radical Biology
and Aging Research Program. Then in November, the
Council focused on the Immunobiology and Cancer
Research Program. Members toured OMRF’s cancer
research labs, where some even tried their hands at a little
lab work.

Council member Don Cogman says he appreciates
OMRF’s concentration on specific research areas.
Rather than trying to be something for everyone, the
foundation’s focus enables it to make the best use of
philanthropic dollars.

“Medical research has solved some of the greatest
health issues our world has ever encountered,” Cogman
says. “As we increase our technological capabilities,
targeting that expertise is a key element to solving
some of our most serious health problems in
the future.”

The Council, says Cogman, was particularly intrigued
by OMRF’s new focus on precision medicine, using
genetics to pinpoint the best treatments for cancer
patients. “OMRF brings a scientific approach to their
cancer work, in addition to medical expertise. The
research is groundbreaking in many respects.”

The Council, says Cogman, aims to shine a light on the
foundation. “OMRF does very important work. I hope
we can help raise awareness about it across the country
and the world.”

NAC member Dr. Jay Wohlgemuth shows off his pipetting skills
to Dr. Maria McDowell.

38

NAC Chair Larry
Nichols takes his turn at
the microscope.

Members Ronald A. Rosenfeld

Steve R. Akers Bethesda, MD

Dallas, TX John L. “Sandy” Smith

David Bialis Atlanta, GA

San Diego, CA William H. Stoller

Don V. Cogman Tualatin, OR

Scottsdale, AZ Bea Carr Wallace

Fred J. Hall, Vice Chair Dallas, TX

Oklahoma City, OK Blaine Wesner

Blake Hogan Austin, TX

Houston, TX Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D.

Cathy Keating San Juan Capistrano, CA

McLean, VA

Whitt Lee

Salt Lake City, UT

Larry Nichols, Chair

Oklahoma City, OK

NAC member Don Cogman tries his hand at examining samples
in an OMRF cancer research laboratory.

39

Board of Directors

OAMuRgFuBosatrd3m,ee1ts9fo4r t6he first time on

15 Original directors

86 Directors today Started Young
1,532 years of combined
OMRF created an Associate Board of Directors in
service of current Directors 1987 to nurture a new generation of board members
for service. Although that group has since dissolved,
2 Directors from outside 24 current OMRF directors began their service to the
foundation as Associates:
Oklahoma
James Bass Jacqueline Haglund
12 board chairmen since 1946 Lance Benham, III Brooks Hall, Jr.
Jil Boghetich Randy Hogan
Barbara Braught Richard Parry
Ellen Burgess Rebecca Patten
William Cameron David Rainbolt
Mike Carroll Pat Rooney
Len Cason Michael Samis
Michael A. Cawley Paul Schulte
Hiram Champlin The Hon. Steven Taylor
J. Markham Collins, Ph.D. Betsy Thorpe
John Griffin Rainey Williams, Jr.

2

1 2
1

3 8
13 2

20 counties with at least one Director 2 44 1
4
40
1 1
1 1

1 1
1

Greg Allen J. Walter Duncan, IV The Hon. Jerome Holmes Robert Ross

Charlottesville, VA Edmond Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Ann Alspaugh* William Durrett* Cliff Hudson Michael Samis

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

The Hon. Bill Anoatubby The Hon. Claire Eagan Brett Jameson, M.D. John Saxon, III, M.D.

Ada Tulsa Stillwater Muskogee

James Bass* Carl Edwards William O. Johnstone Paul Schulte

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Kingfisher

Sharon Bell Patricia Evans Lou Kerr Phyllis Stough

Tulsa Ponca City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Bruce Benbrook C. Randolph Everest* Harrison Levy, Jr. Ross Swimmer

Woodward Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Tulsa

Lance Benham, III Christy Everest Dan V. Little Becky Switzer

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Madill Norman

Elizabeth Blankenship* Ann Felton Bill Loughridge, M.D. The Hon. Steven Taylor

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Tulsa McAlester

Jil Boghetich C. Kendric Fergeson Gerald Marshall* Betsy Thorpe

Oklahoma City Altus Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Barbara Braught Larry Ferree Jack McCarty Greg Walton, M.D.

Duncan Oklahoma City Newkirk Oklahoma City

Randy Brown, M.D. Malinda Berry Fischer Frank McPherson Lew Ward

Oklahoma City Stillwater Oklahoma City Enid

Bill Burgess, Jr. Barbara Fretwell James Morris, II Rainey Williams, Jr.

Lawton Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Ellen Burgess Mark Funke James Mueller Deane Wymer

Tulsa Edmond Oklahoma City Fairview

Merrill Burruss, Jr.* Gerald Gamble J. Larry Nichols *Life Director

Geary Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

William Cameron John Green* Richard Parry

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

C. Michael Carolina John Griffin Rebecca Patten

Edmond Muskogee Norman

Mike Carroll Virginia Groendyke S. Bond Payne, Jr.

Edmond Enid Oklahoma City

Len Cason (Chair) Jacqueline Haglund Gary Pierson

Oklahoma City Tulsa Oklahoma City

Michael A. Cawley Brooks Hall, Jr. Donne Pitman

Ardmore Oklahoma City Tulsa

Hiram Champlin V. Burns Hargis Harold Powell*

Dallas, TX Stillwater Norman

Elizabeth Merrick Coe* William Hawley, M.D. David Rainbolt

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

J. Markham Collins, Ph.D. Kim Henry Gene Rainbolt*

Tulsa Edmond Oklahoma City

William H. Crawford Robert Henry Dee Replogle, Jr.

Frederick Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Ramsey Drake Randy Hogan Pat Rooney

Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

41


Click to View FlipBook Version