UC Davis researchers discover new drug target for inflammatory disease 

September 22, 2008 — UC Davis researchers have defined a cellular process that promotes inflammation and, at the same time, found an important starting point for identifying and testing new drugs for diseases such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

"We have known for a while that this protein is elevated with inflammation," said Yoshikazu Takada, UC Davis professor of dermatology and lead author of the study, which appears in the September 19 issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry. "Our outcome shows with much more precision how the protein actually works to advance inflammation. The potential impact of the finding on our ability to block inflammation and stop the disease process in its tracks is enormous."

Department of Dermatology adds three new faculty 

Three new faculty members have been appointed recently by the Department of Dermatology: April Armstrong, assistant professor of clinical dermatology; Keira L. Barr, assistant professor of clinical dermatology; and Summer Youker, associate health sciences clinical professor.

Emanual Maverakis, M.D., Dermatology Researcher Receives Grant for New Physician-Scientist
An assistant professor of dermatology at the UC Davis School of Medicine is among the recipients of a $375,000 grant awarded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as part of its effort to ensure that young, promising physician-scientists have the resources they need to launch their careers.

Emanual Maverakis, who graduated in June 2007 from the UC Davis Department of Dermatology residency program, will use the grant funds, which will cover a five-year period, to study autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus. These diseases are caused when the immune system attacks the body's “self” proteins.

Department acquiring latest laser technology.
The Department of Dermatology is in the process of acquiring the Cynosure Cynergy Laser System. The Cynergy combines two optimal wavelengths for a complete range of vascular treatments and more - a high powered 585 nm +/- 2% pulse dye laser and a 1064 nm long pulse Nd:YAG in one unit. The two laser wavelenths work synergistically to remove facial veins or other types of vascular lesions. In addition, it is safe for use in people with all skin types for laser hair removal.

ACGME approves procedural dermatology fellowship
The ACGME has recently approved the UC Davis Department of Dermatology's procedural dermatology fellowship. The fellowship will provide advance training in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and MOHS. Fellows will work directly with Drs. Daniel Eisen, Suzanne Kilmer and Thomas King.

Maxwell Fung receives the 2005-06 Faculty Teaching Award 
In honor of his dedication to resident education Maxwell Fung received the 2005-2006 Faculty Teaching Award from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine on behalf of the Pathology Residency.