For Release:           Immediate – October 3, 2022
Contact:                  Steve Ference, SUNY Polytechnic Institute Director of University Communications | (518) 429-7742 | sference@sunypoly.edu
                              Erin Frick, University at Albany | (518) 956-8161 | efrick@albany.edu

Research enables hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students

ALBANY, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) and the University at Albany (UAlbany) announced their collaborating research teams have received a $459,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, to investigate how a selenium deficiency can chemically modify RNA, which may promote aging and cancer.

This research, led by Interim Dean of SUNY Poly’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) André Melendez and Thomas Begley, Associate Director of The RNA Institute in UAlbany’s College of Arts and Sciences, will utilize cutting-edge tools available for biomedical and life science-focused research at both institutions. Concurrently, undergraduate and graduate students attending SUNY Poly CNSE as well as UAlbany will be able to gain firsthand lab experience and training opportunities in RNA science and technology throughout the grant’s three-year research term.

“I am proud to congratulate both Interim Dean Melendez and Professor Begley and their research teams for receiving this grant which will help us better understand the role of selenium and RNA in biological processes, potentially leading to more targeted approaches to slow aging and limit cancer,” said SUNY Poly Acting President Dr. Tod A. Laursen. “This is a prime example of how our faculty members often address important, ‘real-world’ challenges through meaningful research partnerships.”

"This important NIH grant is a perfect example of how SUNY can solve complex research questions not only across disciplines—but also across campuses,” said University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez. “This research partnership between SUNY Poly and UAlbany scientists leverages the best of our facilities and expertise to support high-impact research that addresses the critical areas of aging and cancer."

SUNY Poly Interim Vice President of Research and Empire Innovation Professor of Nanobioscience Dr. Nathaniel Cady said, “I join in offering my congratulations to Drs. Melendez and Begley and their respective research groups for earning this NCI grant. I look forward to learning about the results of this research partnership, which will serve to help identify specific biological mechanisms and RNAs that may act as catalysts for aging and cancer growth.”

“The RNA Institute is a national leader in pioneering RNA-based interventions to combat disease, and this collaboration with SUNY Poly and Dr. Melendez is the perfect example of how we can maximize the respective strengths of SUNY institutions in pursuit of discoveries that improve the lives of people across New York and the world,” said UAlbany Vice President for Research and Economic Development Thenkurussi “Kesh” Kesavadas. “Congratulations to Interim Dean Melendez and Professor Begley for securing funding for this important research.” 

“I am grateful to the National Cancer Institute, and for our partnership with Dr. Begley and the collaborative work by SUNY Poly and UAlbany’s research offices to support this grant allowing us to better pinpoint nutritional factors spurring aging and cancer development,” said Interim Dean Melendez. “We are excited to pursue this work to unveil how chemical modifications of RNA, like those of DNA, may serve as attractive therapeutic targets for disease intervention, which, if properly addressed, could potentially contribute to longer, healthier lifespans.”

“I am excited to work with the students from both institutions to provide training in RNA technology and molecular-based research to better understand cancer and aging,” said Professor Begley, who teaches in UAlbany’s Department of Biological Sciences. “Both Dr. Melendez and I are thankful for all the hard work from past students and members of The RNA Institute and the commitment of our research organizations to get to this point. We look forward to sharing our new findings in the future.”

Selenium is a chemopreventive compound, meaning it can lower the risk of cancer developing or returning. Selenium is housed in the amino acid, selenocysteine, which is attached to specific transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is a molecule that, within cells, translates information from messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce the amino acid chains that comprise proteins. These include numerous selenium-containing proteins that protect from free radical damage associated with aging and tumor growth. Selenocysteine-charged tRNA delivered to the 21^st amino acid in the protein chain plays a critical role in ensuring the functionality of these proteins. These research teams have identified that defects in selenocysteine use promotes cellular aging and will test if reversing this defect serves to protect cells and tissues from damage that drives tumor growth.  

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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Poly is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, game design, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica campus; thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and hundreds of corporate partners since its inception. For information visit www.sunypoly.edu.

About the University at Albany
A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs. As a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, signifying the highest level of doctoral and research activity, UAlbany is a leader among New York colleges and universities in diverse fields like atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health, health sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare and sociology, taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.