Trenton Place, a graduate student in the University of Iowa Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s Seed Grant Research Program to examine how oxygen levels within pancreatic cancer tumors affect the cancer's ability to spread to distant organs.

This work will provide a better understanding of how pancreatic cancer cells react to changing oxygen conditions, leading to the design of better cancer treatments. Specifically, the Oskaloosa, Iowa, native will examine the role of the DNA binding protein SNAIL in regulating prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3) expression and its effects on the epithelial to mesenchymal-like transition in human pancreatic cancer.

Place is one of only 43 individuals nationwide who received a seed grant this year. He is also a beneficiary of a Linked Training Award, which is provided by the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) and supports research training for pre-doctoral students interested in pursuing research careers and leadership roles in interdisciplinary translational science.

The ICTS is made possible through a National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award. The UI Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program is part of the Graduate College.

Established in 2000, the AMA seed grant program provides small grants to medical students, physician residents and fellows to conduct basic science or clinical research projects.

"The AMA Foundation Seed Grant Research Program provides important financial support, motivation, and professional development to outstanding investigators who are in the beginning stages of their research careers,” said AMA Foundation President Owen Garrick, M.D., MBA. “Many recipients of this program go on to publish their work, present at conferences and secure larger grants to continue their research advancements.”

The AMA Foundation advances public health and medical scholarship through philanthropic support of physician-directed initiatives.