The Hope4ATRT Foundation has awarded $25,000 to advance cancer research conducted by Mildred Acevedo-Duncan, a research professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of South Florida, who is working to identify and develop targeted and less toxic therapies for children with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), a rare and aggressive brain tumor.

Certain brain cancers such as ATRT are highly aggressive tumors due to the emergence of therapy-resistant cancer cells. Protein kinase C-iota (PKC-i) is an enzyme that plays a major role in resistance of ATRT cells to chemotherapy. Overproduction of PKC-i has been linked with the rapid growth rates of malignant cells. 

Acevedo-Duncan’s lab studies how PKC-i affects cell migration in ATRT.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dr. Acevedo-Duncan and her team," said Hope4ATRT co-founder, Dr. Jaymi Yamoah. "This local Tampa connection has the potential to make a global impact for families affected by ATRT. Dr. Acevedo-Duncan's groundbreaking research could revolutionize the treatment of ATRT. We're proud to support her work and accelerate the development of life-saving therapies."

About Hope4ATRT:
Hope4ATRT Foundation is a research entity of Out of Zion, Inc, dedicated to supporting families in the fight against ATRT with up-to-date resources and research. Our mission is to provide a centralized site where parents can find the information they need to navigate their child’s diagnosis – what to do, where to go for treatment, what resources/support are available to them, and advancements through ATRT research. Learn more at hope4atrt.org.

About Dr. Mildred Acevedo-Duncan:
Mildred Acevedo-Duncan is a research professor in the Department of Chemistry at USF. She is also a member of the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, which was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the top cancer hospital in Florida; and a member of the USF Neuroscience Institute, an ambitious concept designed to accelerate progress in the neurosciences to better understand the connection between research, treatment and prevention. Acevedo-Duncan is internationally recognized for her pioneering advancements and contributions to science, especially in the area of cancer research. Her research focuses on the causes of cancer at the cellular level. She has led more than two dozen grants, totaling more than $2.6 million. She is a charter member of the USF Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, and has published thirteen patents. Acevedo-Duncan has devoted much of her career and her personal time to mentoring and encouraging young people, students, and future scientists. She was a member of the mentorship committee of the University of South Florida's National Science Foundation ADVANCE-PAID project - a statewide collaborative initiative for the advancement of academic women faculty in chemistry and engineering. She earned her Ph.D. and master's degree from the University of California-Riverside, and received her bachelor's degree from University of California-San Diego.