KATE, Wisdom Deebeke (KDWIS)

05/12/2020

In order to proliferate, survive and become a clinically detectable tumour, cancer cells must have to devise strategies to evade the immunosurveillance imposed by the immune system.

Consequently, considerable efforts have been made in our understanding of how cancer cells evade immune destruction, which have given insights into how to specifically target cancer cells using our body’s natural defenses; a field that is broadly classified as cancer immunotherapy.

In this article, I explain why immune evasion by cancer cells, relative to other hallmarks of cancer, is the most important hallmark for cancer biology. In addition, The article also provides insights into the mechanisms employed by cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance and finally attempts to discuss the various cancer immunotherapeutic approaches that are currently being exploited for cancer treatment.

Read more at

In order to proliferate, survive and become a clinically detectable tumour, cancer cells must have to devise strategies to evade the immunosurveillance imposed by the immune system. Consequently, considerable efforts have been made in our understanding of how cancer cells evade immune destruction, w...

04/27/2020

Studies in the past two decades have identified a subpopulation of cancer cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) as being solely responsible for tumour initiation, progression, relapse, metastasis and drug resistance.

Consequently, selective targeting of CSCs within the cell population was initially thought to be a very promising therapeutic strategy to treating cancer.

In this article, I present some challenges [and potential promises] of targeting CSCs. I invite you to read it at
http://kdwis.com/2020/04/22/challenges-and-promises-of-targeting-cancer-stem-cells-the-proposed-achilles-heel-of-cancer/

Studies in the past two decades have identified a subpopulation of cancer cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumour-initiating cells (TICs) as being solely responsible for tumour initiation, progression, relapse, metastasis and drug resistance . Consequently, selective targeting of CSCs within...

10/17/2019

I have just published an article reflecting on, as well as explaining the science and significance of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology, which was jointly awarded to three hypoxia researchers for their work on how cells sense and adapt to changing levels of oxygen on Monday October 7th by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

Read more at http://kdwis.com/2019/10/16/three-hypoxia-researchers-share-the-2019-nobel-prize-in-medicine-or-physiology/

10/06/2018

I have written an article about the research works of Professors Allison and Honjo who were both awarded the 2018 Nobel prize in Medicine this week.

Both cancer immunotherapy researchers bagged the prestigious prize as rewards for their seminal discoveries of how our immune system fights off cancer, and some of the brakes they [immune system] encounter in the process. They discovered proteins that negatively regulate the response of a group of immune cells called ''T cells'' against tumours.

Read more at: http://kdwis.com/2018/10/06/two-cancer-researchers-share-the-2018-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-their-seminal-discoveries-of-checkpoint-inhibitors/

06/12/2018

So I have been working on a new website project since October last year. And I’m happy to inform us that work is now finished on the site and can now be accessed at http://kdwis.com.

The new website is tagged: KDWIS Virtual Lab – KVL. It aims to communicate my scientific knowledge and research experience to the general public. Over the years, I have developed interest in science communication and hope to use my expertise and knowledge in Biochemistry and now experimental oncology to disseminate current discoveries and research in basic science research (especially cancer research) and molecular techniques to the general public.

The site also provides some basic information about me, including my personal profile, research and career interest, research experience, academic seminars I have presented in the past. In addition, the site features jobs and scholarship opportunities, and some tips and advice on working in the lab, etc.

A section of the site is specifically dedicated to some of the services I offer. In addition to conducting cancer research in the lab, there are other things I enjoy doing. These include, but not limited to, web design, careers advice and guidance, training in key Biochemistry focus areas such as cancer research, mentorship and personal development, CV coaching and editing of personal statements, article writing and proofreading and IT-related services such as repairs and installation of hardware and software. These and other services can be found at http://kdwis.com/services/. Individuals interested in these services are welcome to get in touch.

It has taken this long to launch it as I have been actively working in the background to ensure the site's user experience is optimal and that it displays on both desktop and mobile platforms.

In the following days and weeks, I will be updating the website regularly to ensure it meets up it intended purpose. I also welcome friends who have passion for science communication (especially in basic science research) or want to develop such skill to join me onboard.

Thanks!

05/25/2018

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Department of Oncology, University of Alberta.

25 years of excellence in cancer research. I'm proud to be part of the team that is contributing to better treatment approach for cancer patients and relentlessly active in basic medical research to gain much insights into cancer development, progression and subsequent treatment.

05/21/2018

I laud the brave decision taken by the dismissed Japanese Cell Biologist, Yoshinori Watanabe to get retrained in Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse's lab at The Francis Crick Institute, London. Although he was found to have committed scientific misconduct by University of Tokyo, and consequently got one of his papers retracted, he didn't see that as the end of his research career. He, instead, now hopes to revive his career by attending a year-long retraining programme. That is a practical definition of perseverance, determination and commitment. Although he may not be fully accepted back, and his papers trusted by others in the scientific community, most of what we understand today about how proteins drive the separation of chromosomes during cell division are as a result of Dr Watanabe's seminal work.

Many of us feel all hopes have been lost when we fail at doing something. We feel we can't start it all over again. But here's a once renowned cell Biologist agreeing to be retrained, despite the shame and negative media reports about his research. Dr Watanabe has decided to put his past behind him and start on a new note. Most of us would not take such decision due to pride and self-esteem.

The moral lesson here is that when we make mistakes, we should forgive ourselves, apologise to the people we have hurt or inconvenienced and start afresh. It also reminds me as a young scientist that I need to apply some level of scrutiny when working with experimental results or images, and avoid manipulating them in any way to fit the hypothesis of an experiment. Every scientific result needs to be authentic, reproducible, replicable and display a high degree of consistency, precision and accuracy.

To read more on Dr Watanabe's story, please follow the link below:

Yoshinori Watanabe hopes to revive his career by attending a year-long retraining programme.

01/29/2017

Women of Faith

One thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her
- Luke 10:42

One thing is needful. How difficult it is to learn this lesson!

Martha meant well, and so do we oftentimes. There are a thousand things that call for our attention each day. There are obligations to fulfill, schedules to be kept, and people to be pleased. But in the midst of the daily hubbub, whether you are a homemaker or a chief financial officer, do not forget that one thing is needful

A promising career is not needful. The approval of peers is not needful. A well-padded retirement account is not needful. Even the affection of family members is not needful. One thing -- and one thing alone -- is absolutely essential.

What could possibly be that important, in every culture and for every person? Jesus tells us: it was exactly what Mary hath chosen. The one thing that is needful is to sit "at Jesus' feet" and "hear his word" (v.39).

We must make time in the busyness of our daily lives to spend at the feet of Jesus, submitting ourselves to his will and opening our hearts to him in prayer. We must be willing to say "No" to the countless distractions that threaten to pull us away from him throughout the day. We must hear his word, which he has shared and preserved for us in the Bible.

Communion with Jesus Christ is not just part of Christianity, it is Christianity. It is not just part of life, it is the only life that matters. It is the purpose for which you were created and it is the only thing which shall not be taken away from you by disaster or even death.

http://baptistbiblehour.org

01/28/2017

Men of Faith

The father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief
- Mark 9:24

This father brought his afflicted son, who had suffered from childhood, to see if Jesus would heal him. He first ran into Jesus' disciples and asked them for help, but they could not. By the time he finally gained Jesus' attention, there had to be a growing doubt in his mind as to whether his son could ever be healed.

And the instant he comes into the presence of Jesus, his son wallows on the ground, foaming at the mouth. He timidly puts his request to Jesus, "If thou canst do anything... help us." Only to have Jesus throw the ball back in his court, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible."

How this father must have struggled to find the right words, the right response. Finally, through his tears, he gives this confession:

First, he calls Jesus his Lord. He knows Jesus has authority that is not of this world and humbles himself before him. Then he cries out, "I believe!" This is not an arrogant presumption that he has the faith Jesus requires, but a sincere statement of why he came to Jesus in the first place.

Finally, he admits his fear and doubt, and runs to the right place for help: "Help thou mine unbelief." Without realizing it, this father displayed exactly what great faith looks like!

Genuine faith does not trust in one's own ability to believe, to work, or to obey. True faith looks to Christ to fulfill all our gaping inadequacies.

Do you feel yourself doubting? Falling? Giving in? Don't try to hide your struggles or difficulties from Jesus; take them to him, confess them to him, and let his grace supply your every need.

http://baptistbiblehour.org

01/27/2017

Death and Dying

I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness
- Psalm 17:15

God, who is holy and wholly good, cannot countenance even the presence of evil (Habakkuk 1:13). Yet, when believers die they go straight into the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). How can this be?

David by faith says, I will behold thy face in righteousness. Somehow this sinner will -- between the moment of death and the moment of waking in your presence -- be made perfectly and completely righteous. My record will be cleaned, my heart will be chaste, my mind will be pure.

And what does perfection look like? It looks like Jesus Christ. It is the righteousness of Christ which will allow me to stand before the holy face of God. That is why God predestinated his people to be "conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29).

Heaven is, as earth should be, Christ-centered. It is for this reason that David also declares, I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness. The great satisfaction, the great reward, of heaven is experiencing the presence of Christ and being made like to Christ. Heaven is, ultimately, not about being reunited with deceased love ones, or being healed from all sickness -- heaven is all about Jesus.

That is why, in Revelation, the throne of the Lamb is the center of attention; that is why the psalmist writes, "Whom have I in heaven but thee?" (Psalm 73:25). And that is why John was told to write "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord" (Revelation 13:14); only those in Christ are blessed in death.

But those who are in Christ awake in his likeness and in his presence... and therefore to complete and lasting satisfaction.

http://baptistbiblehour.org

01/26/2017

Youth and Old Age

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised
- Psalm 113:3

No matter where you come from, where you live, or where your life may take you, your purpose is the same -- to praise the Lord in all you do, say, and think. From the place of the sunrise, to the horizon where it sets, God is worthy of adoration.

And he deserves our honor no matter the time of day or night. When we are commuting to work in the morning, changing diapers during the day, or doing homework at night we are to do all to the glory of our Savior. May never a day pass that we have not done something to consciously advance the fame of Jesus Christ.

But his name is also to be praised at every stage of life. If you are young and energetic, in the "morning" of your life, God is due your obedience and worship. If you are nearing the sunset of your life, then you have an increasingly powerful witness, as God more and more shows his strength in your weakness.

There is no place, no time, no stage in life in which our great concern should not be to bring glory to our Maker and Savior. Will you praise him right now, right here, in this time of your life and in the place that God has uniquely positioned you for his glory?

http://baptistbiblehour.org

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