Elizabeth Erickson
IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow
NHGRI, National Institute of Health
Bethesda, MD
Email:elizabeth.erickson@nih.gov
Education:
Molecular Medicine and Translational Science PhD 2004-2012
Graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in Biology from Carleton College in Minnesota.
Advisor: Richard Loeser, M.D.: Internal Medicine (Molecular Medicine)
Current Research:
The focus of my research is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mediating cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). More specifically, I am studying the a5ß1 integrin intracellular signaling pathway in chondrocytes that results in an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), or cartilage ECM degrading enzymes, when stimulated. We have recently shown that endogenous ROS are required for a5ß1 integrin stimulated MMP production. Currently, I am working to identify the redox sensitive signaling protein in this pathway that is oxidized directly by ROS and the mechanism by which this occurs. This investigation will help to clarify the molecular basis of OA development.
Honors and Awards:
2004 The Carleton College Pat Lamb award
2000-2003 AVCA(American Volleyball Coaches Association) All Academic Award
Grant Support:
2008 – current Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
F31 AG032796-01 Erickson (PI)
NIH/NIA
Elucidating the JNK2-mediated redox regulation of cartilage matrix
remodeling
2006 – 2007 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award
T32 GM063485 McPhail (PI)
NIH/NIGMS
Training Program in Molecular Medicine
2004 - 2005 Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award
NIH NHGRI
Recent Publications:
Loeser, R.F., Erickson, E.A., and Long, D.L. 2008. Mitogen activated protein kinases as therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis. Curr. Opin. Rheumatol. 20(5): 581-586.
Del Carlo, M., Schwartz, D., Erickson, E.A., and R. F. Loeser. The endogenous production of reactive oxygen species is required for stimulation of human articular chondrocyte MMP production by fibronectin fragments. Free Rad. Bio. Med. 2007 May 1;42(9):1350-8.
Publications:
For a listing of additional publications, refer to PubMed, a service provided by the National Library of Medicine.