2009 Faculty Researchers

Susan McKarns, Ph.D.

Epigenetic regulation of immunological tolerance

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Department

Surgery and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Office Location

Medical Sciences Building, Rm. NW300

Phone #:

Office: (573) 884-1400

Summary

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ) is a key regulator of immune homeostasis. Dysregulated TGFβ signaling is associated with autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and cancer. TGFβ signals are orchestrated from cell surface receptors and integrate with T cell receptor, co-stimulatory, and cytokine signaling pathways. This integration of signaling allows for a diversity of responses from multiple cell types and environmental factors, including diet, pharmaceuticals, UV irradiation, and chemical exposure.

Environmental factors can alter gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. The goal of this project is gain a molecular mechanistic understanding of how TGFβ signaling integrates with epigenetic modifications to regulate transcription of genes that are key for regulating CD4 T cell differentiation and effector function. It is our hope that insights gained from this research will be instrumental in the development of new therapeutics and the prevention of multiple immune-mediated diseases.