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Stephen C. Pelsue, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research Interests
1. Molecular genetics of lymphocyte regulation in autoimmunity
The focus of this program is to define the molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity. In particular I am interested in defining the molecular interactions that regulate development and activation of lymphocytes. With the recent discovery of the genetic defect in flaky skin mice the new focus of the lab is to define the functional role of the Ttc7 gene in lymphocyte development, activation, and autoimmunity. While we do not know what the function of this gene is we have evidence that this gene is associated with the regulation of lymphocyte function. This has lead me to develop the following hypothesis: the Ttc7 gene is a negative-regulator of B-lymphocyte activation. I believe that this new autoimmunity gene may shed light on how normal autoreactive B-lymphocytes are kept in check and may identify potential therapeutic targets for human systemic autoimmune diseases.
This project is supported by:
2. Mechanisms of environmentally induced inflammation regulated by B-lymphocytes
These studies are focused on characterizing the molecular events associated with B-lymphocyte exposure to arsenic. This is a new area of research developed through my association with the Maine Center for Toxicology & Environmental Health here at USM. Based on our characterization of the response of B cell lines to arsenic exposure we have determined that growth of B-lymphocytes is inhibited by low-dose arsenic exposure. In comparison to a macrophage cell line the B cell lines are 5-fold more sensitive. We are furthering these studies by characterizing the effect on B cell development and activation as well as examining specific signaling pathways that are affected by low-dose arsenic exposure. We are focused on low dose exposures as a model for human exposure to arsenic in drinking water, a particularly important issue for Maine residents that use well water as their primary water source. Our guiding hypothesis for these studies is that low dose arsenic exposure results in chronic inflammation that is mediated by B-lymphocytes which may promote several heath concerns including cancer and hypersensitivity.
This project is supported by:
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