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Christopher
M. Reilly, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor / Discipline Chair for Physiology
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Tele: 540-231-5345
Fax: 540-231-5252
Email: creilly@vcom.vt.edu |
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Discipline: |
Physiology |
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Education: |
| 1991 |
University of New Mexico |
B.S. |
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| 1997 |
Medical
College of Georgia |
Ph.D. |
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| 2000 |
Medical
University of South Carolina |
Post
Doctoral Research
Fellowship |
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Currently Teaching: |
Endocrine, reproduction and renal physiology |
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Current
Research: |
The
etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains an enigma
although
genetic factors influenced by environmental
agents appear to trigger the disease. Studies of inflammatory diseases
and specifically lupus nephritis are enhanced by the availability
of murine models. One such model of SLE is the MRL/lpr mouse. Autoantibodies
produced by these mice are similar in spectrum to those seen in human
lupus including anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and anti-Sm antibodies.
MRL/lpr mice develop glomerulonephritis and vasculitis at an early
age (4-5 months). In MRL/lpr lupus mice, kidney infiltrating T cells
secrete IFN-gamma, which in turn, induces the expression of CSF-1
and TNF-alpha within the kidney recruiting monocytes and activating
resident
glomerular mesangial cells to produce cytokines and inflammatory
mediators such as IL1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-12, reactive oxygen species,
and nitric oxide (NO). The ongoing IFN-gamma mediated inflammation
in proliferative lupus nephritis suggests that targeting downstream
effects of IFN-gamma e.g. IRF-1 and IFR-2 may prevent macrophage
and mesangial cell activation and suppress the inflammatory cascade
observed
in lupus nephritis. Using MRL/lpr mice we target signal transduction
pathways responsible for the inflammatory response to determine the
effect of targeting specific genes to elucidate the inflammatory
cascade. In another project we have identified a group of compounds,
histone deacetylase inhibitors (HID's), that act to inhibit
cell proliferation and activation. Using our MRL/lpr mouse model,
we are examining the efficacy of HDI administration for the treatment
in lupus nephritis. |
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Current Academic
and
Clinical Service: |
Currently
teaching autoimmunity at Virginia Tech Graduate School |
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Graduate and Medical School Advisor |
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Professional
and
Community Activities: |
Via Wellness |
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Special Olympics |
