Section: Rotations

Robert Zurier, M.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Medicine
   Rheumatology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Cell Biology
   Pathology

Potential Rotation Projects

Project #1: Effects of Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Leucocyte Activation
Interest in the role of fatty acids in cell function is increasing, but knowledge of mechanisms of action of fatty acids is scant. We have shown that 2 fatty acids in particular - gammalinolenic acid (GLA), and dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA, the precursor of the antiinflammatory eicosanoid prostaglandin E1) suppress IL-1ß and IL-2 gene expression and production, and IL-2 driven T cell proliferation. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms whereby GLA and DGLA influence monocyte and lymphocyte activation are being investigated.

Project #2: Influence of Cannabinoid Acids on Human T Cell and Monocyte Activation
We are also exploring the mechanisms whereby non-psychoactive cannabinoid acids induce apoptosis of T cells, and reduce monocyte activation.

Office: LRB 240
Phone: 508-856-6246
E-mail: Robert.Zurier@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Autoimmunity, Clinical Research, Animal Models of Disease, Gene Expression, Inflammation/Inflammatory Diseases

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