2004-2005 APS Porter Physiology Fellows:
Christina Bennett University of Michigan
Ms. Bennett studies how Wnt protein-activated signaling pathways direct stem cells to develop into bone rather than fat. Her lab has discovered that activation of Wnt signaling inhibits differentiation of fat cells and prevents obesity in mice. Currently, she is testing whether Wnt signaling results in fewer fat cells and more bone forming cells in the marrow cavity. This work may provide a new target for preventing the bone loss associated with aging and/or menopause.
Adrienne Bratcher University of Louisville School of Medicine
Ms. Bratcher is conducting research in the area of hypertension. She is investigating the effects of increased dietary salt intake on microcirculation. Her research will give insight on the mechanism of hypertension due to high levels of salt.
Jessica Clark University of Arizona
The focus of Ms. Clark's research is epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its role in protecting the intestine against a disease that affects premature babies, called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Her lab has shown that supplementing EGF into infant formula reduces the incidence and severity of NEC in neonatal rats. There is currently no preventative treatment for NEC, so by better understanding the mechanisms of how EGF protects the intestine, this research may provide the basis for futu
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Contact: Stacy Brooks
sbrooks@the-aps.org
301-634-7253
American Physiological Society
30-Aug-2004