Andrew Russo, Ph.D. (Full Member)
Member, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, University of Iowa
Professor, Dept of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa
Director, Biosciences Program, University of Iowa

http://www.physiology.uiowa.edu/faculty/Russo.htm

Research Interest    

Dr. Russo's primary research interest is the control of neuronal gene expression, with the long-term goal of developing effective gene therapy and diagnostic strategies for trigeminovascular disorders that involve calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). The Russo laboratory has found that the CGRP gene is up-regulated by MAP kinases in trigeminovascular disorders and repressed by the antimigraine drugs that appear to act via an unusually prolonged calcium signal. The laboratory is currently investigating these mechanisms using adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to cultured trigeminal neurons, as well as to the intact ganglion via the mouse whisker pad. The group is using this system to study CGRP gene expression in response to the application of inflammatory cytokines and transduction with viral vectors that encode RNAi molecules and regulatory proteins, such as MAP kinase phosphatases. At the same time the laboratory is using gene transfer to increase CGRP receptor activity in the mouse. These mice are sensitized to CGRP actions and display a remarkable resilience to angiotensin II-induced hypertension. In addition, mice with elevated receptor levels in only the nervous system show a strikingly lean phenotype. Ultimately, the group would like to be able to regulate CGRP levels and receptor activation as a therapeutic strategy for trigeminovascular disorders. Additional projects in Dr. Russo's laboratory include the use of the CGRP promoter to selectively target gene expression.

Selected Publications:

Zhang, Z, Dickerson IM, Russo AF (2006) Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor activation by receptor activity-modifying protein-1 gene transfer to vascular smooth muscle cells. Endocrinology 147:1932-1940

Bowen EJ, Schmidt TW, Firm CS, Russo AF, Durham PL (2006) Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide expression and secretion from rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. J Neurochem 96:65-77

Zhang Z, Firm CS, Marquez de Prado B, Russo AF (2007) Sensitization of CGRP receptors by receptor activity-modifying protein-1 in the trigeminal ganglion. J. Neurosci 27: 2693-2703

Park, K.Y., and Russo, A.F. (2008) Control of the Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide Enhancer by Upstream Stimulatory Factor in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons. J Biol Chem 283:5441-5451.

Publications from Gene Therapy Center

Publications from PubMed