Anne Kasus-Jacobi, Ph.D.

---

Summary

My lab currently focuses on two research projects that aim at uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which the cationic antimicrobial protein CAP37 is affecting (1) corneal wound healing and (2) neuroinflammation, with the long-term goal of developing peptide therapeutics for ocular injuries and Alzheimer’s disease.

     In collaboration with Dr. Pereira, we found that the antimicrobial and inflammatory mediator CAP37, and several CAP37-derived antimicrobial peptides could promote corneal wound healing andclearance of corneal infections in vivo. Recently, my lab started to focus on the identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the wound healing activity of CAP37 and CAP37-derived peptides. The goal of this project is the identification of the receptor and intracellular signaling molecules mediating CAP37-induced corneal wound healing.     

     In collaboration with Dr. Pereira, we also explored the potential roles of CAP37 in diseases linked to aging and chronic inflammation. We have shown increased expression of CAP37 in the neurons of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and an effect of CAP37 on two important players of this disease; amyloid beta and the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE). To pursue this line of research, my lab is currently exploring the structural aspects of CAP37’s effects on RAGE and amyloid beta. This project, funded by the Oklahoma COBRE in Structural Biology, was started in 2017.

---

Publications & Presentations

26. Kanan Y, Kasus-Jacobi A, Sawyer K, Mannel D S, Tombran Tink J, Al-Ubaidi M R. An in-vivo assay to identify compounds protective against light induced apoptosis. Springer. 2008

27. Kanan Y, Wicker L D, Al-Ubaidi M R, Mandal N A, Kasus-Jacobi A. Retinol dehydrogenases RDH11 and RDH12 in the mouse retina: expression levels during development and regulation by oxidative stress. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science. 2008; 49 : 1071-8

28. Kanan Y, Kasus-Jacobi A, Moiseyev G, Sawyer K, Ma J X, Al-Ubaidi M R. Retinoid processing in cone and Müller cell lines. Experimental eye research. 2008; 86 : 344-54

29. Kasus-Jacobi A, Birch D G, Anderson R E. Photoreceptor retinol dehydrogenases. An attempt to characterize the function of Rdh11. Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2006; 572 : 505-11

30. Kasus-Jacobi A, Ou J, Birch D G, Locke K G, Shelton J M, Richardson J A, Murphy A J, Valenzuela D M, Yancopoulos G D, Edwards A O. Functional characterization of mouse RDH11 as a retinol dehydrogenase involved in dark adaptation in vivo. The Journal of biological chemistry. 2005; 280 : 20413-20

Grants

16. Antibacterial activity of CAP37 peptides. Non-federal. Start Date: 2016. End Date: 2018.

17. Wound healing mechanisms modulated by novel antimicrobial peptide. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2015. End Date: 2016.

18. Identification of membrane receptor(s) for CAP37 and CAP37-derived chemotactic peptides. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2015. End Date: 2015.

19. Role of CAP37 in Neuroinflammation: Friend or Foe?. State Agency. Start Date: 2012. End Date: 2015.

20. Therapeutic Use of Carcinine in Progressive Retinopathy. State Agency. Start Date: 2010. End Date: 2013.

Awards and Honors

11. NIH/NEI. NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21). Date: 2016.


12. NIH/NIGMS. Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources (OSCTR) Pilot Project Grant. Date: 2016.


13. Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)Health Research Award. Date: 2015.

Education

1. Degree: Ph D. University of Paris XI. Date: 1998.


2. Degree: MS. University of Paris VII. Date: 1993.


3. Degree: BS. University of Paris VII. Date: 1992.

Administrative Assignments

1. Role: Director. Scope: College. Description: Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Development in the Graduate College.Responsibilities:Develop initiatives to establish scholarship funds for graduate students.Organize education seminars and/or workshops for students. Date: 1969.
Read More