Anne Kasus-Jacobi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Campus: OKC
Office: CPB200
(405) 271-1484
(405) 271-7505
anne-kasus-jacobi@ou.edu
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 Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers 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 CAP37s effects on RAGE and amyloid beta. This project, funded by the Oklahoma COBRE in Structural Biology, was started in 2017.