n Mariana Linker-Israeli, Ph.D., Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Research Institute, Los Angeles

Morteza Setareh, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Research Molecular Biologist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, received $38,000 for a project studying the molecular make-up of genes and the mechanism whereby an autoimmune response is triggered as in arthritis, lupus and other rheumatic diseases. The project involves identification and characterization of the molecular interaction of intracellular signaling proteins in the study of aberrant T-Cell activation, which has been shown to play a major role in triggering autoimmune diseases. With the information generated in the proposed work, Dr. Setareh believes they may be able to ultimately devise new therapies targeted at the signaling

molecules. Understanding the regulation of these intracellular proteins is the key area for mapping the intricate events leading to the abnormal function of T cells.

Dr. Setareh received his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1993 and is currently finishing his postdoctoral training in Dr. Martin Lotz’s laboratory at the Scripps Research Institute.

Arunan Kaliyaperumal, Ph.D., of the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, received $38,000 to study the etiologic mechanism of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) and design an autoantigen-specific therapy to block the autoimmune response in Lupus. These theories will be tested in the laboratory using lupus-prone mice.

Dr. Kaliyaperumal received his Ph.D. in 1992 at the National Institute of Immunology (India), was a Research Associate from 1992-94 at the University of Chicago (Dr. Jeffrey Bluestone’s laboratory) and, currently, is a Research Associate at Northwestern University in Dr. Syamal Datta’s laboratory.

Mariana Linker-Israeli, Ph.D., of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, received $38,000 for a project examining the cellular and molecular characteristics of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus). The multiple genes that are involved in Lupus have yet to be defined. By identifying the pathogenic factors in Lupus and by studying the susceptibility genes involved, Dr. Linker-Israeli hopes to devise screening methods and targeted regimens of therapy.

Dr. Linker-Israeli received her Ph.D. in 1972 from the Weizman Institute of Science, did Postdoctoral work at Cal Tech, was a Research Associate at the University of Southern California and, currently, is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at UCLA.

The Arthritis National Research Foundation has been funding arthritis and rheumatic disease research since 1952. Based in Long Beach, California, ANRF disseminates information to the public and physicians on current research through a quarterly newsletter. Grants are awarded on an annual basis. Proposals are peer-reviewed by the Medical Committee of the Board of Directors, as well as NIH-level expert scientists and physicians in the field.

"The Arthritis National Research Foundation is extremely proud to fund such worthwhile scientists who are studying the causes of and new therapies for these autoimmune diseases," said ANRF Board President, Gale Granger, Ph.D., of the University of California, Irvine.