Kathleen E. Sullivan
Professor of Pediatrics
Department: Pediatrics
Graduate Group Affiliations
Contact information
Division of Allergy and Immunology
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
3615 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
3615 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Office: (215) 590-1697
Fax: 267-426-0363
Fax: 267-426-0363
Email:
sullivak@mail.med.upenn.edu
sullivak@mail.med.upenn.edu
Publications
Education
B.A., M.A. (Biophysics)
Johns Hopkins University, 1980.
M.D.
University of California at San Francisco, 1988.
Ph.D. (Immunology & Biochemistry)
University of California at San Francisco, 1988.
B.A., M.A. (Biophysics)
Johns Hopkins University, 1980.
M.D.
University of California at San Francisco, 1988.
Ph.D. (Immunology & Biochemistry)
University of California at San Francisco, 1988.
Post-Graduate Training
Fellowship, Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1990-1993.
Intern in Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, 1988-1989.
Resident in Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, 1989-1990.
Fellowship, Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1990-1993.
Intern in Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, 1988-1989.
Resident in Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, 1989-1990.
Certifications
Board Certified in Clinical and Laboratory Immunology, 1997.
Board Certified in Pediatric Rheumatology, 1994.
Board Certified in Pediatrics, 1993.
Recertified in Pediatrics, 2008.
Recertified in Pediatric Rheumatology, 2008.
Permanent linkBoard Certified in Clinical and Laboratory Immunology, 1997.
Board Certified in Pediatric Rheumatology, 1994.
Board Certified in Pediatrics, 1993.
Recertified in Pediatrics, 2008.
Recertified in Pediatric Rheumatology, 2008.
Description of Research Expertise
Research InterestsThe etiopathogenesis of lupus and the regulation of genes involved in inflammation.
Research Summary
We are interested in genes that control inflammation and specifically in the role of these genes in inflammatory disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Crohn's disease. Over-expression of TNF is a characteristic of most inflammatory diseases and anti-TNF antibody treatment is a valuable strategy. By understanding the regulation of TNF expression, we hope to develop strategies which would allow resetting of the TNF locus such that production is normalized.
A variety of techniques are used in the lab to understand the genetics of SLE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation is used to define the epigenetic status of a given locus and micrococcal nuclease is used to define nucleosome positions. Additional studies of chromatin as a dynamic modulator of gene expression are planned and we will continue to define the variables that are important in the development of lupus.
Selected Publications
Piliero LM, Sanford AN, McDonald-McGinn DM, Zackai EH, Sullivan KE: T cell homeostasis in humans with thymic hypoplasia due to chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Blood 103: 1020-1024, 2004.Sullivan KE, Jawad AF, Piliero LP, Luan X, Goldman D, Petri M: Analysis of polymorphisms affecting immune complex handling in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology 42: 446-452, 2003.
Douglas SD, Durako S, Sullivan KE, Camarca M, Moscicki AB, Wilson CM: Cytokine mRNA and Protein for TH1 and TH2 Cytokines in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Youths. Clin Diag Labor Immunol 2003: 399-404, 2003.
Lee JY, Kim NA, Sanford A, Sullivan KE: Histone acetylation and chromatin conformation are regulated separately at the TNF alpha promoter in monocytes and macrophages. J Leukocyte Biol 73: 862-871, 2003.
Perez EE, Bokszczanin A, McDonald-McGinn D, Zackai EH, Sullivan KE : The safety of live viral vaccines in patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Pediatr 112: e325-e327, 2003.
Tavani F, Zimmerman RA, Berry GT, Sullivan K, Gatti R, Bingham P: Ataxia-telangiectasia: the pattern of cerebellar atrophy on MRI. Neurorad 45: 315-319, 2003.
Lawrence S, McDonald-McGinn DM, Zacaki E, Sullivan KE: Thrombocytopenia in patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Pediatr 143: 277-278, 2003.
Forton AC, Petri MA, Goldman D, Sullivan KE: An osteopontin (SPP1) polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Human Mutation 19: 459 (online), 2002.
Kilpatrick LE, Lee JY, Haines KM, Campbell D, Sullivan KE, Korchak HM: A role for PKC-delta and PI3-kinase in TNF alpha mediated anti-apoptotic signaling in the human neutrophil. Am J Phys Cell Phys 283: C48-57, 2002.
Werth VP, Callan JP, Ang G, Sullivan KE: Associations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and HLA polymorphisms with adult dermatomyositis: implications for a unique pathogenesis. J Invest Dermatol 119: 617-620, 2002.
