Marianthi Kiriakidou, M.D.
Marianthi Kiriakidou, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Department: Medicine
Graduate Group Affiliations
Contact information
752 BRB II/III
421 CURIE BLVD
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104
421 CURIE BLVD
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104
Office: 215 573-6639
Fax: 215 573-7599
Fax: 215 573-7599
Email:
kiriakim@uphs.upenn.edu
kiriakim@uphs.upenn.edu
Education:
M.D.
Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine. Thessaloniki, Greece, 1992.
Permanent linkM.D.
Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine. Thessaloniki, Greece, 1992.
Description of Research Expertise
Animal microRNAs and ArgonauteRNA interference (RNAi) operates as a mechanism of innate immunity in plants, drosophila and C. elegans and depends on double stranded RNA and proteins of the Argonaute family. RNAi, programmed by exogenous small RNAs (siRNAs), is a powerful tool for gene-specific studies. The function of endogenous mammalian siRNAs, expressed primarily in oocytes, remains elusive.
The microRNA pathway intersects with the RNAi pathway and regulates gene expression in plants and animals. Mammalian microRNAs bind directly to Argonaute proteins (Ago1-4), providing target specificity to the regulatory function of Ago complexes. The mechanisms by which Agos regulate gene expression are not completely understood. Research in our lab focuses on the biology of Ago proteins. We are studying the expression, regulation and function of Agos using human and mouse cell lines and primary cells, mouse models and in vitro systems.
microRNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
microRNAs are involved in numerous biological processes and their expression is differentially regulated in human disease. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is a prototype systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production and tissue deposition of immune complexes. The SLE immunopathology is characterized by aberrant B and T cell functions and interactions.
We are studying the role of microRNAs in pathways contributing to characteristic B and T cell phenotypes and organ damage in SLE using microRNA KO models and mouse lupus models (congenic and induced). We also use synthetic inhibitors for microRNA silencing in vivo, to complement our genetic studies and to investigate potential use of microRNA inhibitors in SLE therapeutics.
Description of Clinical Expertise
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Autoimmune Interstitial Lung disease, Scleroderma/Systemic Sclerosis, Rheumatoid ArthritisSelected Publications
Tan GS, Chiu C, Garchow BG, Metzler D, Diamond SL, Kiriakidou M.: Small Molecule Inhibition of RISC Loading. ACS Chen Biol. Nov 2011 Notes: [Epub ahead of print]Garchow Barry G, Encinas Oscar Bartulos, Leung Yiu Tak, Tsao Patricia Y, Eisenberg Robert A, Caricchio Roberto, Obad Susanna, Petri Andreas, Kauppinen Sakari, Kiriakidou Marianthi: Silencing of microRNA-21 in vivo ameliorates autoimmune splenomegaly in lupus mice. EMBO molecular medicine 3(10): 605-15, Oct 2011.
Grace GS, Garchow BG, Xuhang L, Metzler D, Kiriakidou M.: Clarifying mammalian RISC assembly in vitro. BMC Mol Biol. 12(1): 19, Apr 2011.
Tan Grace S, Garchow Barry G, Liu Xuhang, Yeung Jennifer, Morris John P, Cuellar Trinna L, McManus Michael T, Kiriakidou Marianthi: Expanded RNA-binding activities of mammalian Argonaute 2. Nucleic acids research 37(22): 7533-45, Dec 2009.
Kiriakidou Marianthi, Tan Grace S, Lamprinaki Styliani, De Planell-Saguer Mariangels, Nelson Peter T, Mourelatos Zissimos: An mRNA m7G cap binding-like motif within human Ago2 represses translation. Cell 129(6): 1141-51, Jun 2007.