Derek Pappas, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Neurology
University of California San Francisco
(415) 476-3136
Education and Training
- 1993-1997 B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA.
- 1997-2005 Ph.D. Candidate, Cell Biology. Department of Cell Biology, Yale University
Awards and Honors
- 1997-1998 Sterling Graduate Fellowship, Yale University
- 1997 Cum Laude, Boston University
Research experience
- 1994-1997 Boston University - Dr. Dean Tolan, Ph.D.
- 1997-1998 Yale University, Cell Biology - Dr. Ira Mellman, Ph.D.
- 1997-1998 Yale University, Molecular Physiology - Dr. Michael Caplan, M.D., Ph.D.
- 1998-2002 Bristol-Myers Squibb, Protein Biochemistry Group - Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Ph.D.
- 2002-2005 Yale University, Experimental Pathology - Dr. David Rimm, M.D., Ph.D.
Research interest
Key words: Multiple Sclerosis, Microarrays, Relevance Networks, Transcriptomics, Neuroprotection, Chemogenomics
The mechanism of interferon-β is incompletely understood. Using microarray technology and dynamical systems modeling, I'm interested in defining transcriptional networks induced by interferon-β. Rather than the traditional reductionist approach, the expectation is by using biological systems, we will gain a greater understanding of whole system changes. This in turn may lead to more strategically conceived and refined targets for pharmacological intervention, thus more effective therapies.
I am also interested in how neuroprotective agents evoke responses in neurons. The efforts are to better understand the underlying mechanisms of protection and map the transcriptional fingerprints that are associated with more efficacious neuroprotective interventions.
Other
Recent Publications
Pappas, D.J. and Rimm, D.L. Direct interaction of F-actin and alpha-catenin is necessary for the strong state of cell adhesion. Manuscript Submitted.