UC Davis researcher receives grant for groundbreaking arthritis research7734617

Iannis Adamopoulos, a UC Davis researcher which specializes in skeletal and immune-system diseases, may be selected as a possible Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) Scholar and Sontag Foundation Fellow. Adamopoulos get a grant of $75,000 to further his promising research on arthritis rheumatoid. One of 13 ANRF scholars, he's the one awardee being identified by the Sontag Foundation. ANRF is one of a small selection of tax deductible charities focusing on Arthritis Research.

"We are delighted to name Dr. Adamopoulos because the Sontag Foundation Fellow for 2011," said philanthropist and Sontag Foundation President Rick Sontag. "His work may give you the next breakthrough to finally end the debilitating ailment that plagued my mother for 37 many ended her lifetime." Adamopoulos, an assistant professor of internal medicine, learned that an immune cytokine called interleukin 23 (IL-23) is really a key regulator of joint inflammation and bone destruction. His finding that abnormal expression of IL-23 causes severe arthritis and bone loss in mice was recently confirmed in human cells. The next thing in the studies to look for the potential of IL-23 inhibitors as arthritis treatments. "Dr. Adamopoulos is shifting the main focus of arthritis research and bone health investigations toward immune-system cells not previously recognized as significant," said Timothy Albertson, acting chair in the Department of Internal Medicine at UC Davis. "This change may well possess a profound impact on expanding therapeutic choices for those whose arthritis can't be managed with current treatments. It's admirable how the ANRF and Sontag Foundation have the insight to recognize his innovative work." Just before joining UC Davis this year, Adamopoulos conducted drug discovery research at Schering-Plough Biopharma in Palo Alto, Calif. He holds a B.Sc. honors degree in the University of Surrey, an M.Phil. from University College London as well as a D.Phil. in the University of Oxford, Wolfson College, where he received a scholarship for research on inflammatory arthritis. Situated in Long Beach, Calif., the ANRF provides research grants to outstanding, early-career scientists that are becoming leading researchers in rheumatic disease, autoimmunity and inflammation with the objective of finding new treating debilitating, chronic diseases. The ANRF's highly competitive, NIH-level review process -- conducted by its Scientific Advisory Board -- helps to ensure that only top-tier applicants and projects are funded. Each year, the Sontag Foundation fully funds the grant of the ANRF-selected researcher who's studying rheumatoid arthritis. For additional info on the best way to make online donations visit curearthritis.org. The [http://www.blackplanet.com/your_page/blog/view_posting.html?pid=1798043&profile_id=64761919&profile_name=mosque6maple&user_id=64761919&username=mosque6maple&preview=1 is among the nation's leading medical schools, renowned for its research and primary-care programs. The institution offers fully accredited master's degree programs in public places health and in informatics, and its particular combined M.D.-Ph.D. program is training the next generation of physician-scientists to conduct high-impact research and translate discoveries into better clinical care. As well as as being a recognized leader in medical research, the teachers is devoted to serving under served communities and advancing rural health.