Dr. Paul Bertics, Professor
Joined ERP Program: 1988
Department: Biomolecular Chemistry; Faculty Profile
Mailing Address: 571A Medical Sciences Center, 1215 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
Telephone: (608) 262-8667 FAX: (608) 262-5253
Email: pbertics@wisc.edu
Biographical Information:
| Institution | Degree | Date | Area of Study |
| University of CA- Los Angles | B.S. | 1978 | Biochemistry |
| UW-Madison | Ph.D. | 1984 | Physiological Chemistry |
| University of CA- San Diego | Postdoc | 1984-86 | Cell & Molecular Biology |
Professional Experience:
| 8/86-6/96 | Assistant, Associate Prof, Dept. of Biomolecular Chem, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI |
| 7/96-present | ProfessorDept. of Biomolecular Chem., Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI |
| 7/99-present | Chair, Univ. of Wisconsin Medical School Admissions |
| 7/96-present | Chair, Univ. of Wisconsin Medical School Research Committee |
| 6/88-present | Member, Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI |
| 8/89-present | Member, Univ. of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center |
| 8/88-present | Associate Member, Univ. of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, Madison, WI |
| 8/87-present | Member, Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI |
| 2002-present | Cell Signaling Program Leader, UW Comprehensive Cancer Center, UW-Madison |
Honors and Awards:
- University of Wisconsin Medical School Distinguished Teaching Award (2000)
- Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship Award - Univ. of Wisconsin (1991, 1993-2000)
- University of Wisconsin Distinguished Teaching Award-Chancellor's Teaching Award (1997)
- University of Wisconsin Medical School Deans Outstanding Teacher Award (1992)
- Eli Lilly Biochemistry Award (1990)
- Dorothy and Charles Inbusch Award for Meritorious Research (1990)
- March of Dimes Basic O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award (1987)
- Shaw Scholar Award (Milwaukee Foundation) (1987)
- Univ. of California, Los Angeles, Magna cum laude and ‘Highest Honors in Biochemistry (1978)
- The Kellett Mid-Career Professorship Award for Outstanding Research (2006)
Research Statement:
The research program is focused on characterizing the regulation of cell proliferation and function by growth factors, cytokines and bacterial toxins (i.e., endotoxin). Accordingly, this work has direct application to the understanding of the events that are involved in the development of cancer and the mechanisms associated with the immune response that is generated following bacterial infections. The growth factor research has centered on an examination of the structure, regulation and mode of action of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, which is a ligand-activated protein-tyrosine kinase known to be of considerable importance in cell growth control. These studies also entail an analysis of systems that can serve to regulate EGF receptor function, includ ing protein kinase C and growth hormone receptor-mediated pathways. Because abnormal control of the EGF receptor can lead to metastatic cqancer, we have a special interest in the role of the EGF receptor as an anti-cancer target. In particular, our studies have focused on examining how EGF receptor kinase activity can be specified/modulated by direct receptor association with the cellular cytoskeleton, membrane lipid rafts, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and ECM receptors.
In terms of our studies on immune function, our work has centered on analyzing the regulation of two types of leukocytes (white blood cells), namely the macrophage and the eosinophil. Our studies have revealed that the action of nucleotide receptors (ATP/ADP receptors), which are often activated following tissue damage, inflammation and clotting, appear critical for bacterial endotoxin to bring about its biological effects such as macrophage activation, cytokine production, shock and death. Similarly, the function of receptors for the interleukin-5 (IL-5) family of cytokines is essential for eosinophil activation and inflammatory responses associated with the development of diseases such as asthma. Therefore, we are currently assessing the signaling mechanisms associated with endotoxin, IL-5 and nucleotide-mediated immunomodulation, with an emphasis on the structural and functional characterization of the capacity of selected adenine nucleotides to protect animals from endotoxic death.
Current Grant Funding:
| Funding Period | Project |
| 09/01/05-09/01/10 | PI: de Pablo |
| 09/01/00 - 09/01-10 | PI: Bertics NSF - DMR 0079983 Biophotonics Partnership Initiative- Nanodection of Biomolecules |
| 09/01/05 - 09/30/10 | PI: Bertics NSF - DMR0520527 Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSCE) |
| 07/01/06 - 06/30/11 | WARF - Kellett Mid-Career Faculty Research Award |
| 07/01/06 - 06/30/11 | PI: Bertics NIH/NIAID 1 U19A1070503 Mechanisms of Rhinovirus-Induced Exacerbations of Asthma |
| 08/01/06 - 07/31/11 | PI: Bertics |
| 06/01/07 - 05/31/10 | PI: Bertics NIH/NCI Molecular Analysis Using Liquid Crystal Technology |
Former ERP Program Trainees:
- Linda Winston, Ph.D., 12/91
Dissertation: "A role for protein-tyrosine phosphorylation in growth hormone signal transduction"
PubMed Citations
- Ann Gronowski, Ph.D., 12/92
Dissertation:"Interaction of the epidermal growth factor receptor with the cellular cytoskeleton"
PubMed Citations
- Yong-Nyun Kim, Ph.D., 12/99
Dissertation: "Epidermal growth factor-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1"
PubMed Citations
- Benjamin Woods, M.S., 12/04
MS Thesis: "Alterations in cellular cholesterol affect EGF receptor-associated signaling"
PubMed Citation
- Nichole Korpi-Steiner, Ph.D., 12/06
Dissertation: "Mechanisms of cytokine elaboration by human alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells following rhinovirus challenge"
PubMed Citations