Dr. Jyoti Watters, Assistant Professor
Joined ERP Program: 2002
Department: Comparative Biosciences
Mailing Address: 2015 Linden Dr.
Telephone: (608) 262-1016 FAX: (608) 263-3926
E-mail: jjwatters@facstaff.wisc.edu
Background:
| Institution | Degree | Date | Field of Study |
| University of Arizona, Tuscon | B.S. | 1990 | Microbiology/ Immunology |
| University of Washington, Seattle | Ph.D. | 1997 | Pharmacology |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Post Doc. | 1998-2002 | Biochemistry/ Biomolecular Chemistry |
Professional Experience:
| 1990-1992 | Research Technoligist, University of Washington, Vetran's Administration Hospital |
| 1992-1997 | Graduate Student, University of Washington, Seattle |
| 1998-2001 | Post-doctoral Associate, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison with Dr. Jack Gorski |
| 1999-2002 | NIH Post-doctoral Fellow (8/99-7/01), Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison with Dr. Paul Bertics |
| 2002- Current | Center for Women's Health and Women's Health Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| 2002- Current | Assistant Professor, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine |
Professional Memberships:
- Endocrine Society
- Society for Neuroscience
- Women in Endocrinology
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
Honors & Awards:
- Honors B.S. Cum Laude, University of Arizona, 1990
- NIH Predoctoral Fellow, University of Washington, 1993-1996
- Endocrine Society Travel Award 1999
- NIH Postdoctoral Felllow, (National Cancer Institute) University of Wisconsin, 8/99-7/01
- Nominated as a new investigator to attend the Society for Women's Health Research Conference 2000, 2001,2002
- Nominated to become a member of the managing editorial board of Frontiers in Bioscience 2001
Research Statement:
My research interests are thus centered around the molecular mechanisms employed by microglia that result in the gender-specific production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/agents that are ultimately involved inthe inflammation and neurotoxicity associated with diseases and disorders of the CNS. Because women often have a higher incidence or predisposition to certain immune and neurodegenerative disorders than men, I have particular interest in investigating the role of estrogens in microglial cell production of inflammatory mediators. The focus of my studies will thus revolve around investigating the effects that adenine nucleotides and estrogens exert on microglial cell MAPK activation (e.g. p38, JNKs, ERKs) which ultimately ntrolsmicroglial cell activity and their production of inflammatory mediators. My initial studies will utilize the microglial cell lines BV-2 and N9, to identify molecular targets of estrogen and nucleotide action. Subsequent studies will involve the use of primary microglial cells derived from estrogen receptor knockout mice as well as mice possessing genetic aberrations in nucleotide receptors important for microglial cell function (i.e P2X7).
Former ERP Trainees
- Ann Baker, M.S., 12/04
Current Grant Funding:
| Funding Period | Project |
| 06/01/05 to 05/31/10 | J. Watters (PI) NIH 5 R01 NS049033-02 Microglia Adenine Nucleotides and Hypoxia |