Jacquelyn Gorman, Ph.D.

The intricate relationship between genetics and environmental factors, such as viral infections, plays a role in the development of autoimmune disease. The immune system performs a delicate balancing act to protect one’s body from pathogens, while also limiting the risk of attacking its own cells and ultimately developing autoimmunity. However, the switch from protection to harm can still occur, and the reasons for it remain unclear. Our research is focused on understanding how and why this switch occurs, since it can lead to autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genes that are linked to specific autoimmune diseases. Even though GWAS highlights potentially important genes in autoimmunity, it does not provide a functional relationship between a gene and its associated disease. Many questions remain about how these genes are involved in disease induction, onset, and progression. Specifically, we are focused on identifying the functions of the genetic variants that either predispose or protect an individual from autoimmune diseases. Studying the altered activity of the genetic variants will provide information to help develop new diagnostics and therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune pathogenesis involves the sophisticated coordination of genetic and environmental factors. A crucial cornerstone of the network between genetics, the environment, and autoimmunity has been shown to be anti-viral immunity. Further, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked anti-viral immunity to autoimmune diseases. This highlights the balancing act that the immune system has to perform in trying to defend against a pathogen, while restricting the risk of breaking tolerance. However, how and why the switch from protection to injury occurs still remains to be elucidated.

The research in my laboratory focuses on defining mechanisms of autoimmune pathogenesis by genetic variants. We are particularly interested in investigating the relationship between interferons, viruses, and autoimmune disease. We use a multi-model system approach to examine the mechanisms underlying autoimmunity. Our primary focus will be on type 1 diabetes (T1D), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Ultimately, our long term goal is to illuminate the mechanisms behind autoimmune pathogenesis which will lead to the development of novel therapies and diagnostics for autoimmune diseases.

Education
Ph.D., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 2012
B.S., Kent State University, Kent, OH, 2006

Honors & Awards
2018   Selected to attend Master Class in the SLE Basic and Clinical Sciences
2017   Keystone Symposium Scholarship-Type I Interferon: Friend and Foe Alike
2016   AAI Trainee Abstract Award
2016   Fellow and Resident Research Day Award, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
2015   Fellow and Resident Research Day Award, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
2006   Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Kent State University
2002   Valedictorian of Athens Area High School

Joined OMRF Scientific Staff in 2019

Coming soon

Arthritis & Immunology Research Program, MS 53
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
825 N.E. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Phone: (405) 271-4947, 271-4957
Fax: (405) 271-7063
E-mail: Jacquelyn-gorman@omrf.org