• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation | OMRF

OMRF is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to discoveries that make a difference.

  • About
    • General Information
    • Disease Research
    • Education & Outreach
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
  • Science
    • Scientist Directory
    • Research Programs
    • Research Centers
    • Core Facilities
    • Scientific Publications
    • Scientific Seminars
    • Technology Ventures
  • News
    • Media Resources
    • OMRF in the Media
    • OMRF News
    • OMRF Publications
    • OMRF Videos
    • Dr. Prescott’s Columns
  • Patients
    • Lupus (SLE)
    • MBTPS1 Related Disorders
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Sarcoidosis
    • Sjögren’s Syndrome
    • Other Autoimmune Disorders
  • Donate
    • Donate Now
    • Tax Credit
    • Planned Giving
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Why We Give
    • Your Gift at Work
    • Donor Recognition
    • Contact
  • My 101
  • Research
  • Brief CV
  • Publications
  • Contact
  • News
Home - Science - Scientist Directory - McEver, Rodger P.

Rodger P. McEver, M.D.

OMRF Vice President of Research

Adjunct Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

← Back

My 101

In my lab, we study how circulating blood cells attach to blood vessel surfaces at sites of tissue injury or infection. Substances released at these sites direct the endothelial cells that line blood vessels to display “adhesion molecules.” These molecules enable circulating white blood cells, or leukocytes, to roll along the vessel surface. The rolling cells then slow to a stop and then crawl between the endothelial cells into the tissues, where they destroy invading microbes. This process is known as inflammation. Similarly, circulating platelets use adhesion molecules to roll along tissues that are exposed when blood vessels are disrupted. The platelets then stop and form clumps to slow hemorrhage and promote blood clotting.  Inflammation and blood clotting are often linked. Indeed, leukocytes sometimes roll on and then stick to blood platelets. Excessive inflammation and blood clotting contribute towards many diseases, including heart attacks, stroke, dysfunction of transplanted organs, deep vein thrombosis, and sickle cell crisis.

Three adhesion molecules, called selectins, direct the initial rolling of leukocytes on endothelial cells and platelets. Our lab discovered one of the selectins, which is displayed on both endothelial cells and platelets, and also discovered its interacting partner, or ligand, on leukocytes. Examination of the molecular details of how selectins bind to their ligands has suggested means to inhibit these interactions in disease. We also collaborate with bioengineers to study how cellular and molecular features adjust to complex fluid dynamics to facilitate blood cell adhesion under flow. This work involves sophisticated video microscopy to visualize cell adhesion in flow chambers that mimic the conditions in the circulation.

Finally, my lab has generated a variety of genetically engineered mice in which key adhesion or signaling molecules have been deleted or modified. These mice provide powerful tools for investigating molecular function in models of inflammation or blood clotting in living animals.

Research

During responses to infection and tissue injury, circulating leukocytes and platelets adhere to each other and to the endothelial surface of blood vessels. Dysregulated adhesion of these cells contributes to thrombotic and inflammatory disorders. Leukocytes first tether to and then roll on vascular surfaces, a prerequisite for the subsequent arrest and then migration of the cells into the underlying tissues.

Tethering and rolling require rapid interaction of three related cell adhesion molecules called selectins with glycosylated cell-surface ligands. These interactions must withstand the forces applied to adherent cells by the wall shear stresses in the circulation. We discovered a sialomucin called PSGL-1, which is the major ligand on leukocytes for P-selectin and L-selectin and which also binds to E-selectin.

We have identified a number of molecular and cellular features that govern how selectins bind to their glycoconjugate ligands. These include the extension of binding domains above the cell surface, the clustering of selectins or their ligands through interactions of the cytosolic domains with clathrin-coated pits or the cytoskeleton and the dynamic extension and retraction of long, thin membrane tethers during rolling adhesion. We discovered that different levels of force affect the lifetimes of selectin-ligand bonds in a biphasic manner. Low forces prolong lifetimes (catch bonds), whereas higher forces shorten lifetimes (slip bonds). Catch bonds help explain the paradoxical requirement for a minimum flow rate to support cell adhesion mediated through L-selectin.

Studies with gene-targeted mice have a identified a novel role for PSGL-1 in mediating tethering of flowing leukocytes to E-selectin on inflamed vascular surfaces, a function for core 1-derived O-glycans in angiogenesis during development, and an unexpected contribution of cytokine receptors in bone marrow endothelial cells for hematopoiesis.

We are using biochemical and crystallographic approaches to further refine the structural features involved in selectin-ligand interactions, flow chambers to study the biophysical features required for selectins to support cell interactions under flow and a variety of gene-targeted mice to study the functions of selectins, PSGL-1, glycosyltransferases and cytokine receptors in vivo. Our long-term goal is to understand how lectin-carbohydrate interactions in the vasculature contribute to inflammation, hemostasis and hematopoiesis.

Brief CV

Education
B.A., Yale University (cum laude), 1970
M.D., University of Chicago, 1974

Honors and Awards
1986-1991 NIH Research Career Development Award
1986 elected to American Society for Clinical Investigation
1993 Regents’ Award for Superior Accomplishment in Research and Creative Activity, University of Oklahoma
1994 elected to Association for American Physicians
1997 Investigator Recognition Award, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
1997 NIH Merit Award
1998 George Lynn Cross Research Professor, University of Oklahoma
2000 elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
2001 Fred Jones Distinguished Scientist, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
2001 elected Fellow of the American Heart Association
2008 Edward L. and Thelma Gaylord Prize for Scientific Achievement

Other Activities
Past or present service on editorial boards for Journal of Clinical Investigation, Blood, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and Journal of Biological Chemistry; reviewer for several other journals and publications; review committees and study sections for the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association and other.

Joined OMRF Scientific Staff in 1987.

Publications

View more publications

Recent Publications

Hoover CM, Kondo Y, Shao B, McDaniel M, Lee R, McGee S, Whiteheart SW, Bergmeier W, McEver RP, Xia L. Heightened activation of embryonic megakaryocytes causes aneurysms in the developing brain of mice lacking podoplanin. Blood, 2021 February, PMID: 33619517

Bergstrom K, Shan X, Casero D, Batushansky A, Lagishetty V, Jacobs JP, Hoover C, Kondo Y, Shao B, Gao L, Zandberg W, Noyovitz B, McDaniel JM, Gibson DL, Pakpour S, Kazemian N, McGee S, Houchen CW, Rao CV, Griffin TM, Sonnenburg JL, McEver RP, Braun J, Xia L. Proximal colon-derived O-glycosylated mucus encapsulates and modulates the microbiota. Science 370:467-472, 2020 October, PMID: 33093110

Panicker SR, Yago T, Shao B, McEver RP. Neutrophils lacking ERM proteins polarize and crawl directionally but have decreased adhesion strength. Blood Adv 4:3559-3571, 2020 August, PMID: 32761234, PMCID: PMC7422121

Selected Publications

Zhang N, Liu Z, Yao L, Mehta-D'souza P, McEver RP. P-Selectin Expressed by a Human SELP Transgene Is Atherogenic in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2016 Jun;36(6):1114-21. PMID: 27102967 PMCID: PMC4882243

Liu Z, Zhang N, Shao B, Panicker SR, Fu J, McEver RP. Replacing the Promoter of the Murine Gene Encoding P-selectin with the Human Promoter Confers Human-like Basal and Inducible Expression in Mice. J Biol Chem. 2016 Jan 15;291(3):1441-7. PMID: 26631722 PMCID: PMC4714226

* Yago T, Tsukamoto H, Liu Z, Wang Y, Thompson LF, McEver RP. Multi-Inhibitory Effects of A2A Adenosine Receptor Signaling on Neutrophil Adhesion Under Flow. J Immunol 2015 Oct 15;195(8):3880-9. PMID: 26355151  PMCID: PMC4592819

Yago T, Petrich BG, Zhang N, Liu Z, Shao B, Ginsberg MH, McEver RP. Blocking neutrophil integrin activation prevents ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Exp Med 2015. PMID: 26169939 PMCID: PMC4516797

Shao B, Yago T, Setiadi H, Wang Y, Mehta-D'Souza P, Fu J, Crocker PR, Rodgers W, Xia L, McEver RP. O-glycans direct selectin ligands to lipid rafts on leukocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015. PMID: 26124096 PMCID: PMC4507194

Herzog BH, Fu J, Wilson SJ, Hess PR, Sen A, McDaniel JM, Pan Y, Sheng M, Yago T, Silasi-Mansat R, McGee S, May F, Nieswandt B, Morris AJ, Lupu F, Coughlin SR, McEver RP, Chen H, Kahn ML, Xia L. Podoplanin maintains high endothelial venule integrity by interacting with platelet CLEC-2. Nature 502:105-109, 2013. PMID: 23995678 PMCID: PMC3791160

 

Contact

Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, MS 45
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
825 N.E. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Phone: (405) 271-6480
Fax: (405) 271-3137
E-mail: Rodger-McEver@omrf.org

News from the McEver lab

Dr. McEver in the Media

News from the McEver lab

Oklahoma foundation helps develop drug to treat sickle cell disease
January 21, 2021

Researchers at OMRF helped develop a drug that brings relief to patients with sickle cell disease.

OMRF drug ‘a blessing’ for sickle cell patient
January 11, 2021

Adakveo, a drug based on the discoveries of OMRF VP of Research Rodger McEver, is relieving pain for Danielle Jamison and others with sickle cell around the world.

National science association elects OMRF’s McEver as a fellow
December 10, 2020

Dr. Rod McEver was elected as an AAAS Fellow for his research in cardiovascular biology and hematology.

Half A Century Later: Oklahoma Teen Beats Leukemia Following Experimental Trial
October 9, 2020

An Oklahoma teenager battling cancer was given just weeks to live – that was more than 50 years ago.

OMRF accepting 2020 Fleming Scholar applications
November 25, 2019

The application deadline is Feb. 1.

FDA approves new sickle cell drug with Oklahoma roots
November 18, 2019

Adakveo significantly reduces pain crises in sickle cell patients.

OMRF makes potential heart failure breakthrough
April 18, 2019

Scientists at OMRF have made new findings that could pave the way for the first drug to treat aortic stenosis.

New hope in the fight against sickle cell disease
June 14, 2018

For Mary Long, the answer to her pain may, literally, be right around the corner.

OMRF announces 2018 Fleming Scholar class
April 10, 2018

OMRF has selected 13 Oklahoma high school and college students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2018.

Fleming scholar application deadline fast approaching
January 3, 2018

The deadline for the annual summer program is Feb.1.

OMRF accepting 2018 Fleming Scholar applications
November 21, 2017

The deadline for the eight-week summer program is Feb. 1.

Oklahoma science students wrap up summer program at OMRF
July 31, 2017

Eight weeks of research just wrapped up for 14 gifted young scientists.

OMRF receives new grants to study blood clotting, ovarian cancer
June 21, 2017

The National Institutes of Health grants total nearly $2.1 million.

McElmurry Trust crosses $1 million mark at OMRF
April 26, 2017

Earlier this month, trustee C.B. Graft visited OMRF to present a check for $105,000.

OMRF announces 2017 Fleming Scholar class
March 29, 2017

OMRF has selected 13 area high school and college students as Fleming Scholars.

Fleming scholar application deadline nears
January 5, 2017

The final day for applications is Feb. 1.

OMRF announces new scientific leaders
November 11, 2016

Rodger McEver and Lijun Xia will be taking on new positions in early 2017.

OMRF accepting 2017 Fleming Scholar applications
October 19, 2016

Want to be a 2017 Fleming Scholar? Apply now.

$6.5 million grant will benefit cardiovascular research at OMRF
August 17, 2016

OMRF has received a 5-year NIH grant to continue heart and blood research.

Local students complete summer Fleming scholar program at OMRF
August 1, 2016

For 13 local students, Friday marked the end of 8 weeks of research at OMRF.

OMRF celebrates 60 years of its Fleming Scholar Program
July 13, 2016

More than 120 people came from across the country to celebrate the program.

OMRF welcomes 2016 Fleming Scholars
June 7, 2016

OMRF welcomes 13 of the top science students from the state.

Trio of new grants brings $2.7 million to OMRF labs
May 6, 2016

Awards “a testament to the quality of research in Oklahoma”

OMRF researchers find that a biological “good guy” has a dark side
May 3, 2016

Enzyme thought harmless may be more dangerous than first believed

OMRF names its 2016 class of Fleming Scholars
March 18, 2016

Twelve students from across the state have been selected for the 61st class.

OMRF accepting applications for 2016 Fleming Scholar Program
October 15, 2015

Are you ready for a summer full of science?

Discovery of new cell function yields new clues about inflammation process
August 27, 2015

OMRF scientist’s discovery could help prevent white blood cell-induced injury.

Fleming, Presidential Scholars finish eight-week program
July 27, 2015

For these 12, program offered far more than the average summer job.

OMRF announces 12 Fleming Scholars for 2015
March 13, 2015

OMRF continues annual tradition with renowned program.

OMRF scientist honored by American Heart Association
February 25, 2015

OMRF scientist Hong Chen recognized for research accomplishments.

New OMRF findings yield answers for bolstering immune response
January 19, 2015

Studies yield new clues related to blood vessel function and inflammation.

Deadline nearing for OMRF summer internship applications
December 18, 2014

Fleming Scholar Program applications are due Feb. 2. Apply now!

Grant renewals bring $14.2 million to OMRF programs
September 15, 2014

Awards will fund research in cancer, heart disease, lupus and other areas

OMRF names 12 Oklahoma students as 2014 Fleming Scholars
March 12, 2014

Scholars will spend 8 weeks working in OMRF labs with senior-level scientists.

Who put the heart in Valentine’s Day?
February 12, 2014

How did a blood-pumping organ come to symbolize romance and affection?

Applications for 2014 Fleming Scholar Program due Feb. 1
January 15, 2014

Paid summer internship offers 8-week hands-on laboratory experience

OMRF offering summer science internships for 2014
November 21, 2013

Looking for a whole summer of real research experience? Check this out!

Scientists discover novel functions of platelets
September 3, 2013

Researchers found the answer to a long-standing medical mystery in platelets.

College students completing summer of research at OMRF
July 16, 2013

For OMRF scholars, lab experience presents challenges, opens doors

Fleming Scholar Program application deadline nearing
January 18, 2013

Summer program has trained more than 500 Oklahoma science students

OMRF accepting 2013 summer science program applications
November 6, 2012

Fleming program gives budding scientists a close-up look at research

OMRF welcomes 57th class of Fleming Scholars
June 4, 2012

A summer of discovery begins for 11 outstanding science students

National organization honors Oklahoma scientists
April 16, 2012

The group focuses on supporting the next generation of clinical investigators

OMRF names 11 state students as Fleming Scholars
April 11, 2012

Scholars will spend eight weeks working in OMRF labs over the summer

Time’s running out to apply for OMRF summer program
January 5, 2012

Applications for the 2012 Fleming Scholar Program are due Feb. 1

OMRF welcomes new board member, honors others
December 15, 2011

Scientific Advisory Board report highlights semiannual directors’ meeting

OMRF seeks 2012 summer science program applicants
November 28, 2011

Program offers top science students eight weeks of hands-on lab experience

OMRF names 15 state students as Fleming Scholars
March 21, 2011

Students will spend eight weeks working in OMRF labs this summer

Researchers turn years of heart science on its ear
January 3, 2011

McEver finds new information about a protein vital to the immune response

OMRF discovery could lead to better treatment for leukemia, lupus
May 24, 2010

Mechanism allows cells to fight disease-causing microorganisms

11 state students earn OMRF summer scholarships
April 6, 2010

Group to spend summer in OMRF laboratories

OMRF announces partnership with Chinese research institute
February 16, 2010

Relationship pools resources to speed discovery

OMRF scholarship application deadline nears
December 28, 2009

Fleming Scholar applications due by Feb. 1

OMRF accepting summer scholar applications
November 30, 2009

Science education program enters 53rd year

How I spent my summer vacation: Budding researchers forgo summer break for scientific discovery
July 7, 2009

For many students, summer marks a time for rest and relaxation. For sailboats and sunscreen, beachcombing and barbecues. But don’t tell that to a dozen of Oklahoma’s top high school and college science students. As Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, they’ve opted to trade swimsuits for lab coats so they […]

OMRF honors scientists, adds board member
May 20, 2009

OMRF honored three scientists and added a new board member at its annual spring board meeting and honors celebration Tuesday. Researcher John Harley, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded the Edward L. and Thelma Gaylord Prize for Scientific Achievement. OMRF named Rodger McEver, M.D., as the Alvin Chang Chair in Cardiovascular Biology and Lijun Xia, M.D, Ph.D., […]

OMRF names 12 state students as Fleming Scholars
May 12, 2009

OMRF has named 12 Oklahoma high school and college students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2009. The students, chosen from a statewide pool of applicants, will comprise the 54th class of Fleming Scholars at OMRF. This year’s class will spend June and July working in laboratories with senior-level OMRF scientists on ongoing research projects. […]

Harley named to the Association of American Physicians
March 5, 2009

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist John Harley, M.D., Ph.D., has been selected as a member of the Association of American Physicians. Harley, who chairs OMRF’s Arthritis and Immunology Research Program, was one of only 60 physicians nationwide chosen for membership this year. The 124-year-old Association selects members based on excellence in the pursuit of medical […]

A Vicious Cycle New OMRF research sheds light on epileptic seizures
November 24, 2008

When an epileptic seizure strikes, it’s almost always frightening: violent, involuntary muscle contractions, often accompanied by a loss of consciousness. Epilepsy affects more than 3 million Americans, including an estimated 100,000 Oklahomans. In most cases, the cause is not known. But a study from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation casts new light on how injuries […]

OMRF seeking scholarship applicants
November 17, 2008

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2009 Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar Program. The application deadline is Feb. 1. High school seniors, as well as college freshmen, sophomores and juniors, are eligible to apply for the scholarships. Students selected as Fleming Scholars will work side-by-side in a laboratory with a senior-level […]

OMRF to honor pair, welcome new directors
May 1, 2008

At its annual honors and awards banquet this evening, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will honor researcher Rodger McEver, M.D., with its highest scientific prize and board member Burns Hargis with its Board of Directors Distinguished Service Award. At the dinner, which will be held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, OMRF will […]

OMRF names 2008 Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars
April 21, 2008

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has named nine Oklahoma science students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2008.  Nearly 100 applicants from high schools and colleges throughout Oklahoma competed for the prestigious program, which has launched the careers of physicians and researchers for more than a half-century. Since 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program has provided […]

OMRF accepting summer scholarship applications
October 25, 2007

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is accepting applications for its 2008 Sir Alexander Fleming summer scholarship program. The program lets students enhance their research skills by working alongside world-class scientists for eight weeks in OMRF’s state-of-the art laboratories. The application deadline is February 1. “The Fleming scholar program provides a phenomenal experience to young people […]

OMRF names 52nd class of Fleming Scholars
April 17, 2007

Their peers may spend much of June, July and August sleeping late and lounging by the pool, But for a dozen of Oklahoma’s most talented high school and college science students, summer will mean donning lab coats and safety goggles in laboratories at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. OMRF today announced its 2007 class of […]

Fiftieth class of Fleming Scholars begins at OMRF
June 8, 2005

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has welcomed its 50th class of Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars. The class, 13 in all, represent some of Oklahoma’s most talented high school and college science students. The eight high-schoolers and five collegians were selected from more than 100 applicants. the students, all of whom are contemplating careers in medical […]

OMRF Announces Promotions
December 17, 2004

OKLAHOMA CITY, December 17, 2004 – The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has named Rodger McEver, M.D., as Vice President of Research and Tim Hassen as Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Rodger McEver McEver holds a B.A. from Yale University and earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago.  He joined OMRF’s scientific staff in 1987 and […]

Eli Lilly and Company endows two chairs at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with $6 million gift
April 6, 2004

Research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) will receive a major boost with a $6 million gift from Eli Lilly and Company.  OMRF will use the gift from the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company to create a pair of endowed faculty chairs – the Eli Lilly Chairs in Biomedical Research. For more than two decades, Lilly […]

OMRF Receives $10 Million Grant
September 30, 2003

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation announced today that it has received a $10 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. “This is yet another important step in the emergence of Oklahoma as a center of biomedical excellence,” said OMRF President Dr. J. Donald Capra. “Five years ago, this state had never seen a $10 […]

Science Lectures at OMRF To Focus on Heart Disease, Lupus, and Germs
July 27, 1999

“From Bench to Bedside: Biomedicine at the New Millennium,” a series of free public lectures presented by scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, is scheduled to begin October 7 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. OMRF’s nationally and internationally recognized biomedical researchers will explain in easily understood terms the latest research being done […]

Dr. McEver in the Media

Sickle cell treatment cleared for use derived from OKC researcher's discoveries
Oklahoman.com

Drug based on OMRF research approved
JournalRecord.com

FDA approves Oklahoma researcher's new treatment for sickle cell disease
KOCO.com

Sickle cell drug with Oklahoma roots receives FDA approval
PRNewswire.com

Drug to fight sickle cell may soon be approved
NewsOk.com

Team hopes to make OKC pharmaceutical hub
NewsOk.com

Before Footer

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled

Footer

  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • Donor Privacy Statement
  • Intranet
Charity navigator
United Way Give Smart OKC
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mail Linkedin
Administrator Log In