Rose-Anne Romano
Rose-Anne Romano
Professional Summary:
Our research interests are broadly centered on studying the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing the development and differentiation of epithelial rich tissues. Our lab focuses on the lineage-specific master transcription factor, p63, which is a member of the p53 family of proteins. Using transgenic and knockout mouse models generated in the lab, we have demonstrated a critical role for p63 in directing stem/progenitor cell function and lineage choices, important for proper development of various tissues and organs including the skin and its appendages, the oral epithelium, and salivary glands.
One current area of interest in the lab is to investigate the role of p63 in various facets of salivary gland development, stem cell renewal, organ homeostasis and repair. p63 is highly expressed in the myoepithelial cells of the salivary gland and in its absence, this organ fails to develop. We are currently using fluorescent reporters in transgenic mice to track, isolate and characterize the p63+ salivary gland stem cells. Our long term goals are to identify p63 driven signaling pathways and transcriptional networks that mediate stem/progenitor cell function in the salivary gland as well as the oral epithelium, using molecular, biochemical and genomic approaches.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo (2008)
- BS, Biology, University of Pittsburgh (2000)
Employment:
- Associate Professor, Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (2020-present)
- Assistant Professor, Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (2014–2020)
- Research Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2011–2014)
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2008–2011)
Awards and Honors:
- United University Professions Individual Development Award (2015)
- Society for International Investigative Dermatology World Travel Fellowship (2013)
- Society for Investigative Dermatology Albert M. Kligman Travel Fellowship Award (2010)
- Department of Biochemistry Dissertation Recognition Award Award (2008)
- Dean's Travel Award (2005)
Research Expertise:
- Epithelial Development
- Stem Cell Biology
Professional Memberships:
- American Association of Dental Research (2014–present)
- Society for Investigative Dermatology (2011–present)
Presentations:
- "A Direct Role for DeltaNp63 in Regulating the Pruritogenic Cytokine IL-31 and Alarmin IL-33, in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis" Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2014)
- "p63: A Master Regulator of Epithelial Morphogenesis and Disease" Developmental Genomics; State University of New York at Buffalo (2014)
- "The Many Faces of p63" ; University of Rochester, Department of Dermatology; Invited Speaker (2013)
- "DeltaNp63 is a Key Driver of Inflammatory Signaling in Atopic Dermatitis" International Investigative Dermatology Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2013)
- "p63 and Epithelial Morphogenesis: The Master at Work" Developmental Genomics; State University of New York at Buffalo; Invited Speaker (2012)
- "An Inducible Inflammatory Response in Transgenic Mice Reveals a Pro-tumorigenic Role for DeltaNp63 in Skin Carcinogenesis" Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2011)
- "The Complexity of p63 Function in the Epithelium: Lessons from Transgenic Mice" ; ; Invited Speaker (2010)
- "The DeltaNp63 Isoform is an Essential Regulator of Epithelial Development and Stem Cell Renewal" Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2010)
- "Transgenic mice delineate the functional properties of p63 isoforms in regulating keratinocyte differentiation" Society for International Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2009)
- "Abnormal Hair Follicle Development and Follicular Keratinocyte Transformation in Transgenic Mice Expressing DeltaNp63" International Investigative Dermatology Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2008)
- "Transgenic Mice Reveal Novel Roles for DeltaNp63 in Skin and Hair Follicle Morphogenesis" Great Lakes Mammalian Development Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2008)
- "Transgenic Mice Reveal Novel Roles for DeltaNp63 in de novo Hair Follicle Formation and Sebaceous Gland Development" Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2007)
- "Transgenic Mice Reveal Unique Roles for DeltaNp63 in Epidermal Cell Lineage Commitment" 3rd International p63/p73 Workshop; ; Invited Speaker (2007)
- "Keratin14 is a Direct Target of DeltaNp63 in Keratinocytes" Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; ; Invited Speaker (2006)
Service Activities:
- Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Admissions Committee; Alternate Member (2014–present)
- British Skin Foundation;; Grant Reviewer