University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Raibow Blvd.
Department of Molecualr & Integrative Physiology
Kansas City, KS 66103
Research Interest
The Christenson lab is interested in studying events that occur within ovarian follicles during the perivoulatory period. This stage of follicular development takes place after a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) initiates a series of events that culminate in both ovulation and follicular luteinization. It is widely accepted that the LH surge is a vital component of both oocyte maturation and luteinization, but very little is known about specific genes and regulatory mechanisms that are involved following this event.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one type of regulatory molecule that may be involved with the previously mentioned processes. These highly conserved molecules are 17-25 nucleotides in length and are characterized as non-coding RNAs that bind to the 3`-untranslated region of specific target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) thus preventing translation. Hundreds of unique miRNA genes exist in mammals, and each miRNA is believed to be capable of binding to multiple mRNAs, thereby allowing them to act as key regulators in a variety of cell processes including differentiation, proliferation and death. Following the LH surge, periovulatory granulosa cells undergo a rapid and marked differentiation as they convert from proliferative, estrogen producing cells to terminally differentiated progesterone producing luteal cells. Given the obvious need to regulate specific mRNAs during this rapid differentiation process, it is plausible to hypothesize that miRNAs may play a key regulatory role during granulosa cell luteinization. Presently, the identity of miRNAs expressed by periovulatory granulosa cells is unknown, therefore my project will focus on studying role of miRNAs within the mural granulosa cell population of periovulatory follicles.
Academic Training
1999 - 2003
Bachelor of Arts (Biochemistry)
William Jewell College (Liberty, Missouri)
Mentor: Dr. Tara J. Allen
Nitric Oxide Induced Apoptotic Pathways Associated with Atherosclerotic Plaque
2003 - 2004
Adjunct Faculty
William Jewell College Department of Biology
Tri-Beta Research Grant, 2002
Whose Who Academic Excellence Award, 2002
Tri-Beta Annual Conference (1st Place Award), 2003
American Chemical Society Conference, New Orleans, 2003
When I'm not hard at work in the lab, I spend my time with my husband (Todd), my son (Zach) and my three dogs (Tigger, Gabi and Tessa). Todd works as the Director of Information Technology at Children's Mercy Hospital. Although he works closely with doctors and scientists throughout the day, the last thing he wants to talk with me about is "squishy" stuff. He is strictly a computer guy, but I will continue to try to convert him to the dark side. Zach is a sophmore in high school, where he enjoys football and excels in his classes. Our dogs are a huge part of our lives. We love them just like children, but I must admit that I do play favorites. When we have down time in our hectic schedules, we enjoy traveling, bicycling, watching movies, and socializing with our friends.
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