Year entered the Ph.D. Program: Fall 2016
Research Advisor: Christina M. Laukaitis, MD, PhD, FACP, FACMG
Research Topic:
Genetics of hypermobile subtype of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS)
Email: kianalee@email.arizona.edu
Lab phone number: (520) 626-9832
Electronic portfolio/website: kianalee.org
Research Interests:
At the end of my second year I finished up a small project focused on submandibular gene expression in inbred mice. I used real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure relative amounts of submandibular transcripts in response to pilocarpine and/or xylazine-ketamine.
My primary project is involved in the hEDS GENE study headed by the Laukaitis Lab. We are focused on identifying the underlying genetic factors that contribute to the hypermobile subtype of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. hEDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by several diagnostic criteria including hyperextensibility, chronic joint pain, and recurring joint dislocations.
