News Release

Arthritis Foundation bestows prestigious national research award

Grant and Award Announcement

Arthritis Foundation

ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2008 – The Arthritis Foundation announces the 2008 winners of the Lee C. Howley Sr. Prize for research in arthritis. The recipients, Dr. Gerard Karsenty of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Dr. Michel Nussenzweig of Rockefeller University received the award for their continued research advancements in the cure and control of rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Karsenty is recognized for his research in the development and function of the skeletal system. A graduate of the University of Paris, Dr. Karsenty received his postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Benoit de Crombrugghe. Prior to Dr. Karsenty's work, little was known about the molecular basis of mammalian skeletal system development and differentiation. Now, a decade later, the field is burgeoning with a plethora of new transcription factors, coactivators, corepressors, and signaling pathways that explain the development of the osteoblast from the mesenchymal stem cell, both during embryonic development and during postnatal bone formation. Dr. Karsenty is currently the Paul. A. Marks M.D. Professor and Chairman of the Department of Genetics and Development at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

Dr. Nussenzweig is recognized for his contributions to the fields of B cell development and dendritic cell function. These studies have been crucial in providing insights into the etiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and have paved the way to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of these diseases. After completing a medical internship, residency, and infectious disease fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Nussenzweig joined Dr. Philip Leder in the department of genetics at Harvard Medical School for postdoctoral training. Dr. Nussenzweig currently heads the laboratory of Molecular Immunology at Rockefeller University.

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Each year, the Howley Prize recognizes researchers whose contributions during the previous five years have represented a significant advance in the understanding, treatment or prevention of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The recognition that this program offers for excellence in arthritis research will ensure that the search will continue for cures to more than 100 forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.


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