My research focuses on the physiological roles of mineralocorticoid receptor signalling. Here I will study the impact of mineralocorticoid receptor activation on innate immune system development and function using zebrafish as a model.

More information about Erin Faught

Research

Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, act through two receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Until recently, the research on cortisol action had mainly focussed on the function of the GR and less on that of the MR. The main goal of the EU-funded MeRGeR project is to uncover the role of the MR in mediating the effects of cortisol on the immune response. The project also aims to provide a better understanding of how MR and GR mediate the actions of immune-modulating glucocorticoid drugs. Therefore, my research will focus on the effects of MR activation on the inflammatory response both independently and in concert with GR and how these receptors functionally interact to modulate gene transcription. 

Brief biography

2021-present: Postdoctoral fellow, Institute of Biology, Universiteit Leiden, The Netherlands. Supervisor: Dr. Marcel Schaaf. 
2013-2019: Ph.D. Animal Physiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary. Canada. Supervisor: Dr. Matt Vijayan.
2010-2013: M.Sc., Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Canada. 
2005-2010: B.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo.

Grants

Marie Sklodowska Curie Post Doctoral Research Fellowship (MeRGeR)