James Poleman

Current

Tech III at Case Western Reserve University

Connections

39 connections

Industry

Research

Websites

James Poleman’s Summary

I am interested in myriad disciplines and career paths.

Though I admire the people with whom I work for the decades they have committed to the single cause of curing Cystic Fibrosis, I would prefer to climb many smaller mountains in this life instead of one big one.

My goals are to be proud of my accomplishments, be fulfilled creatively and intellectually, work congenially and finally, to impact positively from the role I've chosen. Man, that sounds hokey, but it's true.

James Poleman’s Experience

Tech III

Case Western Reserve University

(Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

August 2000 — Present (9 years 4 months)

Molecular Biology in a Pediatrics / Genetics laboratory.

Given complete autonomy to create and carry out projects of my own interest as well as that of my supervisor.

Current work seeks to reveal the cause of the disparity in size and body mass index between those with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and "normal" people. Small size for age has been shown to be an independent risk factor for decline in pulmonary function. Therefore, correcting CF growth retardation should decrease mortality from the disease..

Methods used to this end include manipulation of mouse models, both genetically and nutritionally, examining energy expenditure through metabolic biochemistry as well as growth hormone pathways and pituitary function. Cachexia from lung infection and loss of exocrine pancreatic function are also considered.

A secondary project funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation explores possible new biomarkers for the disease (and its correction) that can be assayed in a manner simpler than the present battery of lung function and electrophysiology tests.

Supervised by Mitchell Drumm, Ph.D, who in 1990 worked with Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., on identification of the gene causing Cystic Fibrosis.