Ernest F. Talarico, Ph.D.
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Assistant Professor of Anatomy & Cell Biology Course Director Step 2 Human Structure |
(see Talarico's webpage for complete project descriptions and donors) There are three main avenues of research in our laboratories: (1) the molecular aspects of vision; (2) bone disorders and (3) anatomy education. Our research is funded by a variety of sources, including the IUSM, Affinity BioReagents, Inc., Central Florida Lions Eye Bank, and other private donors. Our current vision research centers on two different studies and involves clinical patients, cadaver donors and animals (rabbit, mouse, bovine and swine). First, is the identification and characterization of two calcium (Ca2+) regulatory proteins in corneal epithelium (CE): (1) Plasma Membrane Calcium-ATPase (PMCA) Isoforms and (2) Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSO). We have localized four PMCAs in human and rabbit CE, and have characterized their DNA sequences at multiple alternative splice sites. CaSO has been examined in bovine and swine CE. Additionally, we have identified a probable role for PMCA4 in corneal epithelial wound healing, and have developed a novel model to explain the role(s) of PMCAs and Ca2+ in the events (i.e., cell adhesion, spreading, migration and proliferation) that compose the wound healing process in CE. Experiments are in progress that utilize siRNA (i.e., antisense technology) and knockout mice to examine the molecular process in which PMCAs relate to normal vision. Ongoing bone research in the lab characterizes the condition termed Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna(HFI) in human female cadavers. HFI is a bony overgrowth of the inner table (endocranial plate) of the frontal bone where it is remodeled into a more cancellous type; typically sparing the midline. Currently, we have the "most extensive" case of HFI that has been observed involving both the frontal bones and parietal bones. HFI is at best an incompletely understood condition. It was first observed in an adult male in 100 BC, and until modern times was more commonly found in men. Historically, Morgagni proposed thatHFI was part of a syndrome that included obesity, diabetes and virilism, a triad known as Morgagni's Syndrome. Now, HFI is almost exclusively observed in post-menopausal women and is independent of Morgagni's Syndrome. The exact etiology is unknown, as are the clinical manifestations of the condition. Most cases do not have clinical presentation and are only discovered by accident through imaging of the skull or at autopsy. However, some individuals present with headache, lower back pain, motor deficits and sometimes neuropsychoses in association with HFI. There is a continual effort in this laboratory to investigate and research new modalities for anatomy education. This laboratory maintains a corporate relationship with Mortech Manufacturing, Inc., in which we have developed and tested new equipment for gross anatomy and mortuary laboratories. Furthermore, we are evaluating a novel method for displaying bisected human head specimens as a teaching and evaluation tool in the gross anatomy laboratory. In collaboration with colleagues from IUSM-Lafayette, we have developed, and continue to upgrade, a multi-media platform that introduces students and the lay public to the use of human cadavers in medical education entitled, Introduction to the Human Cadaver Experience: Orientation to Human Gross Anatomy & Embryology. This presentation has been beta-tested in the United States and South Africa with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and will soon be available at the National Library of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Finally, we have created, and for six years have conducted, the August Human Cadaver Prosection Program for those interested in skilled dissection experience with human cadavers. Contribution to Database Talarico, Jr., E.F., Kennedy, B.G., and Mangini, N.J. (August 2004), Homo sapiens Corneal Epithelial Plasma Membrane Calcium - ATPase 1b (PMCA1b), partial cds Genbank Direct Submission, National Center for Biotechnology Information (Accession Number AY740526) Papers Talarico, Jr., E.F.; Kennedy, B.G.; Marfurt, C.F.; Loeffler, K.U. and Mangini, N.J. (2005). Expression and Immunolocalization of Plasma Membrane Calcium-ATPase Isoforms in Human Corneal Epithelium. Molecular Vision 11: 169-178. Talarico, Jr. E. F., and Prather, A.D. (2007) Connecting the Dots to Make a Difference. Journal of the American Medical Association 298: 381-382. Click here to dowload this article as a pdf* file. Book Reviews & Projects Talarico, Jr., E.F., Photographs, "Immunolocalization of PMCA ATPase in Human Corneal Epithelium Using PA1-914," Spotlight on Ion Transport, Affinity BioReagents, Inc. (Images, October 2002) Talarico, Jr., E.F., Neuroanatomical Basis of Clinical Neurology, Orhan Arslan, Ph.D., DVM., The Parthenon Publishing Group, New York/London, Talarico, Jr., E.F., Vertebrate Dissection, Dominique G. Homberger, Ph.D., and Warren F. Walker, Ph.D.,Brooks/Cole a division of Thompson Learning, Inc. Thompson LearningTM, in the American Association of Anatomists Newsletter (Review, August 2003) Talarico, Jr., E.F., Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Arlene Y. Chiu, Ph.D., and Mahendra S. Rao, Ph.D.,Humana Press, in the American Association Talarico, Jr., E.F., Human Anatomy, Kenneth S. Saladiin, 1st Edition, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2005, ISBN 0-07-039080-0 (Review, May 2004) Davich, J., "Donating with Dignity," Northwest Indiana Times, Human Cadaver Prosection Program (August 7, 2005) [Discussion of the Human Cadaver Prosection Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest Campus; developed and directed by Talarico, Jr., EF.) Associated Press, "Medical Students Say Cadavers Offer Vital Information," Indianapolis Star, (August 14, 2005) [Discussion of the Human Cadaver Prosection Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest Campus; developed and directed by Talarico, Jr., E.F.)
Education
Position
Memberships
Honors
Research Interests
In collaboration with colleagues at the Northwest Campus, and in the second area we propose to test the hypothesis that corneal nerve density decreases as a function of age. The cornea is one of the most densely innervated tissues in the human body. Corneal nerves help maintain the functional integrity of the ocular surface in two ways. First, corneal nerves release trophic substances that modulate corneal epithelial cell biology. Second, stimulation of corneal nerves activates brainstem connections that produce reflex blinking and tear production. Consequently, individuals with damage to the corneal nerves suffer decreased corneal sensitivity, reduced blinking and lacrimation, and are at increased risk for developing dry eye and/or neurotrophic keratitis. The cause of the reduction in corneal sensitivity in elderly individuals is not known with certainty; however, we hypothesize that it is due to a progressive, age-dependent loss of corneal nerve fibers. Because dry eye is also reported in patients who have undergone elective refractive surgery (LASIK), loss of corneal nerve fibers may also be a causative factor.
Selected Publications & Projects
in the American Association of Anatomists Newsletter (Review, December 2002)
of Anatomists Newsletter (Review, December 2003)
