MICHAEL A. PRATTA
Mullica Hill, NJ 609-***-****
linkedin.com/in/michaelpratta
********@*******.***
PROFILE
Highly skilled Cell Biologist/Biochemist and motivational manager of scientists at PhD, MS and BSc levels.
Extensive pharmaceutical experience leading large and complex global matrix teams to support projects based on
small synthetic molecules and large biologic platforms.
Disease area expertise in Immunology and Inflammatory diseases including arthritis and pulmonary diseases.
Recognized expert in articular joint pathology; cartilage degradation/turnover; mammalian cell culture including
chondrocyte and synovial fibroblast biology; pulmonary resident cells; mast cells.
40+ publications in peer reviewed journals.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Family Medicine at Greenhill Wilmington, DE
Consultant, Chronic Diseases 2013-present
Provide health care professional services in the understanding and treatment of chronic diseases ie. Asthma, COPD
• Researched disease guidelines and supported application of guidelines to patient care
• Supported patient stratification according to disease severity resulting in improved patient care
• Developed an Asthma and COPD Action Plan to support managed care
• Supported patient disease education; proficient in use of Centricity Electronic Medical Records
Janssen Pharmaceutical Co. of Johnson and Johnson
Centocor Research & Development, Springhouse, PA
Senior Research Scientist, Immunology Research, Pulmonary Biology 2008-2013
Developed and managed mammalian pulmonary resident cell-based functional assays in support of target
identification/validation and compound evaluation and profiling;
Cell-based models used to progress 3 portfolio projects to next stagegate and one into development.
o Supported transformational informatics by providing microarray analysis, functional assay, and biological
understanding of primary human lung cells in order to correlate specific genes/pathways to disease pathology and to
support new target identification.
Bronchial and lung fibroblasts, mast cells, smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells in ALI.
employed gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, luminex, and ELISA.
o Consulted with computational biologists on GeneGo map development and tranSMART search engine.
Led large global matrix project teams building strategy, project planning, budget and risk management; Led
project in targeting a GPCR for inflammatory diseases.
o Led cell-based assay development strategy and expanded target validation; Designed/developed critical path to
identify lead with specificity, selectivity, potency; Selected counterscreens to identify potential off-target effects; Led
discussions with Biopharm team to generate tool molecules to support target validation and development of critical path;
introduced GPCR biased signalling pathway to chemists and biologists to determine feasibility of synthetic small
molecule effort.
Recognized expert in cartilage degradation, chondrocyte and synovial fibroblast biology.
o Identified/developed cell- and tissue-based functional assays, target identification/validation, and procurement.
Developed and interpreted various invitro and invivo assays, including a canine surgical model in collaboration with a
CRO; Worked with internal project leaders and external collaborators (5 Prime Therapeutics; Dr. A Grodzinsky (MIT);
Dr. A. Bendele (Bolder Biopath)).
Presented to senior management and to clinical and compound development teams to reach next stagegate.
Organized monthly Pulmonary Biology Group meetings enhancing communication and increasing transparency.
Managed, mentored, developed and evaluated 2 PhD level research scientists and 2 BS/MS scientists.
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Company, Collegeville PA
Investigator, Musculoskeletal Diseases Biology 2001-2008
PAGE 2 MICHAEL A. PRATTA
Recognized expert in Osteoarthritis and specifically cartilage metabolism, MMPs, aggrecanase, cathepsins (K, B).
• Led diverse team of bench scientists (PhD, MS, BS) supporting target validation and compound screening.
• Developed, optimized and ran assays for aggrecanase and MMPs, aggrecan synthesis, etal. Designed and ran
studies in cartilage explants derived from a number of species including human, bovine, monkey, canine, murine, rat, to
study cartilage degradation.
• Led large multifunctional global matrix team meetings building project strategy, plan and budget. Teams
included internal and external stakeholders from both drug discovery and development organizations.
o organized and coordinated monthly meetings; Provided target validation and compound screening;
o supported development of HTS based on native aggrecan substrate using MSD technology; Proposed
/developed screens/counterscreens; developed cell-based reporter assays on genes that are modulated by
nuclear receptor based on chromatin IP studies; Progressed studies to reach Go/No Go decision.
• Presented program updates to senior management to progress to next stagegate; Organized and coordinated
monthly departmental OA biology meetings; wrote monthly reports.
• Performed gene expression studies in chondrocytes using Taqman analysis, and microarray. Studied genetic
manipulation of specific target genes by overexpression (adenoviral transduction, transient transfection) and
knockdown (RNAi, chondrocytes/cartilage derived from knockout mice). Developed and characterized two
acute in vivo models of cartilage degradation (dog, rat).
• Identified/validated novel OA targets; Identified novel biology of an ion channel on chondrocyte metabolism.
• Developed a novel sandwich ELISA to detect aggrecanase-generated aggrecan fragments in in vitro and in vivo
models of cartilage degradation; demonstrated utility of assay to evaluate clinical synovial fluid samples.
• Led external collaborations; Reviewer for scientific journals and international meetings
DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, Wilmington, DE
Research Scientist 1986-2001
Instrumental in developing/optimizing cell and organ culture model systems, compound screening, mechanism of
action studies, in vivo model systems, biomarker identification/assay development.
Presented data to internal senior management and external academic consultants; wrote monthly reports.
Supervised B.S. level associate scientists; responsible for training, development and evaluation.
Led a subteam tasked with improving efficiency of vendor supplying cartilage explants and isolated
chondrocytes. Identified rootcause and worked on corrective measures.
o Designed novel cartilage slicing device to normalize cartilage weights and eliminate need of weighing
individual slices; slicing device increased throughput 8 fold; trained vendor support staff to generate cartilage
explants and isolated chondrocytes and validated methodology.
Spearheaded diversity and inclusion objectives improving communication and workplace relationships.
Assumed positions with increased responsibility: Contract Pharmacologist (1986-89); Staff Scientist
(1989-98); Research Scientist/Team Leader (1998-2001)
EDUCATION
M. S. Enzymology/Protein Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 1986
B. S. Animal Science/ Preveterinary Medicine, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 1983
PATENTS
Arner E.C., Burn, T.C., Copeland, R.A., Decicco, C.P., Liu R., Magolda R.L., Pratta, M.A., Solomon, K.A.,
Tortorella, M.D., Trzaskos, J.M., Yang, F. Aggrecan degrading metalloproteases. WO99/05291, February 4,1999.
M.Pratta, BJ Votta, S.Kumar . Method for Activating TRPV4 Channel Receptors by Agonists.
PCT/US2005/031872
Duffy K, Healy C, Lamb R, Malaviya R, Pratta M, Fursov N, Luo J, Naso M, Tornetta M, Wheeler J, Wu S-J,
Hall L. ST2L Antagonists and Methods of Use. PCT13/798204, March 13, 2013
ADDENDUM TO RESUME OF MICHAEL A. PRATTA
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Manuscripts
1. Shailubhai K, MA Pratta, and IK Vijay. Purification and characterization of glucosidase I
involved in N-linked glycoprotein processing in bovine mammary gland. Biochem J. 247: 555-62, 1987.
2. Arner, E.C. and M.A. Pratta. Interleukin-1 has independent effects on proteoglycan
breakdown, proteoglycan synthesis and prostaglandin E2 release from cartilage in organ culture. Arthritis
Rheum 32(3):288, 1989.
3. Pratta M.A., T.M. DiMeo, D.M. Ruhl, and E.C. Arner. Effect of interleukin-1 and tumor
necrosis factor on cartilage proteoglycan metabolism in vitro. Agents and Actions 27:250, 1989.
4. Arner, E.C., T.M. DiMeo, D.M. Ruhl, and M.A. Pratta. In vivo studies on the effects of
human recombinant interleukin-1 on articular cartilage. Agents and Actions 27:254, 1989.
5. Lyons-Giordano B., G.L. Davis, W. Galbraith, M.A. Pratta, and E.C. Arner. Interleukin-1
stimulates phospholipase A2 mRNA synthesis in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Comm. 164(1):488, 1989.
6. Pratta, M.A., L.E. Sachau, P.W. DeYoe, D.C. Lapen, and E.C. Arner. Robotic automation
of a colorimetric assay for proteoglycans. In: Advances in Laboratory Automation - Robotics, Vol 6. J.R.
Strimaitis and J.P. Helfrich (eds) Zymark Corporation, 1990.
7. Pratta, M.A., E.C. Arner, B.L. Rule and W. Galbraith. Effects of interleukin-1 muteins on
cartilage degradation and as inducers of acute inflammation. Agents Actions 34:60, 1991.
8. Arner, E.C. and M.A. Pratta. Modulation of interleukin-1-induced alterations in cartilage
proteoglycan metabolism by activation of protein kinase C. Arthritis Rheum. 34(8):1006, 1991.
9. Lyons-Giordano, B.M., J.M. Brinker, N.A. Kefalides, M.A. Pratta, and E.C. Arner. The
effects of interleukin-1 on the expression of thrombospondin and fibronectin in rabbit articular chondrocytes.
Exp. Cell Res. 195:462, 1991.
10. Ogata, Y., M.A. Pratta, H. Nagase, E.C. Arner. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is induced in
rabbit articular chondrocytes by co-treatment with interleukin-1 and a protein kinase C activator. Exp. Cell
Res. 201:245, 1992.
11. Lyons-Giordano, B., M.A. Pratta, W. Galbraith, G.L. Davis and E.C. Arner. Interleukin-1
differentially modulates chondrocyte expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and phospholipase A2. Exp. Cell
Res. 206:58, 1993.
12. Miller, W.H., D.J. Pinto, R.J McHugh, Jr., E.C. Arner, M.A. Pratta, and R.L. Magolda
Inhibition of cartilage degradation by isothiazoloquinolones. BioMed. Chem. Lett. 4(6):843-846, 1994.
13. Wright S.W., J.J. Petraitis, M.M. Abelman, D.G. Batt, L.L. Bostrom, R.L. Corbett, C.P.
Decicco, S.V. DiMeo, B. Freimark, J.V. Giannaras, A.M. Green, J.W. Jetter, D.J. Nelson, M.J. Orwat, D.J.
Pinto, M.A. Pratta, S.R. Sherk, J.M. Williams, R.L. Magolda, and E.C. Arner Heteroaryl-fused 2-phenyl
isothiazalone inhibitors of cartilage breakdown. J. Med. Chem. 37:3071-3078, 1994.
14. Wright, S.W., J.J. Petraitis, D.G. Batt,, R.L. Corbett, S.V. DiMeo, B. Freimark, J.V.
Giannaras, A.M., M.J. Orwat, D.J. Pinto, M.A. Pratta, S.R. Sherk, H.F. Stampfli, J.M. Williams, R.L.
Magolda, and E.C. Arner: Metabolism resistant isothiazolone cartilage breakdown inhibitors. Bioorg Med
Chem 3:227-234, 1995.
15. Arner, E.C., T.M. DiMeo, M.A. Pratta, M.D. Tortorella Interleukin-1 induces aggrecanase-
mediated cleavage in human articular cartilage without up-regulating stromelysin or glycosaminoglycan
release. Acta Orthop Scand (Suppl 266) 66:153-154, 1995.
16. Arner, E.C., M.A. Pratta, B. Freimark, M. Lischwe, J. Trzaskos, R.L. Magolda and S.W.
Wright Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activation blocks cartilage proteoglycan degradation. Biochem
J. 318(2):417-424, 1996.
17. Scherle, P.A., M.A. Pratta, W.S. Feeser, E.J. Tancula, E.C. Arner The effects of IL-1 on
mitogen-activated protein kinases in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Biochem Biophys Res
Comm 230:573-577, 1997.
18. Pratta, M.A., D.L. Blessington, J.M. Trzaskos, E.C. Arner. A high throughput enzymatic
assay for stromelysin-1. Inflammation Res 46(suppl 2): S118-S119, 1997.
19. Tortorella M.D., M.A. Pratta, J.W. Fox, E.C. Arner The interglobular domain of cartilage
aggrecan is cleaved by hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HT-d (atrolysin C) at the matrix metalloproteinase
and aggrecanase sites J Biol Chem 273: 5846-5850, 1998.
20. Pratta, M.A., N.R. Ackerman and E.C. Arner. Effect of ebselen on IL-1-induced alterations
in cartilage metabolism. Inflammation Res 47:115-121, 1998.
21. Arner, E.C., M.A. Pratta, J.M. Trzaskos, C.P. Decicco, M.D. Tortorella. Generation and
characterization of aggrecanase: A soluble, cartilage-derived aggrecan-degrading activity. J. Biol. Chem.
274: 6594-6601, 1999.
22. Arner, E.C., M.A. Pratta, C.P. Decicco, C-B. Xue, R.C. Newton, J.M. Trzaskos, R.L. Magolda, M.D.
Tortorella. Aggrecanase: A target for the design of inhibitors of cartilage degradation. Annals of the New
York Academy of Sciences 878:92-107, 1999.
23. Tortorella, M.D., T. Burn, M.A. Pratta, I. Abbaszade, J.M. Hollis, R. Liu, S.A. Rosenfeld, R.A. Copeland, C.P.
Decicco, R. Wynn, A. Rockwell, F. Yang, J.L. Duke, K. Solomon, H. George, R. Bruchner, H. Nagase, Y.
Ihto, D.M. Ellis, H. Ross, B.H. Wiswall, K. Murphy, M.C. Hillman, Jr., G.F. Hollis, R.C. Newton, R.L.
Magolda, J.M. Trzaskos, and Arner, E.C., Purification and cloning of Aggrecanase-1: A member of the
ADAMTS family of proteins. Science 284:1664-1666, 1999.
24. Abbaszade, I., R. Liu, F. Yang, S.A. Rosenfeld, O.H. Ross, M.D. Tortorella, D.M. Ellis, R. Wynn, H.J.
George, J.L. Duke, M.C. Hillman Jr., D.D. McCabe, B.H. Wiswall, K. Murphy, M.A. Pratta, R.A. Copeland,
C.P. Decicco, R. Bruchner, H. Nagase, Y. Ihto, R.C. Newton, R.L. Magolda, J.M. Trzaskos, G.F. Hollis, E.C.
Arner, Burn, T.C. Cloning and characterization of ADAMTS11, an aggrecanase from the ADAMTS family.
J.Biol. Chem. 274:234**-*****, 1999.
25. Mercuri, F.A., K.J. Doege, E.C. Arner, M.A. Pratta, A.J. Fosang. Recombinant
aggrecan G1-G2 retains site-specific interactions with hyaluronan, link protein, matrix metalloproteinases
and aggrecanase. J. Biol. Chem. (1999) 274: 323**-*****
26. Pratta, M.A., M.D. Tortorella, E.C. Arner. Age-related changes in aggrecan glycosylation
affect cleavage by aggrecanase. J. Biol. Chem. (Dec 15, 2000) 275 (50): 390**-*****.
27. Tortorella Micky D; Pratta Michael; Liu Rui-Qin; Austin Julian; Ross O Harold; Abbaszade Ilgar; Burn Tim;
Arner Elizabeth Sites of aggrecan cleavage by recombinant human aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4). Journal
of Biological Chemistry 275 (24) pp18566-18573 June 16, 2000
28. Matthews R T; Gary S C; Zerillo C; Pratta M; Solomon K; Arner E C; Hockfield S Brain-enriched
hyaluronan binding (BEHAB)/brevican cleavage in a glioma cell line is mediated by a disintegrin and
metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family member . Journal of Biological Chemistry
2000 Jul 28) 275 (30) 22695-703.
29. Tortorella M. Pratta M. Liu RQ. Abbaszade I. Ross H. Burn T. Arner E. The thrombospondin motif of
aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4) is critical for aggrecan substrate recognition and cleavage
Journal of Biological Chemistry. 275(33):257**-*****, 2000 Aug 18.
30. Hu LT, Eskildsen MA, Masgala C, Steere AC, Arner EC, Pratta MA, Grodzinsky AJ, Loening A, Perides G.
Host metalloproteinases in Lyme arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Jun; 44(6):1401-10.
31. Yao W, Wasserman ZR, Chao M, Reddy G, Shi E, Liu RQ, Covington MB, Arner EC, Pratta MA, Tortorella
M, Magolda RL, Newton R, Qian M, Ribadeneira MD, Christ D, Wexler RR, Decicco CP. Design and
synthesis of a series of (2R)-N(4)-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-N(1)- [(1S,2R)-2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-
inden-1-yl]butanediamide derivatives as potent, selective, and orally bioavailable aggrecanase inhibitors. J
Med Chem. 2001 Oct 11; 44(21):3347-50.
32. Pratta MA, Scherle PA, Yang G, Liu RQ, Newton RC. Induction of aggrecanase 1 (ADAM-TS4) by
interleukin-1 occurs through activation of constitutively produced protein.
Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Jan; 48(1):119-33.
33. Miller JA, Liu RQ, Davis GL, Pratta MA, Trzaskos JM, Copeland RA. A microplate assay specific for the
enzyme aggrecanase. Anal Biochem. 2003 Mar 15; 314(2):260-5.
34. Pratta MA, Yao W, Decicco C, Tortorella MD, Liu RQ, Copeland RA, Magolda R, Newton RC, Trzaskos JM,
Arner EC. Aggrecan protects cartilage collagen from proteolytic cleavage.
J Biol Chem. 2003 Nov 14; 278(46):45539-45.
35. DiMicco MA, Patwari P, Siparsky PN, Kumar S, Pratta MA, Lark MW, Kim YJ, Grodzinsky AJ. Mechanisms
and kinetics of glycosaminoglycan release following in vitro cartilage injury.
Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Mar; 50(3):840-8.
36. Struglics A, Larsson S, Pratta MA, Kumar S, Lark MW and Lohmander LS. Human osteoarthritis synovial
fluid contains high molecular weight aggrecanase and matrix metalloproteinase generated aggrecan
fragments. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Feb; 14(2):101-13.
37. Pratta MA, Su J-L, Leesnitzer MA, Struglics A, Larsson S, Lohmander LS, Kumar S. Development and
characterization of highly specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA for detection of aggrecanase-generated
aggrecan fragments. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. 2006 Jul; 14(7):702-13.
38. Kirkpatrick RB, Grooms M, Wang F, Fenderson H, Feild J, Pratta MA, Volker C, Scott G, Johanson K.
Bacterial production of biologically active canine interleukin-1beta by seamless SUMO tagging and
removal. Protein Expr Purif. 2006 Nov;50(1):102-10
39. Chaturvedi P, Pratta M, Steplewski K, Connor J, Kumar S. Functional characterization of an orphan nuclear
receptor, Rev-ErbAalpha, in chondrocytes and its potential role in osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2006
Nov;54(11):3513-22
40. Majumdar MK, Wang F, Newman-Tarr TM, Pratta MA and Kumar S. Characterization of articular and non-
articular cartilage and chondrocytes and their response to pro-inflammatory factor IL-1 and anabolic factor
BMP-7. 2008. Manuscript in preparation.
41. Pratta MA, Hoffman SJ, Wang F, Newman-Tarr TM, Hanning CR, Capriotti CA, Volker C, Coatney RW,
Morris J, McLane J, Kilgore KL, Majumdar MK, and Kumar S. Development of an Acute Canine Model of
Cartilage Degradation 2013. Manuscript in preparation.
42. Hoffman BE. Newman-Tarr TM. Gibbard A. Wang S. Hanning C. Pratta MA. Boyle RJ. Kumar S. Majumdar
MK. Development and characterization of a human articular cartilage-derived chondrocyte cell line that
retains chondrocyte phenotype. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 222(3):695-702, 2010 Mar.
43. Pratta MA, P Sivakumar, K Kavalkavich, C Gress, A Interrante, D Gardner, D Shealy, H Beck, Y Zhao, S
Taudte, J Carton, P Marsters, AM Bendele, D Maul, I James, and K Picha. Neutralization of Canine IL6 by
monoclonal antibody results in protection in a canine partial medial menisectomy model. 2013. Manuscript
in preparation
44. Jones B, Bucks C, Wilkinson P, Pratta M, Farrell F, Sivakumar P. Development of cell-based
immunoassays to measure type I collagen in cultured fibroblasts. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2010 Nov;
42(11):1808-15.
45. Sivakumar P, Filer A, Gao H, Liu H, Fan H, Koziol-White, Ort T, Tocker J, Panettieri RA and Pratta MA.
Functional and Transcriptional Profiling of Human Fatal Asthmatic and Normal Bronchial Fibroblasts Reveal
Differential Pathway Regulation and Steroid Sensitivities. 2013 Manuscript in preparation
46. Healy C, Liu H, Filer A, Ort T, Fan H, Liu H, Tocker J, Pratta MA. Characterization of Epithelial and Smooth
Muscle Cell Factors on Atopic/non-atopic Cord Blood Mast Cells – Microarray Analysis. 2013 Manuscript
in preparation
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abstracts and Presentations
1. Arner, E.C., D.M. Ruhl, and M.A. Pratta. Effect of interleukin-1 on proteoglycan synthesis,
degradation and prostaglandin E2 release are mediated by independent post-receptor mechanisms. J.
Leukocyte Biol. 42:559, 1987.
2. Pratta, M.A., D.M. Ruhl, and E.C. Arner. Anti-arthritic drugs cause selective blockade of the effects of
interleukin-1 on cartilage. J. Leukocyte Biol. 42:600, 1987.
3. Pratta, M.A., D.M. Ruhl, J.J. Haung, and E.C. Arner. Degradation of cartilage by
recombinant interleukin-1: Changes in amino acid sequence alter activity. Cytokine 1:78, 1989.
4. Arner, E.C., M.A. Pratta, T.M. DiMeo, D.M. Ruhl, and N.R. Ackerman. Modulation of
interleukin-1 effects on cartilage by protein kinase C. Orthop. Trans. 14(2):354, 1990. (podium)
5. Lyons-Giordano, B., G. Davis, W. Galbraith, M.A. Pratta, and E.C. Arner. Interleukin-1
stimulates phospholipase A mRNA synthesis in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Fed. Proc. 4(7):1714, 1990.
2
6. Arner, E.C., M.A. Pratta, T.M. DiMeo, and N.R. Ackerman. Modulation of interleukin-1-
induced alterations in cartilage metabolism by activation of protein kinase C. Inflammation Research
Association 5th International Conference, September 1990. (podium)
7. Pratta, M.A., E.C. Arner, B.L. Rule and W. Galbraith. Effects of interleukin-1 muteins on
cartilage degradation and as inducers of acute inflammation. Inflammation Research Association 5th
International Conference, September 1990. (podium)
8. Arner, E.C., G.L. Davis, W. Galbraith, M.A. Pratta and B. Lyons- Giordano. Interleukin-1
stimulates phospholipase A mRNA synthesis and PGE production in rabbit articular chondrocytes.
2 2
Inflammation Research Association 5th International Conference, September 1990.
9. Arner, E.C., J.M. Brinker, N.A. Kefalides, M.A. Pratta and B.M. Lyons-Giordano.
Interleukin-1 suppresses steady state levels of thrombospondin mRNA but not fibronectin mRNA in rabbit
articular chondrocytes. Trans. Orthop. Res. Soc. 16:150, 1991. (podium)
10. Arner E.C., M.A. Pratta, D. DeWitt and B. Lyons-Giordano. Interleukin-1 stimulates expression of
cyclooxygenase-2 but not cyclooxygenase-1 in rabbit articular chondrocytes. IBC Conference on
Rheumatoid Arthritis, November 1992.
11. Pratta M.A., Y. Ogata, H. Nagase, and E.C. Arner. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (gelatinase
B) induced in rabbit articular chondrocytes may be an important mediator in cartilage proteoglycan
destruction in vivo. Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting, February 1993. (podium)
12. Arner E.C., M.A. Pratta, D.C. DeWitt, W.L. Smith, G.L. Davis, and B. Lyons-Giordano.
Interleukin-1 differentially modulates chondrocyte expression of cycloocygenase-2 and phospholipase A2.
Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting, February 1993. (podium)
13. Arner E.C., S.W. Wright and M.A. Pratta. Isothiazolones inhibit cartilage degradation by
interfering with prostromelysin activation. Inflammation Research Association 5th International Conference,
September 1994. (podium)
14. Pratta M.A., J.M. Trzaskos, S.W. Wright, and E.C. Arner. Isothiazolones alter
prostromelysin activation resulting in new activation products. Inflammation Research Association 5th
International Conference, September 1994.
15. Arner E.C., M.A. Pratta, B. Freimark, M. Lischwe, J. Trzaskos and S.W. Wright.
Isothiazolones interfere with prostromelysin activation by binding to cysteine-75 of the zymogen propeptide.
Inflammation Research Association 5th International Conference, September 1994.
16. Arner E.C., M.A. Pratta, J.M. Trzaskos, B. Freimark, and S.W. Wright. Isothiazolones
inhibit cartilage degradation by interfering with prostromelysin activation through binding to cys-75 of the
zymogen propeptide. Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. February, 1995. (podium)
17. M.A. Pratta, N.R. Ackerman, and E.C. Arner. Effect of ebselen on IL-1-induced cartilage
degradation. Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. February, 1995.
18. E.C. Arner, T.M. DiMeo, M.A. Pratta, and M.D. Tortorella. Interleukin-1 induces
aggrecanase-mediated cleavage in human articular cartilage without up-regulating stromelysin or
glycosaminoglycan release. Eric K. Fernstrom Symposium on Molecular Markers for Joint and Skeletal
Diseases. May, 1995.
19. M.A. Pratta, M.D. Tortorella, P. Gunyuzulu, G.L Davis, H. George and E.C. Arner Co-
induction of MMP-3 and MMP-8 synthesis in human chondrocytes in response to interleukin-1. Trans 42nd
Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 21(1): 170, 1996. (podium)
20. M.A. Pratta, T.M. DiMeo, M.D. Tortorella and E.C. Arner. Effect of dexamethasone on
interleukin-1 induction of stromelysin-1 synthesis in cartilage and isolated chondrocytes. Trans 42nd Ann
Meeting Orthop Res Soc 21(2): 319, 1996.
21. E.C. Arner, T.M. DiMeo, M.A. Pratta, and M.D. Tortorella. Interleukin-1 induces
aggrecanase-mediated cleavage in human articular cartilage. Trans 42nd Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc
21(2): 364, 1996.
22. P.A. Scherle, M.A. Pratta, E.C. Arner. Effects of IL-1 on mitogen activated protein kinase
signaling pathways in chondrocytes. Eighth International Conference of the Inflammation Research
Association, October 27-31, 1996. (podium)
23. M.A. Pratta, D.L. Blessington, J.M. Trzaskos, E.C. Arner. A high throughput enzymatic
assay for stromelysin-1. Eighth International Conference of the Inflammation Research Association,
October 27-31, 1996.
24. M.A. Pratta, L.M. Bauerle, C. P. Decicco, R.A. Copeland, J.V. Giannaras, E.C. Arner.
Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors as cartilage protectants. Eighth International Conference
of the Inflammation Research Association, October 27-31, 1996.
25. M.D. Tortorella, M.A. Pratta, L.M. Bauerle, C.P. Decicco, E.C. Arner. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors,
but not NSAIDs, steroids or tetracyclines, inhibit "aggrecanase"-mediated cartilage degradation. Eighth
International Conference of the Inflammation Research Association, October 27-31, 1996.
26. E.C. Arner, C.P. Decicco, M.A. Pratta, R.C. Newton, J.M. Trzaskos, R.L Magolda, M.D. Tortorella.
“Aggrecanase”, and not MMP-1, -2, -3, -8 or –9, is critical for IL-1-induced cartilage aggrecan degradation.
Trans. Orthop. Res. Soc. 22:454, 1997.
27. M.A. Pratta, E.C. Arner. Effect of aggrecan glycosylation on digestion by “aggrecanase”. Trans. Orthop.
Res. Soc. 22:453, 1997.
28. E.C. Arner, M.A. Pratta, R.C. Newton, J.M. Trzaskos, R.L. Magolda, M.D. Tortorella.
Comparison of cleavage efficiency of aggrecanase and stromelysin for the aggrecan core protein. Trans
43nd Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1998
29. M.A. Pratta, L.M. Bauerle, P.A. Scherle, J.M. Trzaskos, and E.C. Arner MEK inhibitors
block both the increased proteoglycan degradation and decreased proteoglycan synthesis in response to
interleukin-1 Trans 43nd Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1998
30. M.A. Pratta, M.D. Tortorella, R.C. Newton, J.M. Trzaskos, R. Magolda, C. P. DeCicco, B.
Schumaker, K.E. Kuettner, A.A. Cole and E.C. Arner. Interleukin-1 stimulation of bovine nasal cartilage
results exclusively in upregulation of aggrecanase-mediated cleavage. Trans 43nd Ann Meeting Orthop
Res Soc 1998 (podium)
31. Tortorella M.D., M.A. Pratta, J.W. Fox, E.C. Arner. The interglobular domain of cartilage
aggrecan is cleaved by hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HT-d (atrolysin C) at the matrix metalloproteinase
and aggrecanase sites Trans 43nd Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1998 (podium)
32. Arner E.C., M.D. Tortorella, M.A. Pratta, B.D. Jaffee, R.A. Copeland, C-B. Xue, R.C.
Newton, J.M. Trzaskos, R.L. Magolda, C.P. Decicco. Aggrecanase: a target for the design of inhibitors of
cartilage degradation. New York Academy of Sciences Conference on Inhibition of Matrix
Metalloproteinases: Therapeutic Applications. October 21-24, 1998. (podium)
33. E.C. Arner, T. Burn, M.A. Pratta, R. Liu, J.M. Trzaskos, R.C. Newton, C.P. Decicco, A.
Rockwell, R. Copeland, F. Yang, R. Bruchner, H. George, R.L. Magolda, M.D. Tortorella.
Isolation and identification of “aggrecanase”: a novel cartilage aggrecan-degrading-metallo-
proteinase (ADMP) 45th Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1999 (podium).
34. M.A. Pratta, M.D. Tortorella, E.C. Arner. Aggrecan glycosylation affects cleavage by
aggrecanase. 45th Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1999.
35. M.D. Tortorella, T. Burn, H. George, R. Liu, L. Abbaszade, J.M. Hollis, S.A. Rosenfeld, D.M. Ellis, H. Ross,
B.H. Wiswall, K. Murphy, R. Wynn, J.L. Duke, M.C. Hillman, Jr., G.F. Hollis, R.L. Magolda, A. Cole, K.
Kuettner, M.A. Pratta, E.C. Arner. Sites
of cleavage of aggrecan by the recombinant human aggrecan-degrading-metallo-protease (ADMP),
“aggrecanase”. 45th Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 1999 (podium).
36. E.C. Arner, T. Burn, M.A. Pratta, R. Liu, J.M. Trzaskos, R.C. Newton, C.P. Decicco, A.
Rockwell, R. Copeland, F. Yang, R. Bruchner, H. George, R.L. Magolda, M.D. Tortorella. Isolation,
purification, cloning and expression of aggrecanase. Keystone Symposium on Metalloproteases:
Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. February 25-March 3, 1999 (podium).
37. Pratta MA; Newman-Tarr T; LePage C; Connor JR; Hwang SM; Liang X; Blake SM; Lark MW; Kumar S.
Characterization of aggrecan degradation in adult human articular cartilage explants. 49 th Ann Meeting
Orthop Res Soc 2003.
38. Pratta MA; Newman-Tarr T; Votta BJ; Cook MN; McKay MC; Worley J; Nuttall ME;Lark MW; Kumar S.
Effects of a TRPV4 agonist on bovine articular chondrocyte function. 49 th Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc
2003.
39. Pratta MA; Su J-L; Leesnitzer MT; Belfiore P; Storer B; James IE; Lark MW; Kumar S. Development of a
sensitive, high throughput, sandwich ELISA to detect Aggrecanase-generated aggrecan fragments. 49 th Ann
Meeting Orthop Res Soc 2003.
40. Votta BJ, James IE, Cook MN, Pratta MA, Connor JR, Kumar S, McKay CY, Worley J, Davis JB, Lark MW,
& Nuttall ME. TRPV4 is Highly Expressed in Chondrocytes and Functions to Attenuate Chondrocyte
Responses to Catabolic Stimuli. 49th Ann Meeting Orthop Res Soc 2003 (podium)
41. Pratta MA; Struglics A; Larsson S; Lohmander S; Kumar S. Utility of a sensitive, high throughput, sandwich
ELISA to detect Aggrecanase-generated aggrecan fragments in human synovial fluid. 50 th Ann Meeting
Orthop Res Soc 2004.
42. Pratta MA, Hanning CR, Newman-Tarr T, Wang F, Steplewski K, Connor JR, Slathia S,
West MR, Lohmander LS, and Kumar S. Synergistic Stimulation of Aggrecan
Degradation by IL-1α and Oncostatin M in human articular cartilage explants is
associated with the specific induction of ADAMTS-4 expression. Presented at OARSI
World Congress on Osteoarthritis, Boston, MA Dec 8-11, 2005.
43. Pratta MA, SJ Hoffman, F Wang, T Newman-Tarr, RW Coatney, J Morris, CA Capriotti, J
McLane, KL Kilgore, M Majumdar, and Kumar S. An acute model of cytokine stimulated
articular cartilage degradation in the dog. Presented at OARSI World Congress on
Osteoarthritis, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Dec 2007.
44. Gress (Healy) C, Interrante (Filer) A, Ort T, Pratta MA. Fluticasone Reduces Migration
and Mediator Production in Asthmatic-like Mast Cells In Vitro. Presented at American
Thoracic Society, Denver CO May 2011
45. Healy C, Liu H, Filer A, Ort T, Fan H, Liu H, Tocker J, Pratta MA. Characterization of Epithelial and Smooth
Muscle Cell Factors on Atopic/non-atopic Cord Blood Mast Cells – Microarray Analysis. 2012 Presented at
European Mast Cell and Basophil Research Network. Berlin, Germany
46. Sivakumar P, Filer A, Gao H, Liu H, Fan H, Ort T, Tocker J, Panettieri R and Pratta MA.
Functional and Transcriptional Profiling of Human Asthmatic and Normal Bronchial Fibroblasts Reveal
Differential Pathway Regulation and Steroid Sensitivities. To be presented at 2013 American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. San Antonio, TX