Porat M. Erlich, PhD, MSc
Research Associate
LOCATION
Center for Health Research
100 North Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822
Phone: 570-214-5478
Fax: 570-214-9451
pmerlich@geisinger.edu
EDUCATION
MSc, Tel Aviv University, Israel, 1999
PhD, Boston University, Massachusetts, 2008
RESEARCH FOCUS
Genomics, Pharmacogenetics, Epidemiology
RESEARCH INTERESTS
The past decade has seen rapid progress in the area of genetics and genomics. The sequencing and annotation of the full-length human genome has enabled identification of liability alleles for a variety of common chronic disorders. Translation of this new knowledge into clinically useful technology for screening, prevention and treatment of chronic disorders will require additional research efforts. One such effort is the development of a DNA-based screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC). Colonoscopy is an effective primary prevention tool for CRC, which is routinely recommended to the general population of patients 50 years and older; however, there are two challenges facing colonoscopy-based CRC prevention programs. First, many patients do not adhere to recommendations to undergo colonoscopy because it is invasive and somewhat discomforting. Secondly, colonoscopy is relatively costly as a first-line population screening method. We are developing a DNA-based prescreening test for CRC that can help to overcome these challenges. First, patients may be more motivated to adhere to colonoscopy recommendations if they know they will be made aware of their genetic risk. Secondly, the cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy-based prevention programs can be enhanced if physicians know which patients are at elevated risk based on genetic predisposition.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Lunetta, KL; Erlich, PM; Cuenco, KT; Cupples, LA; Green, RC; Farrer, LA; DeCarli, C. (2007, Apr-June). Heritability of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) traits in Alzheimer's Disease cases and their siblings in the MIRAGE Study. Alzheimer's Disease & Associated Disorders, 21(2) 85-91.
Akomolafe A; Lunetta KL; Erlich PM; Cupples LA; Baldwin CT; Huyck M; Green RC; Farrer LA; MIRAGE Study Group. (2006,July). Genetic association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Alzheimer's disease. Clinical Genetics, 70(1):49-56.
Erlich, P.M., Lunetta, K.L.; Cupples, L.A.; Huyck, M.; Green, R.C.; Baldwin, C.T.; Farrer, L.A.; MIRAGE Study Group. (2006, January). Polymorphisms in the PON gene cluster are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Human Molecular Genetics, 15(1):77-85.
Erlich PM, Cui J, Chazaro I, Farrer LA, Baldwin CT, Gavras H, DeStefano AL. (2003, June). Genetic variants of WNK4 in whites and African Americans with hypertension. Hypertension, 41(6):1191-5.
Cuenco, KT; Green, RC; Zhang, J, Lunetta, K; Erlich, PM; Cupples, LA; Farrer, LA; and DeCarli, C; for the MIRAGE Study Group. ( 2008, July). Magnetic Resonance Imaging Traits in Siblings Discordant for Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Neuroimaging, 18:(3) 268-275.