Naomi M. Kanof Lecturer

Angela Christiano, PhD, Columbia University

Title:  Therapeutic Advances in Alopecia Areata: The Journey to JAKs

Angela M. Christiano, PhD is the Richard and Mildred Rhodebeck Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University, where she also serves as Advisory Dean for Basic Science Faculty. Her research is focused on understanding the molecular processes that lead to inherited skin and hair disorders in humans, and interrogating disease mechanisms using mouse models. The lab’s most recent work revolves around the investigation of the underlying genetic and immunologic drivers of alopecia areata, and identification of potential new therapeutic targets. Her team is credited with pioneering the foundational research and demonstrating proof-of-concept supporting the use of JAK inhibitors as a novel treatment for AA. Dr. Christiano has received numerous awards, including the Montagna Award from the Society for Investigative Dermatology and the Ebling Award from the European Hair Research Society. She is a past President of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, and during her tenure established new initiatives promoting Diversity and Inclusion throughout the SID. She was a founding Editor of Experimental Dermatology, and served as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology for ten years.  Dr. Christiano is deeply committed to both discovering and advancing new therapies for patients suffering from dermatological diseases. As an inventor and entrepreneur, she has successfully moved technologies from the academic setting into the commercial sector.  She earned her MS and PhD degrees in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University, and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Jefferson Medical College.

In 2020, Dr. Christiano was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

About the Lectureship:

Established in 1988, this award was established to honor the memory of Naomi Kanof, MD.  The Naomi M. Kanof Lectureship honors an individual making significant contributions to the improvement of health through clinical research.  Clinical research is broadly defined as any scientific endeavor with a direct application to improving the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of clinical disease.  This investigative work can be based in the laboratory and should be implemented or just ready to be implemented in clinical practice.