Laurence H. Beck, Jr.
Assistant Professor
Education:
MD, PhD; Harvard Medical School
General field of research:
Nephrology
Contact information:
Office
X-547, 650 Albany Street
Phone: (617)-638 7386
Lab
Evans E315
Fax: (617)-638 7326
Keywords:
Nephrology; Glomerulonephritis membranous nephropathy; Phosholipase A2 receptor autoantibodies; Sickle cell nephropathy
Summary of research interest:
Our research focuses on the role of autoantibodies in the glomerular disease membranous nephropathy. We have recently found that the majority of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have circulating autoantibodies to the glomerular protein phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). Current work in the laboratory focuses on the pathogenic role of these antibodies in human disease, as well as developing a blood test for anti-PLA2R antibodies that will help in the diagnosis and monitoring of this disease.
Recent publications:
Beck, LH Jr, et al. (2009) M-type phospholipase A2 receptor as target antigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. New Engl J Med 361(1):11-21 PMID 19571279
Beck, LH Jr and Salant DJ (2008) Glomerular and tubulointerstitial diseases. Prim Care 35(2):265-96 PMID 18486716
Dept. of Medicine Podcasts
- Amyloid Program on NPR’s All Things Considered May 21, 2012
- Creating an Inclusive Working Environment May 7, 2012
- Turning Quality Improvement Projects into Scholarship February 14, 2012
