Biochemical Journal Poster Prize Winner

Jennifer Bomberger

Jennifer Bomberger is a fourth year graduate assistant in the department of Physiology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University with a major in Microbiology (emphasis on biochemistry and molecular biology). While working on her undergraduate degree, Jennifer completed cooperative education rotations in the department of Renal Pharmacology at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals).

Jennifer is performing her doctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. William Spielman. Her research project is focusing on the molecular regulation of the adrenomedullin receptor, studying the process of desensitization and receptor fate determination, in particular. The adrenomedullin receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor unique for its requirement of a heterodimeric partner (RAMP). Her project has identified novel roles for the receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) in the regulation of the desensitization and down-regulation process of the adrenomedullin receptor. Given the protective role of adrenomedullin in cardiorenal diseases, Jennifer's project is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the receptor activation and trafficking processes in hopes of uncovering new therapeutic targets.