Faculty and Staff Profiles

Omar Skalli
Professor, Biology
Email: oskalli@memphis.edu
Office Location: 709 S Yates Rd
Office Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00
Education
  • PhD Molecular Biology - University of Geneva, Switzerland - 1987
  • MSc. Neurosciences - University of Geneva, Switzerland - 1982

Work Experience

  • Professor, Biological Sciences - The University of Memphis - 2015-Present
  • Director, Integrated Microscopy Center - The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN - 2010-present
  • Associate Professor, Biological Sciences - The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN - 2010-2015
  • Associate Professor, Cellular Biology and Anatomy - Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA - 2002-2010
  • Assistant Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology - University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL - 1995-2002
  • Research Assistant Professor, Cell and Molecular Biology - Northwestern University, Chicago, IL - 1992-1995
  • Post-doctoral fellow, Cell and Molecular Biology - Northwestern University, Chicago, IL - 1988-1992

Teaching Experience

  • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3000 level) -  
  • Vertebrate Histology, 4000/6000 level course. 2017- - The University of Memphis
  • Light Microscopy: Theory and Applications. 4 credit hours graduate course with a practical component (2003-present) - The University of Memphis
  • Human Anatomy of Body Cavities (1st yr Med students) (2004) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Human Respiratory System (2nd yr Med students) (2003-2010) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Human Gross Anatomy Lab (1 yr Med students (2002-2008) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Human Gross Anatomy Lab (2nd yr Med Students) (2002-2010) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System (2nd yr Med students) (2004-2009) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Anatomy of the Urinary System (2nd yr Med students) (2008-2009) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Anatomy of Gastrointestinal Tract and Associated Organs (2nd yr Med students) (2008-2010) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Anatomy of Reproductive tract, pelvis, and peritoneum (2nd yr Med students) (2008-2010) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Respiratory System: Anatomy, Histology and Embryology (Graduate course) (2003-2010) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
  • Human Gross Anatomy dissection labs (1st yr Med students) (1995-2002) - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Anatomy for the Upper Limb (for 1 yr Med students) (1995-2002) - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Anatomy of the Upper Limb (for Allied Health students) (1995-2002) - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Cell Differentiation (Graduate course) (1998-2002) - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • The Cytoskeleton (Graduate course) - The University of Illinois at Chicago (1999)
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Cytoskeleton (Graduate course) (2000-2002) - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • The Cytoskeleton (Graduate course) (1986-1988) - University of Geneva Medical School
  • General Pathology lab for Med students (1985-1988) - University of Geneva Medical School

Student Advising/Mentoring

  •   - Omkar Kandukuri -  
  •   - Dahrani Paloju -  
  • PhD - Rashid Lawal -  
  • PhD - Sheila Criswell - 2020
  • NT-MSc - Lakendria Brown - 2018
  • MSc - Danielle Howell - 2021
  • PhD - Madhumita Paul - 2016
  • PhD - Trey Oguin - 2015
  • PhD - Aaron Pitre - 2011
  • PhD - Yihang Pan - 2008
  • PhD - Rixin Zhou - 2000

Support

  • Skalli, CoPI (Dr. Preza, PI) "Improving 3D resolution and reducing sensitivity to spherical aberration in live, thick sample cellular imaging using novel methods in optical sectioning microscopy" - NSF - $242,981 direct - 09/01/2014 to 08/31/2017
  • PI, MRI “Acquisition of Field Electron Microscope for Research and Education" - NSF - $463,000 direct - 09/01/13 to 12/31/14
  • PI on R01 (Glial Filament Associated Proteins in Human Astrocytomas) - NIH (NINDS) - $ 665,000 direct - 2003-2007
  • PI on R029 (Glial Filament Associated Proteins in Human Astrocytomas) - NIH (NINDS) - $ 350,000 direct - 1996-2002
  • Post-doctoral Fellowship - Swiss National Fund - $80,000 - 1988-1990
  • Feist Weiller Cancer Center Grant - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. - $40,000 - 2009-2010

Outreach

  • Tour of the Integrated Microscopy Center - St Mary School & Lemoine Owens College students - 2013-2017 -  
  • With Dr. M. Laradji, organized workshop on "Organization of the Intracellular Region" - General public &UM academic community - June 16-17 2011 - FedEx Institute of Technology
  • Participation of the Integrated Microscopy Center (IMC) at the Memphis Research and Innovation Expo - General public, local industry and academic communities - 2011, 2013, 2013 - FedEx Institute of Technology
  • YouTube Video on the Integrated Microscopy Center - General public - Indefinite -  
  • Mentor to 4 CRESH high school students -   - 2012-2015 -  
Service
  • The University of Memphis - Chair, Departmental Graduate Studies Committee - 2017-2023
  • The University of Memphis - Member, College of Arts and Sciences T&P committee - 2017
  • The University of Memphis - Chair, Tenure and Promotion Committee - 2017
  • The University of Memphis - Dept. Graduate Studies Committee, Member - 2015-2017
  • The University of Memphis - Search committe for STEM faculy, Chair - 2015
  • The University of Memphis - Search committee for STEM faculty, Member - 2015
  • The University of Memphis - Chair, Infrastructure Study Team for the Resarch Capacity Analysis - 2013
  • The University of Memphis - Member, Search Committee for the position of Stem Cell Faculty in Life Sciences - 2012
  • The University of Memphis - Chair, Search Committee for the position of Chair for the Department of Physics - 2012-2013
  • The University of Memphis - Member, Faculty Advisory Committee for Research - 2012-present
  • The University of Memphis - Director, Integrated Microscopy Center - 2002-present
  • The University of Memphis - Chair or Member on 6 graduate students committees - 2002-present
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy - 2007-2010
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Member,search committee for the position of Chair for the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology - 2009
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Director, Invasion and Metastasis Research Group - 2005-2008:
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Member, Animal Care and Use Committee - 2005-2010
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Member, Departmental Graduate Committee - 2003-2006
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Member, Radiation Safety Committee - 2004-2006
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Chair or member of the thesis committee for 14 graduate students - 2002-2010
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport - Coordinator, Departmental Seminar Series - 2003-2010
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Judge, Sigma Xi Graduate Student Research Forum - 2000-2001
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Member, Study section for the Interdisciplinary Research Program in Biotechnology - 2000-2001
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Member, departmental Institutional Review Board - 1999
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Faculty advisor for first year Medical Students - 1999-2000
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Coordinator, Departmental Seminar Series - 1999-2000
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Admission committee for the MD/PhD Training Program - 1998-2000:
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Chair or member of the thesis committee for 11 graduate students at - 1996-2002
  • University of Illinois at Chicago - Member, Search Committee for the position of departmental manager - 1996
Journal Articles
  • Sulimenko, V.,  Sladkova, V., Sulimenko, T., Draberova, E., Vosecka, V., Draberova, L., Skalli, O., and Draber, P. 2024. Regulation of microtubule nucleation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells by ARF GTPase-activating protein GIT2. Frontiers in Immunology. Vol. 15
  • Chen, J., Akomolafe, O. I., Dhakal, N. P., Pujyam, M., Skalli, O., Jiang, J. and Peng, C. Nematic templated complex nanofiber structures by projection display. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2022, 14, 7230-7240. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c20305
  • Sala, M.R., Skalli, O., and Sabri, F. 2022. Optimal structural and physical properties of aerogels for promoting robust neurite extension in vitro. Biomaterials Adv. 135:112682. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2022.112682. Epub 2022 Jan 31. PMID: 35581095
  • Garzon, M, Sosik, P, Drastík, J, and Skalli, O. A self-controlled and self-healing model of bacterial cells. 2022. Membranes, 12, 678. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12070678
  • Jyoti, B., Olesen, J., Muenyi, M.V., Patel, T.S., Read, R.W., Thompson, L., Skalli, O., Zheng, Q., Grice, E.A., Sutter, C.H, and Sutter, T.R. 2021. Cutaneous effects of in utero and lactational exposure of C57BL/6J mice to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Toxics 9(8):192. doi:0.3390/toxics9080192
  • Adhikari, P., Shukla, P., Ghimire, H.M., Hasan, M., Sahay, P., Almabadi, H., Tripathi, V., Skalli, O., Rao R., and Pradhan, P. 2021. TEM study of chronic alcoholism effects on early carcinogenesis by probing the nanoscale structural alterations of cell nuclei. Phys. Biol. 18, 026001
  • Rodriguez Sala, M., Skalli, O., Leventis, N., Sabri, F. 2020. Nerve response to superelastic shape memory polyurethane aerogels. Polymers 12, 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122995.
  • Hayes-Rounds, C., Bogue-Jimenez, B., Garcia-Sucerquia, J., Skalli, O., Doblas, A. 2020. Advantages of Fresnel biprism-based digital holographic microscopy in quantitative phase imaging. J. Biomed. Opt. 25:1-11. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.25.8.086501.
  • Jiang, J., Dhakal, N.P., Guo, Y., Andre, C., Thompson, L., Skalli, O., Peng, C. 2020. Controlled dynamics of neural tumor cells by templated liquid crystalline polymer networks. Adv. Healthc. Mater. 9:e2000487. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202000487. Epub 2020 May 6
  • Sala, R., M., Peng, C., Skalli, O., and Sabri, F. 2020. Tunable neuronal scaffold biomaterials through plasmonic photo-patterning of aerogels. MRS Communications, 9:1249-1255. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/mrc.2019.143.
  • Criswell, S., Taylor, M., Kenwright, K., and Skalli, O. 2019. The intermediate filament protein synemin (SYNM) was found to be more widespread in CD117+ gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors (GIST) than the CD34 transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein: an immunohistochemical study. J.  Histotech. https://doi.org/10.1080/01478885.2019.1576829
  • Lynch, K. J., Skalli, O., and Sabri, F. 2018. Growing neural PC-12 cells on crosslinked silica aerogels increases neurite extension in the presence of an electric field. J. Funct. Biomater. 9 pii: E30. doi: 10.3390/jfb9020030. PMID: 29677113
  • Criswell, S., O’Brien T., and Skalli, O. 2018. Presence of intermediate filament protein synemin in select sarcomas. J. Histotech. 41:40-48.
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    Sahay, P., Ganju, A., Almabadi, H.M., Ghimire, H.M., Yallapu., M.M., Skalli, O., Jaggi, M., Chauhan, S.C., and Pradhan, P. 2018. Quantification of photonic localization properties of targeted nuclear mass density variations: Application in cancer-stage detection. J. Biophotonics, 11:e201700257. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201700257. PMID: 29222925.

  • Lynch, K.J., Skalli, O., and Sabri, F. 2017. Investigation of surface topography and stiffness on adhesion and neurites extension of PC12 cells on crosslinked silica aerogel substrates. PLoS One 12:e0185978. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone0185978.
  • Sahay, P., Almabadi, H. M., Ghimire, H. M., Skalli, O., and Pradhan, P. 2017. Light localization properties of weakly disordered optical media using confocal microscopy: application to cancer detection. Optics Express 25:15428-15440.
  • Afghani, N., Mehta, T., Wang, J., Tang, N., Skalli, O., and Quick, Q.A. 2017. Microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1, a novel target in glioblastoma. Int J Oncol. 50:310-316.
  • Skalli, O. 2016. The cytoskeleton meets the skeleton. Focus on "Deficiency of the intermediate filament synemin reduces bone mass in vivo". Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 311:C837-C838.
  • Paul, M., and Skalli, O. 2016. Synemin: molecular features and the use of proximity ligation assay to study its interactions. Meth. Enzymol. 568:537-555. PMID: 26795483.
  • Quick, Q., Paul, M., and Skalli, O. 2015. Roles and potential clinical applications of intermediate filament proteins in brain tumors. Sem. Ped. Neurol. 22:40-48. PMID: 25976260.
  • Hamill, K.J., Colburn, Z.T., Hiroyasu, S., Ventrella, R.V., Hopkinson, S.B., Skalli, O.,  and Jones, J.C.R. 2015. Alpha actinin-1 regulates cell-matrix adhesion organization in keratinocytes:      consequences for skin cell motility. J. Invest. Dermatol. 135:1043-1052.
  • Skalli, O., Boykins, L., Coons, L. Electron microscopy. 2014. Chapter in: “Biofouling Methods”. Dobretsov, S., Williams, D.N., and Thomason J. Edts. Wiley Blackwell publisher. Pages 26-43.
  • Pekny, T., Faiz, M., Wilhelmsson, U., Curtis, M.A., Matej, R., Skalli, O., Pekny, M. 2014. Synemin is expressed in reactive astrocytes and Rosenthal fibers in Alexander disease. APMIS 122:76-80.
  • Skalli, O., Wilhelmsson, U., Örndahl, L., Fekete, B., Malmgren, K., Rydenhag, B., and Pekny, M. 2013. Astrocytoma grade IV displays three subtypes with unique expression profiles of intermediate filament proteins. Human Pathology 44:2081-2088.
  • Hamill, K.J., Hopkinson, S.B., Skalli, O., Jones, J.C. 2013. Actinin-4 in keratinocytes regulates  motility via an effect on lamellipodia stability and matrix adhesions. FASEB J. 27:546-556.
  • Sabri, F., Boughter, J.D. Jr, Gerth, D., Skalli, O., Phung, T.C., Tamula, G.R., Leventis, N.  2012. Histological evaluation of the biocompatibility of polyurea crosslinked silica aerogel implants in a rat model: a pilot study. PLoS One 7:e50686.
  • Pitre, A., Davis, N., Paul, M., Orr, A.W., and Skalli, O. 2012. Synemin promotes AKT-dependent glioblastoma cell proliferation by antagonizing PP2A. Mol. Biol. Cell. 23:1243-1253.
  • Quick, Q., Pan, Y., and Skalli, O. 2011. Role of Synemin in astrocytoma cell migration. Chapter in: “Tumor of the Central Nervous System. Vol. 5: Astrocytomas, hemangioblastomas, and   ganglioblastomas”. Editor: M.A. Hayat. Springer (Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London, New York).   pp 81-88.
  • Luna, G., Lewis, G. P., Banna, C. D., Skalli, O., and Fisher, S. K. 2010. Expression profiles of nestin and synemin in reactive astrocytes and müller cells following retinal injury: a comparison with GFAP and vimentin. Mol. Vis. 16: 2511-2523.
  • Quincy, Q. and Skalli, O. 2010. a-Actinin 1 and a-actinin 4 in astrocytoma cells: contrasting role in  motility, common roles in antagonizing cell death and rhoA signaling. Exp. Cell Res. 316:1137-1147.
  • Cardelli, J. and Skalli, O. 2010. Divide and invade: the dynamic cytoskeleton of glioblastoma cells.  Chapter in: "Glioblastoma: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Current Therapeutic  Strategies." Editor: S. Ray. Springer (New York). pp167-183.
  • Steffan, J. J., Snider, J. L., Skalli, O., Welbourne, T., and Cardelli, J. A. 2009. Na+/H+ exchangers and RhoA regulate acidic extracellular pH-induced lysosome trafficking in prostate cancer cells. Traffic 10:737-753.
  • Tatom, J. B., Wang, D. B., Dayton, R. D., Skalli, O., Hutton, M. L., Dickson, D. W., and Klein, R. L. 2009.  Mimicking aspects of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Lou Gehrig's disease in rats via TDP-43 overexpression. Molec. Therapy, 17:607-613.
  • Tatom, J. B., Wang, D. B., Dayton, R. D., Skalli, O., Hutton, M. L., Dickson, D. W., and Klein, R. L. 2009.  Mimicking aspects of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Lou Gehrig's disease in rats via TDP-43 overexpression. Molec. Therapy, 17:607-613.
  • Pan, Y., Jing R., Pitre, A., Williams, J, and Skalli, O.  2008. Intermediate filament protein synemin contributes to the migratory properties of astrocytoma cells by influencing the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton.  FASEB J. 22:3196-3206.
  • Wahl, J. M., Clark, L. A., Skalli, O., Ambrus, A., Rees, C., Mansell, J. L., and Murphy, K. E. 2008.  Analysis of gene transcript profiling and immunobiology in Shetland sheepdogs with dermatomyositis. Vet. Dermatol. 19:52-58.
  • Jing, R., Wilhelmsson, U., Goodwill, W., Li, L., Pan, Y., Pekny, M., and Skalli, O.  2007.  Synemin is expressed in reactive astrocytes in neurotrauma and interacts differentially with vimentin and GFAP intermediate filament networks.  J. Cell Sci. 120:1267-1277.
  • Pitre, A., Pan, Y., Pruett, S., and Skalli, O.  2007.  On the use of ratio standard curves to accurately quantitate relative changes in protein levels by western blot.  Anal. Biochem. 361:305-307.
  • Schmitt-Graeff, A., Jing, R., Desmoulieres, A., and Skalli, O.  2006.  Synemin expression is widespread in liver fibrosis and is induced in proliferating and malignant biliary epithelial duct cells.  Hum. Pathol. 37:1200-1210.
  • Jing, R., Pizzolato, G., Robson, R. M., Gabbiani, G., and Skalli, O.  2005.  Intermediate filament protein synemin is present in human reactive and malignant astrocytes and associates with ruffled membranes in astrocytoma cells.  Glia 50:107-120.
  • Zhou, R., Wu, X., and Skalli, O.  2002.  The hyaluronan receptor RHAMM/IHABP in astrocytoma cells: expression of a tumor-specific variant and association with microtubules.  J. Neuro-Oncol. 59:15-26.
  • Zhou, R., Wu, X., and Skalli, O.  2001.  TGF-alpha induces a stationary, radial-glia like phenotype in cultured astrocytes.  Br. Res. Bull. 56:37-42.
  • Zhou, R and Skalli, O.  2000.  Identification of cadherin-11 down-regulation as a common response of astrocytoma cells to transforming growth factor alpha?.  Differentiation 66:165-172.
  • Sultana, S., Sernett, S. W., Bellin, R. M., Robson, R. M., and Skalli, O.  2000.  The intermediate filament protein synemin is transiently expressed in a subpopulation of astrocytes during development.  Glia 30:143-153.
  • Zhou, R. and Skalli, O.  2000.  TGF-alpha differentially regulates GFAP, vimentin and nestin gene expression in U-373 MG glioblastoma cells: correlation with cell shape and motility.  Exp. Cell Res. 254:269-278.
  • Skalli, O.  1999.  IFAP 300.  In: Guidebook to Cytoskeletal and Motor Proteins.  pp 337-338. Vale R. and Kreiss T. Editors.  Oxford University Press.
  • Sultana, S., Zhou, R, Sadagopan, M. S., and Skalli, O.  1998.  Effects of growth factors and basement membrane proteins on the phenotype of U-373 MG glioblastoma cells as determined by the expression of intermediate filament proteins.  Am. J. Pathol. 153:1157-1168.
  • Jones, J. C. R., Skalli, O., Goldman, R. D., and Baker, S. E.  1998.  What links laminin-5 to the keratin cytoskeleton in epithelial cells?  Biol. Bulletin 194:371-372.
  • Skalli, O.  1998.  Isolation of desmosomes.  In: Cells, A Laboratory Manual, Volume1.  Chapter 36, pp 36.1-36.5. Editors: Spector D. L., Goldman R. D. and Leinwand L. A.  Cold Spring Harbor  Laboratory Press.
  • Skalli, O.  1998.  Isolation and purification of intermediate filaments.  In: Cells, A Laboratory  Manual, Volume 1.  Chapter 55, pp 55.1-55.11.  Editors: Spector D. L., Goldman R. D. and  Leinwand L. A. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
  • Chou, Y.-H., Skalli, O., and Goldman, R. D.  1997.  Intermediate filaments and cytoplasmic networking: new connections and more functions.  Curr. Op. Cell Biol. 9:49-53.
  • Kriho, V. K., Yang, H.-Y., Moskal, J. R., and Skalli, O.  1997.  Keratin expression in astrocytomas: an immunofluorescent and biochemical reassessment.  Virch. Arch. 431:139-147.
  • Baker, S. E., Skalli, O., Goldman, R. D., and Jones, J. C. R.  1997.  Laminin-5 and modulation of keratin cytoskeleton arrangement in FG pancreatic carcinoma cells: involvement of IFAP 300 and evidence that laminin-5/cell interactions correlate with a dephosphorylation of ?6A integrin.  Cell. Motil. Cytoskel. 37:271-286.
  • Skalli, O., Jones, J. C. R., Gagescu, R., and Goldman, R. D.  1994.  IFAP 300 is common to desmosomes and hemidesmosomes and is a possible linker of intermediate filaments to these junctions.  J. Cell Biol. 125:159-170.
  • Skalli, O., Chou, Y.-H, and Goldman, R. D.  1992.  Intermediate filaments: not so tought after all.  Trends Cell Biol. 2:308-312.
  • Skalli, O., Chou, Y.-H., and Goldman, R. D.  1992.  Cell cycle dependent changes in the organization of an intermediate filament associated protein (IFAP 300): correlation with phosphorylation by p34cdc2.  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:11959-11963.
  • Schurmans, S., Merino, J., Qin, H. Y., Kramar, G., Duchosal, M., Skalli, O., Benzonana, G., Gabbiani, G., and Lambert, P. H.  1991.  Autoimmune syndrome after neonatal induction of tolerance to alloantigens: analysis of the specificity and of the cellular and genetic origin of autoantibodies. Autoimmunity 9:283-291.
  • Skalli, O. and Goldman, R. D.  1991.  Recent insights into the assembly, dynamics and function of intermediate filament networks.  Cell Motil Cytoskel. 19:67-79.
  • Goldman, R. D., Chou, Y.-H., Dessev, C., Dessev, G., Eriksson, J., Goldman, A., Khuon, S.,   Kohnken, R., Lowy, M., Miller, R., Murphy, K., Opal, P., Skalli, O., and Straube, K.  1991.     Dynamic aspects of cytoskeletal and karyoskeletal intermediate filament systems during the cell  cycle.  Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol., LVI, pp 629-642.
  • Schmitt-Gräff, A., Pau, H., Spahr, R., Piper, H. M., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1990.  Appearance of alpha-smooth muscle actin in human eye lens cells of anterior capsular cataract and in cultured bovine lens-forming cells.  Differentiation 43:115-122.
  • Darby, I., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1990.  Alpha-smooth muscle actin is transiently expressed by myofibroblasts during experimental wound healing.  Lab. Invest. 63:21-29.
  • Schürch, W., Skalli, O., Lagacé, R., Seemayer, T., and Gabbiani, G.  1990.  Intermediate filament proteins and actin isoforms as markers forsoft-tissue tumor differentiation and origin. III. Hemangiopericytomas and glomus tumors.  Am. J. Pathol. 136:771-786.
  • Schurch, W., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1990.  Cellular biology of the myofibroblast.  In:  Dupuytren's disease.  Chapiter 4, pp 31-47.  Editors: R. M. McFarlane, McGrouther D. A. and  Flint M. H. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  • Skalli, O. and Gabbiani, G.  1990.  The biology of the myofibroblast, relation to the development of  epithelial and soft tissue tumors.  In: Pathobiology of soft tissue tumours.  pp 83-103.  Editors:  C.D. Fletchner and McKee P. H.  Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  • Skalli, O. and Gabbiani, G., 1990.  Expression, organization and involvement of intermediate  filaments in disease processes. In: Intermediate Filaments.  Chapter 17, pp 415-450. Editors: Goldman  R.D. and Steinert P. M.  Plenum Publishing Corporation, New York.
  • Skalli, O., Gabbiani, F., and Gabbiani, G. 1990. Action of general and a-smooth muscle specific  actin antibody microinjection on stress fibers of cultured smooth muscle cells. Exp. Cell Res. 187:119-125.
  • Fager, G., Hansson, G. K., Gown, A. M., Larson, D. M., Skalli, O., and Bondjers, G.  1989.  Human arterial smooth muscle cells in culture: inverse relationship between proliferation and expression of contractile proteins.  In Vitro 25:511-520.
  • Cintorino, M., Vindigni, C., Del Veccio, M.-T., Tosi, P., Frezzoti, R., Hadjistilianou, T., Leoncini, P., Silvestri, S., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1989.  Expression of actin isoforms and intermediate filament proteins in childhood orbital rhabdomyosarcomas.  J. Submicrosc. Cytol. and Pathol. 21:409-419.
  • Czernobilsky, B., Shezen, E., Lifschitz-Mercer, B., Fogel, M., Luzon, A., Jacob, N., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1989.  a-Smooth muscle actin (a-sm actin) in normal human ovaries, in ovarian stromal hyperplasia and in ovarian neoplasms.  Virch. Arch. B 57:55-61.
  • Sappino, A.-P., Dietrich, P.-Y., Skalli, O., Widgren, S., and Gabbiani, G.  1989.  Colonic cryptal fibroblasts. Differentiation pattern in embryogenesis and phenotypic modulation in epithelial proliferative lesions.  Virchows Arch. A 415:551-557.
  • Campbell, J. H., Kocher, O., Skalli, O., Gabbiani, G., and Campbell, G. R.  1989. Cytodifferentiation and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNA and protein during primary culture of aortic smooth muscle cells. Correlation with cell density and proliferative state.  Arteriosclerosis 9:633-643.
  • Parlavecchia, M., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1989.  LDL accumulation in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells with different cytoskeletal phenotypes.  J. Vasc. Med. Biol. 1:308-313.
  • Schmitt-Graff, A., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1989.  a-Smooth muscle actin is expressed in a subset of bone marrow stromal cells in normal and pathological conditions. Virchows Arch. B 57:291-302.
  • Mitchell, J., Woodcock-Mitchell, J., Reynolds, S., Low, R., Leslie, K., Adler, K., Gabbiani, G., and Skalli, O.  1989.  a-Smooth muscle actin in parenchymal cells of bleomycine-injured rat lung.  Lab. Invest. 60:643-650.
  • Skalli, O., Pelte, M.-F., Peclet, M.-C., Gabbiani, G., Gugliotta, P., Bussolati, G., Ravazzola, M., and Orci, L.  1989.  Alpha-smooth muscle actin, a differentiation marker of smooth muscle cells, is present in microfilamentous bundles of pericytes.  J. Histochem. Cytochem. 37:315-321.
  • Skalli, O., Schürch, W., Seemayer, T., Lagacé, R., Montandon, D., Pittet, B., and Gabbiani, G. 1989. Myofibroblasts from diverse pathologic settings are heterogeneous in their content of actin isoforms and intermediate filament proteins.  Lab. Invest. 60:275-285.
  • Leoncini, P., Cintorino, M., Vindigni, C., Leoncini, L., Armellini, D., Bugnoli, M., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  Distribution of cytoskeletal and contractile proteins in normal and tumour bearing salivary and lacrimal glands.  Virchows Arch. A 412:329-337.
  • Woodcock-Mitchell, J., Mitchell, J., Low, R., Kieny, M., Sengel, P., Rubbia, L., Skalli, O., Jackson, B., and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  a-Smooth muscle actin is transiently expressed in embryonic rat cardiac and skeletal muscles.  Differentiation 39:161-166.
  • Foschini, M P., Ceccarelli, C., Eusebi, V., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  Alveolar soft part sarcoma: immunological evidence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Histopathology 13:101-108.
  • Skalli, O. and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  The biology of the myofibroblast in relation to wound contraction and fibrocontractive diseases.  In: The Molecular and Cellular Biology of Wound Repair.  Chapter 17,  pp 373-402. 
  • Gugliotta, P., Sappino, A., Macri, L., Skalli, O., Gabbiani, G., and Bussolati, G.  1988.  Specific demonstration of myoepithelial cells by anti-alpha smooth muscle actin antibody.  J. Histochem. Cytochem. 36:659-664.
  • Casale, A., Camatini, M., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1988. Characterization of actin isoforms in ejaculated boar spermatozoa.  Gamete Res. 20:133-144.
  • Sappino, A.P., Skalli, O., Jackson, B., Schürch, W., and Gabbiani, G. 1988. Smooth muscle differentiation in stromal cells of malignant and non-malignant breast tissues. Int. J. Canc. 41:707- 712.
  • Benzonana, G., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  Correlation between the distribution of smooth muscle or non muscle myosins and a-smooth muscle actin in normal and pathological soft tissues. Cell Motil. Cytosk. 11:260-274.
  • Babaï, F., Skalli, O., Schürch, W., Seemayer, T. A., and Gabbiani, G.  1988.  Chemically induced rhabdomyosarcomas in rats. Ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, biochemical features and expression of a-actin isoforms.  Virchow's Archiv. B 55:263-277.
  • Skalli, O., Gabbiani, G., Babaï, F., Seemayer, T. A., Pizzolato, G.-P., and Schürch, W.  1988. Intermediate filament proteins and actin isoforms as markers for soft tissue tumor differentiation and origin. II. Rhabdomyosarcomas.  Am. J. Pathol. 130:515-531.
  • Korbi, S., Meyer, D., Skalli, O., Gabbiani, G., and Kapanci, Y.  1987.  Post-irradiation leiomyosarcoma. Case report with  imunohistochemical studies.  J. Submicrosc. Cytol. 19:365-369.
  • Toccanier-Pelte, M.-F., Skalli, O., Kapanci, Y., and Gabbiani, G.  1987.  Characterization of stromal cells with myoid features in lymph nodes and spleen during normal and pathological conditions. Am. J. Pathol. 129:109-118.
  • Schürch, W., Skalli, O., Seemayer, T. A., and Gabbiani, G.  1987.  Intermediate filament proteins and actin isoforms as markers for soft tissue tumor differentiation and origin. I. Smooth muscle tumors. Am. J. Pathol. 128:91-103.
  • Skalli, O., Vandekerckhove, J., and Gabbiani, G.  1987.  Actin-isoform pattern as a marker of normal or pathological smooth-muscle and fibroblastic tissues.  Differentiation 33:232-238.
  • Jonasson, L., Holm, J., Skalli, O., Bondjers, G., and Hansson, G. K.  1986.  Regional accumulations of T cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells in the human atherosclerotic plaque.  Arteriosclerosis 6 132-138.
  • Stamenkovic, I., Skalli, O., and Gabbiani, G.  1986.  Distribution of intermediate filament proteins in normal and diseased human glomeruli.  Am. J. Pathol. 125:465-475.
  • Skalli, O., Ropraz, P., Trzeciak, A., Benzonana, G., Gillessen, D., and Gabbiani, G.  1986.  A monoclonal antibody against ?-smooth muscle actin: a new probe for smooth muscle differentiation. J. Cell Biol. 103:2787-2796.
  • Skalli, O., Bloom, W. S., Ropraz, P., Azzarone, B., and Gabbiani, G.  1986.  Cytoskeletal remodeling of rat aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro: relationships to culture conditions and analogies to in vivo situations.  J. Submicrosc. Cytol. 18:481-493.
  • Jonasson, L., Holm, J., Skalli, O., Gabbiani, G., and Hansson, G. K.  1985.  Expression of class II  transplantation antigen on vascular smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerosis.  J. Clin. Invest. 76:125-131.
  • Kocher, O., Skalli, O., Cerutti, D., Gabbiani, F., and Gabbiani, G.  1985.  Cytoskeletal features of rat aortic cells during development. An electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical study.  Circ. Res. 56:829-838.
  • Skalli, O. and Gabbiani, G.  1985.  Remodeling of the aortic smooth muscle cell cytoskeleton during development and pathological conditions.  Path. Res. Pract. 180:338-341.
  • Saurat, J.-H., Didierjean, L., Skalli, O., Siegenthaler, G., and Gabbiani, G.  1984.  The intermediate filament proteins of rabbit normal epidermal Merkel cells are cytokeratins.  J. Invest. Dermatol. 83:431-435.
  • Kocher, O., Skalli, O., Bloom, W. S., and Gabbiani, G.  1984.  Cytoskeleton of rat aortic smooth muscle cells. normal conditions and experimental intimal thickening.  Lab. Invest. 50:645-652
Presentations
  • 2014:Invited conference speaker, Special Interest Meeting:Molecular Insight into Muscle Function and Protein Aggregate Myopathies, Potsdam, Germany.
  • 2012: Invited conference speaker, 2012 Gordon Research Conference on Intermediate Filaments, Lewiston, ME.
  • 2012: Invited seminar speaker, Dept. of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Memphis, TN.
  • 2012: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
  • 2011: Invited conference speaker, Workshop “Organization of the intracellular space”, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
  • 2011: Invited seminar speaker, Cancer Center, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Memphis, TN.
  • 2011: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Physics, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
  • 2010: Invited conference speaker for the minisymposium on “Cytoskeletal and Nuclear Intermediate Filaments and Diseases”, 50th annual meeting of the American Society for Cell   Biology, Philadelphia, PA.
  • 2010: Invited conference speaker, Gordon Research Conference on Intermediate Filaments, Tilton, NH
  • 2010: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
  • 2010: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.
  • 2009: Session chair and invited conference speaker at the 6th European Conference on Intermediate Filaments (Nanofilaments) in Health and Diseases, Goteborg, Sweden
  • 2009: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2009: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Pharmacology, Neurosciences and Toxicology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2009: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Physiology,Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2008: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biology, Grambling State University, Grambling,  LA
  • 2008: Invited conference speaker, Feist Weiller symposium, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2007: Invited conference speaker, Feist Weiller symposium, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2006: Invited seminar speaker, Feist Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2005: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health  Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2003: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2003: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biology, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
  • 2002: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biology, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
  • 2001: Invited seminar speaker, Dpt. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
  • 2001: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Texas A&M, College Station, TX
  • 2001: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Anatomy at State University of New York (Brooklyn), NY
  • 2001: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Pathology, Geneva University, Switzerland
  • 2000:  Invited seminar speaker, Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • 1998: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Pathology, Geneva University, Switzerland
  • 1997: Invited seminar speaker, Department of Biology, Turku University, Finland
  • 1996:  Invited conference speaker, Gordon Research Conference on “Intermediate Filaments”, Holderness, NH.

Appendix A - Teaching Experience

  • BIOL 8040 - Light Microscopy: Theory and Applications
  • BIOL 7040 - Light Microscopy: Theory and Applications
  • BIOL 8040 - Light Microscopy: Theory and Applications
  • BIOL 7040 - Light Microscopy: Theory and Applications
  • BIOL 4000 - Research I
  • BIOL 4000 - Research I
  • BIOL 8092 - Graduate research
  • BIOL 8092 - Graduate research
Appendix B - Student Advising/Mentoring
  • Post Doctoral fellows: 2002-2007: Dr. Runfeng Jing; 2000-2002: Dr. Xiao Wu; 1997-2000: Dr. Sadath Sultana
  • PhD Students: 2010-present: Madhumita Paul; 2010-present: Trey Oguin; 2007-2011: Aaron Pitre; 2003-2008: Yihang Pan; 1997-2000:  Rixin Zhou
  • Undergraduate Students: 2013: Caroline Noel;  2012: James Doss, Ryan Payne; 2011-2013: HaNa Hannis;  2005: Aaron Pitre; 2000: Sejal, Patel
  •  K12 students: 2012: Monika Jain and Chloe Skalli;  2013: Anita
  • Visiting scientists: 2008-2010: Dr. Quincy Quick (Grambling State University, Grambling, LA),  visiting professor, awardee of an ASCB MAC (American Society for Cell Biology Minority Affair Committee) to perform research in my lab.