University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Michael Alberti MD, PhD
Assistant Professor - Molecular Pathology
- Pathology (SOM)
- University of Colorado, Anschutz
- Department of Pathology
Email Address:michael.alberti@cuanschutz.edu
As a physician-scientist I am interested in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of splicing factor gene mutations in clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). My postdoctoral work demonstrated that mutations in the U2AF1 splicing factor gene provide an ideal model for these studies as they occur at one of two hotspot codons (S34 and Q157) in separate zinc finger domains, and each of these mutations are associated with different clinical features, outcomes, alternative splicing, and co-occurring gene mutations in MDS patients. Complimentary experiments using U2af1(S34F/+) and U2af1(Q157R/+) small animal models support these observations and have also revealed differential activation of several key signaling pathways. The goal of our lab's research program is focused on answering the following questions:
(1) Why are splicing factor mutations highly enriched in clonal myeloid malignancies (e.g., MDS) compared to other types of cancer?
(2) What are the individual and shared mechanisms by which different splicing factor mutations induce MDS?
(3) What are the dynamics facilitating acquisition of additional mutations in the context of splicing factor mutant disease?
Areas of Expertise
Molecular Pathology; Genetics of Myeloid Malignancies
Education, Licensure & Certifications
Education:
BS, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, California Lutheran University (2005)
PhD, Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2011)
MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2013)
Postdoctoral Education:
Residency, Clinical Pathology, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center (2016)
Fellowship, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (2017)
Postdoc Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (2017-2022)
Licensure:
California Medical License (2015-2016)
Missouri Medical License (2016-2022)
Colorado Medical License (2022-present)
Certifications:
American Board of Pathology, Clinical Pathology (2016)
American Board of Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology (2017)
Awards
Barry M. Goldwater Foundation Scholar (2004)
Glenn T. Seaborg Science Award, Swedish Council of America (2005)
William Boyd Medal for Excellence in Pathology, Alabama Association of Pathologists and UAB Department of Pathology (2013)
Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Award, Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists (2015)
Career Development Award, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA (2015-2016)
Paul Calabresi K12 Career Development Award in CLinical Oncology, WUSM Clinical Research Training Center (2019-2021)
Abstract Achievement Award, American Society of Hematology (2019)
Outstanding Citizenship Award, WUSM Clinical Research Training Center (2021)
EvansMDS Young Investigator Award, Edward P. Evans Foundation (2021-2024)
K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award, NIH/NHLBI (2021-2026)
Affiliations
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists (ACLPS)
Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
American Society of Hematology (ASH)
International Society for Experimental Hematology (ISEH)