Christina Caroll Leslie, PhD Ask a Question Refer Patient Christina Caroll Leslie, PhD, is a researcher at National Jewish Health. Dr. Leslie in in the Division of Cell Biology and Department of Pediatrics. Professor Division of Cell Biology Department of Pediatrics Castle Connolly & 5280 Top Doctors 2023 Previously a 5280 Top Doctor America’s Top Doctors 2015 — Castle Connolly, Medical, Ltd. Recognized in America’s Top Doctors — Castle Connolly, Inc. Best Doctors in America® 2019-2020 — Best Doctors, Inc. Recognized in Best Doctors in America® — Best Doctors, Inc. America’s Top Doctors 2020 — Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd. Email Profile Print Profile Overview Contact Info & Locations Research Areas Cellular and Molecular Biology Special Interests Research Interests Research focuses on studying the regulation and function of mammalian phospholipase A2 enzymes and the production of lipid mediators of inflammation. Our research focuses on studying cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2), which releases arachidonic acid for production of lipid mediators of inflammation. cPLA2 is potently activated in macrophages infected with microorganisms resulting in production of eicosanoids. This is an early response to microbial infection that initiates acute inflammatory responses. We are studying the role of pattern recognition receptors and the signal transduction mechanisms leading to activation of cPLA2 in macrophages focusing on the role of calcium mobilization and kinase activation. Calcium regulates cPLA2 by binding to an N-terminal C2 domain, which promotes translocation of cPLA2 from the cytosol to membrane for release of arachidonic acid. The role of calcium and phosphorylation of cPLA2 by mitogen-activated protein kinases in regulating its translocation to the forming phagosome during phagocytosis of zymosan is being investigated. A long-term goal is to elucidate the role of cPLA2 and production of eicosanoids in regulating susceptibility to microbial infection. Education Education University of Georgia, PhD, Microbiology Awards & Recognition 1997-2002, Board of Scientific Counselors, NHLBI, NIH (review panel for the Intramural program, NHLBI) 2001, Biochemical Sciences Working Group (Center for Scientific Review) for review of the organization and operation of study sections 2000, Co-chairperson of Faseb Conference on Phospholipases 1998, Vice-chairperson of Faseb Conference on Phospholipases 1991-1995, NIH Study Section, Medical Biochemistry permanent member 1995, Co-chairperson of Faseb Conference on Cytokines and Lipid Mediators Editorial Boards: J. Biological Chem., Biochem. J, BMC Biochem. Professional Memberships American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society Cell Bioliolgy Society Leukocyte Biology Publications Ghosh, M., Stewart, A., Tucker, D.E., Bonventre, J.V., Murphy, R.C. and Leslie, C.C. Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in prostaglandin E2 production by lung fibroblasts. Amer. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 30:91-100 (2004). Evans, J. H., Gerber, S. H., Murray, D. and Leslie, C. C. The calcium binding loops of the cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 C2 domain specify targeting to Golgi and ER in live cells. Mol. Biol. Cell 15:371-383 (2004). Evans, J. H. and Leslie, C. C. The cytosolic phospholipase A2 catalytic domain modulates association and residence time at Golgi membranes. J. Biol. Chem. 279:6005-6016 (2004). Leslie, C. C. Regulation of arachidonic acid availability for eicosanoid production. Biochem. Cell Biol. 82: 1-17 (2004). Girotti, M., Evans, J. H., Burke, D. and Leslie, C. C. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 translocates to forming phagosomes during phagocytosis of zymosan in macrophages. J. Biol. Chem. 279:19113-19121 (2004). Academic Affiliations Professor, Departments of Pathology and Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver Teaching & Professional Positions Professor, Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health 2001-Present: Pathology 6000, University of Colorado Medical School, Chemical mediators of inflammation. 2001-Present: Medical Pharmacology 6000, Anticoagulant drugs 1997-Present: FEBS Advanced Course on Lipid Signals, Chieti, Italy, Phospholipase A2 enzymes Ask a Question through MyChart Sign in to your MyChart account to communicate with your care team, manage appointments, and more. Create an Account Contact Information Office: 877.225.5654 Email: lesliec@njhealth.org Patient Ratings The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our independent rating system, the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. This survey is about the patient care experience and does not address crucial characteristics like medical decision-making, prescribing the best therapy, and patient outcomes. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Learn more about our patient satisfaction survey. Comments Comments are collected in our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Surveys. Patients are de-identified to protect confidentiality and patient privacy. Learn more about our patient satisfaction survey.