Linda S. Gutierrez
Associate Research Professor of Biology
M. D. 1987 Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela

Research interests:
Dr. Linda Gutierrez de Castejon is a pathologist in the department of Biology at Wilkes University. Her research is focused on colorectal carcinogenesis. Currently, she is working in murine models for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This term refers mainly to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of these inflammatory processes is unknown but genetic predisposition, environment, and dysregulation of the immune system seem to play a critical role. IBD is more frequent in developed countries and patients suffering it have a high incidence for colorectal cancer.

Dr. Gutierrez is using transgenic mice lacking the anti-angiogenic protein Thrombospondin 1. She is analyzing the therapeutic effects of TSP-1 peptides in the two main pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis: the chronic intestinal inflammation and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. In collaboration with the Center for Transgene Research at the University of Notre Dame and Abbott Laboratories, she is also analyzing the effects of TSP-peptides in the ApcMin model. This mouse develops multiple adenomas in the intestines providing a mechanistic way to study the early process of intestinal carcinogenesis. Dr. Gutierrez is collaborating with Wilkes’s faculty and mentoring undergraduate students in these NIH funded projects.

Honors, Awards and Nominations:
1984 Undergraduate Intern Award, (IPG), University of Carabobo, Venezuela.
1985 Undergraduate Intern Award, (IPG), University of Carabobo, Venezuela.
1986 Honor and Merit mention, Gynecology and Obstetrics Undergraduate, University of Carabobo.
1990 Ministry of Health and Social Security Scholarship, Universidad Central de Venezuela.
2002 Investigator Supplement Award, NIH/NHLBI
2004 FASEB Summer Conference Travel Award
2005 Abbott Pre-clinical Investigator Collaboration Award
2005 Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award, Wilkes University
2005 Innovative Teaching Award nomination, Wilkes University
2006 Saidman Chair in Health Sciences, Wilkes University
2006 Steps To A Healthier PA Luzerne County, Merit Community Team