Cheryl Conover, Ph. D., studies the cellular physiology of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs).

What Is the Focus of Your Research?

Our research examines the regulation and biological actions of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). These important cell and tissue growth factors affect essentially every system and function in the body.

As we learn the basics about IGFs, and the receptors and binding proteins that impact IGF action, we can begin to examine how the IGF system might play a part in disease processes. The ultimate goal is to harness this information and develop treatment for disease.

In a recent project involving bone growth, we have been studying a rare syndrome called Hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis. We're collaborating with Sundeep Khosla, M.D., whose expertise is in bone and mineral metabolism. Patients with this syndrome experience a significant increase in healthy bone mass as adults. Through our collaboration we have found that a unique elevation in an IGF and an IGF binding protein plays a significant role in this unusual stimulation of bone growth. We are working to determine if this information can lead to a way to increase healthy bone mass in people suffering from osteoporosis.

Another project involves our recent identification of a novel enzyme in the IGF system. Restenosis, or narrowing of blood vessels following corrective surgery, is a major clinical problem. Collaborating with Drs. Robert Schwartz and Antonio Bayes-Genis, colleagues in Cardiovascular Diseases, we have found that cells of the cardiovascular system secrete this previously unknown enzyme in response to injury. This activated enzyme amplifies IGF stimulation of the restenosis process. We are looking at ways our new knowledge of the IGF system can play a role in reducing restenosis after surgical procedures such as balloon angioplasty and placement of a stent.

These are just two examples of the potential for solving complex disease processes through increased understanding of the basic science of the IGF system. There are countless other avenues to pursue in this field of research, and our laboratory and staff are ideally situated to make significant contributions to our understanding and use of this growth factor system.

How Has Being at Mayo Clinic Contributed to the Success of Your Research?

My work is dependent on sharing information across many disciplines. In fact this type of research often is referred to as "horizontal," because it touches many other specialties. The atmosphere at Mayo Clinic is perfect for this type of research. Collaboration among physicians and researchers is welcomed, and happens naturally through our physical proximity and our emphasis on teamwork. I have the freedom to pick up the phone and contact a clinician or surgeon or fellow researcher and know that my inquiry will be met with respect and enthusiasm.

Working with colleagues who are as excited about the work as I am generates a keenly energetic and creative environment. Our work with colleagues on osteoporosis is an excellent example of how Mayo's climate facilitates our work. It is a unique setting that allows my research to thrive, and it is what I love about being at Mayo.

How Do You See Your Work Contributing to Mayo's Success in the Future?

The research done in the Endocrine Research Unit has application for so many areas of research that I believe its importance cannot be overstated.

Insulin-like growth factors have the potential to allow us to understand disease processes in every system of the human body. Information obtained through our research may in time provide solutions for such widely divergent diseases as osteoporosis and ovarian cancer.

These strides in scientific knowledge and understanding are contributions to Mayo and to Mayo's commitment to make knowledge available for the benefit of all people. It is exciting, fascinating science, and its ramifications are tremendously far-reaching. From my perspective, our work typifies what it is to be "Mayo"—working and learning together to find solutions that clinicians can apply to their patients.