Craig A. McElroy, PhD

College of Pharmacy
345 Parks Hall | 500 W. 12th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-3232
mcelroy.31@osu.edu 

     

RESEARCH SUMMARY

  • The aim of our research is to develop new innovative ways to counter the threat from organophosphorus compounds (OPs) chemical warfare nerve agents and organophosphorus pesticides. These compounds are toxic to humans and inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. When OPs bind to AChE, dealkylation of OP side chain could lead to aging of AChE. When OPs bind to AChE, they prevent binding of Acetylcholine neurotransmitter to AChE, this leads to primary symptoms such as salivation, seizures, convulsions, difficulty in breathing and at times could be life threatening and fatal.
  • We are investigating different techniques to overcome the OP poisoning threat. This include identifying small molecules that can resurrect the aged AChE as well as catalytic antibodies which can be given as a vaccine for producing abzymes for OP cleavage as well as high binding affinity binding of OPs.
  • We are also interested in understanding how OPs are metabolized by human liver microsomes (HLMs) as well as individual CYP450 enzymes. This research could lead to additional prophylactic or therapeutic opportunities for treatment before or after OP exposure.

EDUCATION

  • PhD in Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 2005
  • BS in Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 1998

POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT

  • 2020-2021, Research Assitant Professor in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • 2013-2020, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • 2013-2020, Facility Manager of the Campus Chemical Instrument Center – Macromolecular Xray Crystallography, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • 2012-2020, Director of Instrumentation, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • 2009-2012, Principal Research Scientist, Biomedical Research Center, Battelle, West Jefferson, Ohio
  • 2007-2009,  AHA Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
  • 2005-2007, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Biochemistry The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
  • 1998-2005, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus,  Ohio
  • 1997-1998, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

AWARDS AND HONORS

  • Award for Outstanding Work, DTRA-JSTO colloquium, 2012
  • Battelle Outstanding Performance Award for assay development, 2011
  • Outstanding Performance Award for work on Task 29, 2010
  • American Heart Association Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, 2007-2009
  • Herta Camerer Gross Graduate Research Fellowship recipient, 2004-2005
  • Student Travel award, MicroCal thermodynamics conference, Chicago, Illinois, 2004
  • Student Travel award, 44th Experimental NMR Conference, Savannah, Georgia, 2003
  • Student Travel award, 43rd Experimental NMR Conference, Asilomar, California, 2002
  • Chemistry Biology Interface T32 Predoctoral Training Fellowship recipient, The Ohio State University, 2000-2001
  • University Scholarship recipient, The Ohio State University, 1995-1996
  • Dean’s List for Academic Excellence, The Ohio State University, 1995-1997

For my full CV, please click here.