Director of the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences and Sokol Professor of Medicinal Chemistry
Faculty Expert: Biochemistry of Parasites, Molecular Biology of Parasites
Dr. John Siekierka was named Director of the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences and Sokol Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in Fall, 2007. With over 20 years devoted to managing research and investigators involved in biochemical, immunological and drug discovery research, Dr. Siekierka has extensive hands-on experience in pharmaceutical research and in-depth knowledge of the industry. Prior to his position as director of research and development at Johnson & Johnson, he was senior research fellow at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, L.L.C. and prior to that, was director of the Department of Molecular Immunology at the Johnson & Johnson Immunobiology Research Institute. He has also held senior research positions at Merck Research Laboratories and the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology.
Dr. Siekierka is a noted author and speaker who has published over 60 works in scholarly journals and presented at numerous scientific conferences and symposia. Among his many accomplishments, his research has lead to discoveries that have resulted in five patents including contributions to the development of the Drug-Eluting Cypher™ Stent for which in 2003, he was awarded the Johnson Medal for Research and Development, Johnson & Johnson’s highest award for research and development. He is also the recipient of the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Standards in Leadership Award (2001) and was twice awarded the Johnson & Johnson Excellence in Science Award (1996 & 2001). Dr. Siekierka is a graduate of Seton Hall University (BS), City University of New York (MS) and New York University (PhD).
Specialization
Biochemistry of protein kinase signaling pathways. Protein kinase screening assays and drug development. Biochemistry of parasitic anti-stress responses.
Expert on biochemistry and molecular biology of parasites.
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About John Siekierka
Faculty Expert: Biochemistry of Parasites, Molecular Biology of Parasites
Dr. John Siekierka was named Director of the Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences and Sokol Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in Fall, 2007. With over 20 years devoted to managing research and investigators involved in biochemical, immunological and drug discovery research, Dr. Siekierka has extensive hands-on experience in pharmaceutical research and in-depth knowledge of the industry. Prior to his position as director of research and development at Johnson & Johnson, he was senior research fellow at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, L.L.C. and prior to that, was director of the Department of Molecular Immunology at the Johnson & Johnson Immunobiology Research Institute. He has also held senior research positions at Merck Research Laboratories and the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology.
Dr. Siekierka is a noted author and speaker who has published over 60 works in scholarly journals and presented at numerous scientific conferences and symposia. Among his many accomplishments, his research has lead to discoveries that have resulted in five patents including contributions to the development of the Drug-Eluting Cypher™ Stent for which in 2003, he was awarded the Johnson Medal for Research and Development, Johnson & Johnson’s highest award for research and development. He is also the recipient of the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Standards in Leadership Award (2001) and was twice awarded the Johnson & Johnson Excellence in Science Award (1996 & 2001). Dr. Siekierka is a graduate of Seton Hall University (BS), City University of New York (MS) and New York University (PhD).
Specialization
Biochemistry of protein kinase signaling pathways. Protein kinase screening assays and drug development. Biochemistry of parasitic anti-stress responses.
Expert on biochemistry and molecular biology of parasites.
| 2007 - Present | Sokol Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director, the Sokol Institute of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Montclair State University ‐ Chemistry and Biochemistry | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Professional Service and Affiliations
| Present | Member, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Present | Member, American Society of Parasitologists | Present | Member, Association for the Advancement of Science | Present | Member, International AIDS Society Member |
Honors and Awards
- • Elucidated the mechanism whereby phosphorylation of protein synthesis initiation eIF-2 leads to cessation of protein synthesis by interfering with GDP/GTP exchange. Critical regulatory mechanism in eukaryotic cells and in viral protein synthesis.
- • First to isolate, clone and patent the receptor for the immunosuppressive agents FK-506 and rapamycin.
- • Elucidated the mechanism of action of the immunosuppressant agent rapamycin. Demonstrated that rapamycin uniquely inhibits G1-S progression during the cell cycle
- • Established a program aimed at developing small molecule inhibitors of p38 MAP Kinase. Developed and progressed JNJ 67657 into clinical trials
- • Identified the role of p38 MAP kinase in toxoplasmosis infection, HIV infection and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- • Defined the role of the filarial parasite (B. malayi) protein kinase, BmMPK1, in protecting the parasite from oxidative stress.
- Awarded the Johnson Medal, J & J’s highest award for scientific research and development.
- • Co-developed the rapamycin-eluting cornary stent. Directed the pharmacological & biochemical aspects of the program. Successfully led to the launch of the Cypher drug-eluting stent
| 1982 | PhD, New York University ‐ Biochemistry | |
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| 1974 | MS, City University of New York | |
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| 1971 | BS, Seton Hall University | |
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