Peter K. Gregersen

Peter K. Gregersen 3 2013

Peter K. Gregersen is a prominent American geneticist and rheumatologist known for his significant contributions to the understanding of the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases. He is particularly recognized for his work on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Early Life and Education

Peter K. Gregersen was born in New York City. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he earned a degree in biology. He then attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received his M.D. degree.

Career

After completing his medical training, Gregersen joined the faculty at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, part of Northwell Health. He has held various positions at the institute, including Director of the Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics.

Research Contributions

Gregersen's research has focused on the genetic underpinnings of autoimmune diseases. He has been instrumental in identifying genetic risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. His work has led to a better understanding of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system and its role in autoimmune diseases.

One of his notable contributions is the identification of the shared epitope hypothesis in rheumatoid arthritis, which suggests that certain HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.

Awards and Honors

Peter K. Gregersen has received numerous awards for his contributions to medical research, including the American College of Rheumatology Distinguished Investigator Award and the Lee C. Howley Sr. Prize for Arthritis Research.

Personal Life

Gregersen resides in New York with his family. He continues to be actively involved in research and mentoring young scientists.

See Also

• Genetics
• Rheumatology
• Autoimmune disease
• Human leukocyte antigen
• Feinstein Institute for Medical Research