Irina Tourkova

Dr. Irina Tourkova serves as a Research Instructor in the Division of Clinical Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, with dual affiliations at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Her office is located in Scaife Hall, S-703.

Her academic credentials include:

• MS from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow (1983)
• PhD from Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow (1998)

Dr. Tourkova's research spans bone metabolism with focus on turnover regulation, deposition/resorption mechanisms, and hormonal influences (ACTH, FSH, S1P, estrogen). She investigates pH regulation in mineral deposition and previously studied tumor immunology, particularly dendritic cell dysfunction in cancer. Her work bridges endocrinology, cellular biology, and metabolic bone diseases.

Recent publications (2015-2021) demonstrate consistent output in bone biology, with emphasis on hormonal interactions, mineral metabolism, and cellular mechanisms. Key trends include exploration of glycoprotein hormones in stem cells, calcium channel functions in osteoclasts, and novel views on metabolic bone disorders like phenylketonuria.

Scientific recognition:

• No specific awards or fellowships are documented in available materials

Dr. Tourkova maintains active research through University of Pittsburgh/UPMC channels, evidenced by sustained publication output. While student advising details are unavailable, her laboratory work involves in vitro models of osteogenesis, pH regulation studies, and hormonal interaction experiments. The research environment centers on cellular and molecular mechanisms within the Division of Clinical Chemistry framework.

Her laboratory operations focus on bone cell biology, utilizing techniques including transmembrane resistance measurements, mineralization assays, and gene expression analysis. Current work integrates hormonal signaling pathways with bone formation processes, particularly examining how reproductive hormones and lipid mediators influence skeletal health.