Dr. Marvin J Fritzler

Research

Dr. Fritzler’s research has focused on the identification of novel autoantigens that are the targets of the immune response in a number of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, idiopathic ataxia and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr Fritzler’s discoveries have lead to the identification of a number of novel components of cell organelles (centromere, centrosome, mitotic spindle apparatus, Golgi complex, and endosome) and the recent identification of a new organelle referred to as GW bodies.  These studies have lead to the development of new diagnostic assays and technologies for autoimmune diseases.  Dr. Fritzler has also actively studied how drugs, chemicals (xenobiotics) and other environmental agents affect the immune system and initiate autoimmune diseases. This has lead to his seminal discovery that the primary target of drug-induced lupus is nuclear histones.  In addition, he has studied the role of mercury in scleroderma and has conducted a number of population studies in Ft. McMurray, Swan Hills, Ft. Saskatchewan and Lake Wabamun with the sponsorship of the Department of Alberta Health and Wellness. 

Educational History

Marvin Fritzler was born in Vulcan, Alberta and was educated at the University of Alberta (BSc Zoology in 1968) and, under the supervision of Dr. Bob Church and the sponsorship of a National Research Council Scholarship, completed a PhD at the University of Calgary in 1971.  He completed a MD degree at the University of Calgary in 1974. After completing his training in Internal Medicine in Calgary, he was awarded a Medical Research Council Fellowship and went to The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA and then to the University of Colorado as a clinical research fellow (1976-1978) under the mentorship of Dr. Eng Tan.  In 1978, Dr. Fritzler joined the University of Calgary as an Arthritis Society Scientist and in 1981 he became an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Scholar.  Dr. Fritzler was promoted to Full Professor in 1987 and was awarded a prestigious AHFMR Medical Scientist Award in 2001. Starting in 1995, he served a term as Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine before assuming the Arthritis Society Chair in 1999.He is currently Chair of the Alberta Science and Research Authority and is a member of the Alberta Bone and Joint Institute and serves on the Executive of the Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation. 

Awards

In recognition of his research contributions Dr. Fritzler has received:

• Hall of Fame: American Lupus Society (1986)
• Canadian Rheumatology Association, Scientist of the Year (2003)
• CIHR Highest Ranked CIHR Awardee in Arthritis Research (2003)
• University of Calgary, Dr. Eldon Smith Distinguished Achievement Award (2004)

Funding and Publications