Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
The Castilla laboratory is accepting applications for postdoctoral positions. The candidates should be close to or have recently graduated with a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree (within 1 year) in the fields of Cancer Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related field. The candidates must also have a proven track record of productivity and research experience. Previous experience using immunocompromised and transgenic mice, in vitro and in vivo assays with small molecules or nanoparticles, or hematopoietic stem cells is preferred. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with excellent communication skills, and able to work independently and in cooperation with other members of the laboratory. Applicants should send their CV, a cover letter summarizing background and research interests, and three letters of references by electronic mail to: Dr. Lucio H. Castilla, Associate Professor University of Massachusetts Medical School Lucio.Castilla@umassmed.edu
Potential Rotation Projects<?xml:namespace prefix = u5 /><u5:p></u5:p><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <u5:p> </u5:p><o:p></o:p> 1. Role of core binding factors on hematopoietic stem cell function and survival. We use molecular pharmacologic and functional approaches to study the role of the RUNX factors in self renewal and proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, using genetically modified mice and human progenitor cells. <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p> <u5:p> </u5:p><o:p></o:p> 2. Study the molecular mechanism of leukemia initiation and maintenance. Transcription factors and components of cytokine signaling are frequently mutated in human cancer, including leukemia. These mutations deregulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of hematopoietic stem cells. We study the role of members of RUNX and RAS protein families in the function of hematopoietic stem cell function, pre-leukemic progenitors, and leukemia-initiating cells. <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p> <u5:p> </u5:p><o:p></o:p> 3. Translational research: Recent evidence suggests that inhibition of pathways activated by gene mutations can be used to eliminate leukemia cells, and not affecting normal cells. We use small molecule inhibitors of leukemia oncogenes to test whether repression of activated pathways hinder survival of leukemia initiating cells, and eliminate leukemia. We use a combination of mouse models and human leukemia cells to test the efficacy, specificity and toxicity of candidate inhibitors, as single agents or in combination with first line leukemia drugs.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p>
T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Protein 1