Proposals for Next Classification Schema of Myeloid Neoplasms
We are looking for postdoc candidates with experience in cancer biology, mouse models and genome-engineering. Please email CV and 3 letters of recommendation to Wen.Xue@umassmed.edu.
Our lab uses CRISPR tools to speed up cancer gene discovery and disease gene repair. Rotation projects are available to explore experimental techniques such as molecular cloning of CRISPR plasmids, measuring genome-editing efficiency, dissecting mice, and processing of mouse tumor/tissue for histology.
Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
Dept of Biochem & Mol Biol And Dept of Chem
Veterinary & Animal Sciences; Pioneer Valley Life
Health Informatics And Implementation Science
Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine
Potential Rotation Projects: There are numerous potential rotation project available in the Mello lab: Projects include: Investigation of RNAi and related mechanisms, including Piwi Argonaute pathways and their affects on fertility and epigenetic inheritance; Investigation of germline determination and cell-fate specification during embryogenesis; the exploration of CRISPR mediated genome editing tools for C. elegans and other organisms; and finally the use of CRISPR to generate C. elegans models for human genetic disease.
Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology II
For more information about the Postdoctoral position in Dr. Rando’s lab please use the link provided. Post doc position
Rotation projects are available to study chromatin structure and function. Project 1. Measure histone dynamics in yeast. Histone dynamics play major roles in chromatin metabolism and in the inheritance of chromatin states. To measure histone replacement rates in yeast, we have created yeast strains carrying inducible epitope-tagged histones H3 and H2A. Using microarrays, we will measure histone replacement rates in a variety of mutant yeast to ascertain the role of various chromatin remodeling factors in histone exchange reactions. Project 2. Characterize mechanisms for epigenetic inheritance in yeast. We have identified a variety of genes whose expression state in yeast is epigenetically heritable. We will screen the yeast genome for genes that affect the inheritance of these expression patterns. Project 3. Measure histone dynamics in embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that can give rise to every type of cell in the adult animal. The role of chromatin structure in maintaining this pluripotent state is poorly understood, but it appears that stem cell chromatin is exceptionally labile relative to that in differentiated cells. We will create stem cell lines with inducible tagged histones to measure histone replacement rates across the mouse genome.
Elisabeth Chair for the Dean of Medicine
Our Danny Cancer Fund Chair in Biomedical Research I
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Kelliher for additional details.
Please visit the Kelliher Lab website at: http://labs.umassmed.edu/kelliherlab/ to learn more about our current research areas. 1. Identify genes/pathways that mediate leukemia-initiating cell survival 2. Understand the molecular basis of glucocorticoid resistance in leukemia 3. Examine contribution of RIPK1 kinase in inflammatory and autoimmune disease mouse models. 4. Reveal tissue-specific roles for RIPK1 in cell death and inflammation. Use conditional Ripk1 allele to investigate effects of Ripk1 deletion in liver, pancreas and antigen presenting cells.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair II
Focus: Mucosal inflammation, host: pathogen interactions, and cancer biology
Governor Paul Cellucci Chair in Neuroscience Research
Project 1: Dervelop RNA-based therapies for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related disroders. Project 2: Study pathogenic mechanisms of FTD and related disorders in mouse models.
Our lab uses a combination of molecular, cellular, genetic, and behavioral approaches to further dissect the pathogenic mechanisms of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with a focus on mutant CHMP2B, progranulin and C9ORF72. We will identify common underlying pathways as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Rotation projects We apply X-ray crystallography and biochemical methods to understand the mechanisms employed by the ribosome. Potential rotation projects are 1) to understand various aspects of translation via mutagenesis/biochemical assays, 2) to crystallize and work on determining the structures of translation factors and functional ribosome complexes, and 3) to improve computational methods used to determine crystal structures of macromolecules. Feel free to contact the lab for a more detailed discussion.
Please contact the Human Resources at UMass for openings in Dr. Bergmann's lab.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III
Please email Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu if you are interested in rotations.
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Theurkauf for additional details.
Rotation Projects Proper control of cell division and accurate chromosome segregation are fundamental to cell function and normal development. Chromosome segregation errors lead to birth defects, and abnormal cell division control is associated with essentially all cancers. A major aim of research in the laboratory is to understand cell cycle control and chromosome segregation mechanisms. We use a combination of classical and molecular genetics, high-resolution in vivo imaging, and biochemical techniques to define pathways that control the cell cycle and chromosome segregation in response to environmental insult (DNA damaging agents) and developmental queues. Rotation projects focus on the role of cell cycle checkpoint and tumor suppressor pathways during the earliest stages of embryogenesis, and cell cycle control of actin and microtubule reorganization during mitosis. Through these projects, students gain exposure of the art in vivo imaging and genetic and molecular manipulations of gene function to define pathways controlling cell division and chromosome segregation. Embryonic Patterning Essentially all cells are asymmetric, with structurally distinct surfaces and polarized internal organization. This asymmetry is essential to the specialized functions cells serve within complex multi-cellular organisms . A second area of interest focuses on the mechanisms that establish cellular asymmetry. In Drosophila, the embryonic axes are specified during oogenesis through the asymmetric localization of key morphogenetic molecules within the developing oocyte. We use axis specification in the fly as a model for the processes that establish cellular asymmetry. An intact microtubule network is essential to axis specification in the fly oocyte and to polarization of somatic. We hope to define the molecular functions for microtubules in establishing cellular asymmetry. We are currently using in vivo imaging techniques to directly characterize the microtubule dependent mRNA transport processes that differentiate the anterior and posterior poles of the developing oocyte. In addition, classical genetic and biochemical techniques are used to identify the microtubule motors and associated proteins that mediate mRNA movements to the oocyte poles.
Project 1 Investigate the lethal expression of P35 in dam lysogens. Plus inducer No inducer Lysogenic cultures of p35/dam (top) and p35/wildtype (bottom) were diluted and aliquots spotted on media with and without inducer.
H. Arthur Smith Chair in Cancer Research
Rotation Projects Laboratory rotations are available to study signal mammalian transduction mechanisms. Several projects are available, including studies of protein kinase cascades, gene expression, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Targeted gene disruption approaches in mice combined with biochemical and molecular biology studies will be examined.
Potential Rotation Projects 1) Coordination of replication and recombination by the S-phase DNA damage checkpoint The replication checkpoint coordinates replication and recombinational repair to allow for the replication of damaged templates, however the mechanism by which the checkpoint regulates recombination is unknown. We have identified a number of potential checkpoint-kinase targets by phosphoproteomics. One possible rotation project would be to create site-directed mutations that would prevent kinase regulation of one or more of the targets. These mutations could be used to validate the role of the target in the checkpoint and to test the importance of checkpoint regulation in S-phase DNA repair. 2) Regulation of replication timing Heterochromatin regulates the timing of replication origin firing, however the mechanism by which it affects origin function is unknown. We have developed a model of how origin timing is regulated in non-heterochromatic chromatin; now we want to test how heterochromatin affects this mechanism. In particular, we want to manipulate the heterochromatic context at specific loci, measure the changes in origin timing and investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the change. One possible rotation project would be to establish heterochromatin at a well-characterized origin, measure origin timing, which we presume will be delayed, and then test at which step origin firing is delayed. <p >
The Emerson lab investigates skeletal muscle development and disease. Research has focused on defining transcriptional networks and signaling pathways that control the specification and differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitors in the developing embryo.
Immediate opening! Two postdoctoral positions are available immediately to study cellular andmolecular mechanisms resulting in immunosuppression after alcohol use. Thefocus of this research is the role of monocytes and dendritic cells indecreased antigen-specific T cell activation after alcohol use.Intracellular signalling mechanisms resulting in decreased NF-kBactivation and inflammatory cytokine induction after acute alcoholconsumption are being investigated. Please contact Dr. Szabo for details.
Background for Student Rotation Projects <p >See Politz, Hogan and Pederson (2009) and Politz et al. (2005) in the above list. The novel microRNA work may be the most suitable for student rotations. Potential Rotation Projects <p >Are the nucleolar microRNAs pri-, pre- or mature? <p >Are they complexed with other nucleolar RNAs? <p >Do the cell cycle related proteins in the nucleolus exist as heterotypic complexes? <p >Does the nucleolus of human embryonic stem cells also share these features (which we have so far looked for, and found, only in transformed human cell lines)? <p >Can vanadium tagging be used to detect specific proteins by electron microscopy, perhaps exceeding the limitations of immuno-EM?
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Sluder for additional details.
Potential Rotation Projects We favor having students work independently on defined projects that have promise of completion during the study period. Project #1: Use a frog egg extract that supports multiple rounds of centrosome duplication in vitro to investigate the role of various high interest kinases in the control of centrosome duplication. Also, we can use these extracts to further investigate how various other proteins interact with the centrosome to influence its duplication. Hinchcliffe, E.H., C. Li, E.A. Thompson, J.L. Maller and G. Sluder. 1999. Requirement of Cdk2-cyclin E activity for repeated centrosome reproduction in Xenopus egg extract. Science 283:851-854. Project #2: Use microsurgery and immunofluorescence on BSC-1 cells to further investigate how centrioles influence the interphase progression of the cell cycle. Hinchcliffe, E.H., F.J. Miller, M. Cham, A. Khodjakov and G. Sluder. 2001. Requirement of a centrosomal activity for cell cycle progression through G1 into S phase. Science 291: 1547-1550.
Gretchen Stone Cook Chair in Biomedical Sciences
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Zamore for additional details
Potential Rotation Projects Our laboratory uses a combination of biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to dissect the RNAi pathway. A rotation project is available to explore the mechanisms that underlie the RNAi phenomenon or the biological pathways in which RNAi enzymes participate in flies, mice and humans.
Postdoctoral positions are available to study the relationship(s) between the Rb/E2F proliferation pathway and p53-dependent apoptosis. Areas of investigation include understanding why E2F1 is unique among the E2F family in its strong apoptosis signaling ability and determining the pathways that lead from E2F1 activation to cell death. Fellows will be associated with a highly motivated and interactive group of researchers studying aspects of cell cycle, apoptosis signaling and cancer using cell culture, virology and animal models. If interested, please contact: Timothy Kowalik Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655 The University of Massachusetts Medical School is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.
Rotation Projects Identify the region on E2F1 responsible for p53-mediated apoptosis. We know that a transcriptionally functional E2F1 is required for apoptosis signaling. We also know that E2F2 does not induce apoptosis in our system. Therefore, domains on E2F1 and E2F2 will be swapped to determine which E2F1 domain is responsible for apoptosis signaling. Role of nuclear kinases in E2F1 mediated apoptosis. Our recent efforts have revealed that E2F1 expression leads to the phosphorylation of p53 and this modification correlates with apoptosis. There are several candidate kinases that need to be analyzed for their contribution to p53 phosphorylation. A dominant negative approach will be used in this project to identify which kinase(s) contribute to the E2F1 signal to p53. Role of CMV IE proteins in proliferation. We have found that both IE1 and IE2 target different Rb family members. IE2 binds to Rb and IE1 interacts with p107. We now know that IE2 is a strong inducer of S phase but IE1 can only significantly modulate proliferation in cells lacking p53. We are interested in knowing why p53 can prevent IE1 from inducing S phase. Mechanism of p53 accumulation by CMV. It has recently been shown that CMV infection results in an accumulation of p53. We have recently found that IE1 expression also leads to p53 accumulation. We wish to determine the steps leading to p53 accumulation and the consequences of this event.
Focus: Cellular and organismal studies of viral infections
Please contact Dr. Imbalzano to discuss the possibility of a postdoctoral training.See lab research interests and publications for recent topics of research. http://www.umassmed.edu/imbalzanolab/ http://www.umassmed.edu/imbalzanolab/publications/
Please contact Dr. Imbalzano to discuss the possibility of a rotation project. Rotation projects are generally based on current work and tailored to the interests of the student. See lab research interests and publications for recent topics. http://www.umassmed.edu/imbalzanolab/ http://www.umassmed.edu/imbalzanolab/publications/
Currently running Stem Cell Facility at UMass Chen TAM Core focusing on the reprogramming of patient primary cells into the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for disease modeling and drug discovery.
Arthur F. Koskinas Chair in Neuroscience
Many rotation projects are available so please inquire.
Herman G. Berkman Chair in Diabetes Care Innovation
Rotation Projects <p >Laboratory rotations are available to study p53 signaling pathway. Several projects are available, including studies of gene expression, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and tumor suppression. Targeted gene disruption approaches in mice combined with biochemical and molecular biology studies will be examined. Examples of potential rotation projects include the following: <p >1. Generate a triple mutant in p53 amino-terminal phosphorylation sites. The rotation would involve learning molecular biology techniques such as recombinant DNA purification, analysis, mutation, and subcloning. <p >2. Create cells from various genetically modified mice and analyze p53 function. The rotation would involve learning protein expression and purification techniques such as Western Blotting, protein purification, and FACS analysis.
Joseph J. Byrne Chair in Biomedical Research
? Rotation Projects Multiple rotation projects are available in several areas related to long-range gene regulation and higher order chromosome organization. Projects include thorough analyses of the biochemical mechanisms of long-range gene regulation of specific disease-related genes, as well as large-scale analyses of chromosome organization using high-throughput genomics technologies (5C and Hi-C). The lab employs a wide range of experimental approaches, including cell culture, protein biochemistry, microscopy, genomics as well computational approaches such as bioinformatics and modeling. Specific rotation projects are determined dependent on the interest of the student.
A post-doctoral position is available immediately to study the role of genes found in a genome-wide RNAi screen to regulate the cellular response to the chemotherapy agent, cisplatin. The goal is to determine whether these genes function as tumor suppressor and/or regulate the mechanism of DNA repair processing. The laboratory is interested in understanding the role of hereditary cancer genes of the BRCA-Fanconi anemia pathway in DNA damage repair and tumor suppression. We seek motivated candidates with a PhD and background in cancer cell biology. Experience in mouse cancer models is desirable. The exceptional training environment within the Department of Cancer Biology at UMASS Medical School offers a rigorous and interactive research environment covering several aspects of tumor biology. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, and ability to conduct research independently and as a team. To apply, please send your CV with bibliography, a brief description of research experience and contact information for at least two references via email.
The laboratory is interested in a range of DNA replication/repair-related topics including (i) Defining biomarkers of “BRCAness” that signifies deficiency in the hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, (ii) Targeting BRCAness as a replication gap vulnerability, (iii) Defining why replication proficiency requires the FANCJ helicase disengage mismatch repair proteins, (iv) Determining if suppressing gaps improves the health of Fanconi anemia patient cells, (v) Hunting down the cancer vulnerability that defines curability, (vi) performing functional genomic screens to uncover mechanisms regulating chemotherapy resistance.
Rotation Projects <p >We have identified a number of bacterial pathways that are required for bacterial viability or virulence. We are particularly interested in: Phosphosignaling systems that regulate cell wall synthesis Metabolic regulatory mechanisms that trigger the “dormancy” response observed during infection. <p >A variety of genetic, biochemical, and informatic methods will be used to define the functions of these genes and the role played by each during infection. <p >
<p >Rotation Projects <p >Rotation projects are designed to expose students to the molecular cell biology of solid tumors and to provide them with an appreciation for translational cancer research. Specific rotation projects, which are focused on the major themes of the lab, include: <p >Function and Regulation of Integrins (Cell Adhesion Receptors) in Cancer Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate integrin gene expression in human cancers Regulation of integrin expression and function during the EMT Role of specfic microRNAs (miRs) in regulating integrin function and signaling Contribution of integrins to carcinoma progression using mouse models of breast carcinoma <p >Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Signaling, EMT and Carcinoma Progression Function and expression of VEGF receptors in carcinoma cells Regulation of VEGF transcription in response to EMT stimuli Role of miRs in regulating VEGF receptors and signaling Contribution of VEGF signaling to the behavior of aggressive, de-differentiated carcinomas <p >Nuclear Hormone Receptors and EMT Role of estrogen receptors in regulating the EMT Regulation of VEGF transcription by estrogen receptors
Teresita del Nino Jesus Padilla-Benavides PhD
Claudia A. Vilchis Nestor. Visiting Scholar from CINVESTAV-IPN, MEXICO
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research
Eleanor Eustis Farrington Chair in Cancer Research
Prevention Strategies for Second Primary Malignancies After CAR-T Therapy
The Darkest Side of AML: The TP53 Mutation
Clonal Hematopoiesis in Clinical Practice: Real-World Insights
Unpacking CHIP: Recent Updates, Remaining Questions
Dr Patel on the Impact of Donor-Engrafted Clonal Hematopoiesis on Outcomes With Auto-/Allo-HSCT
Effects of donor-engrafted clonal hematopoiesis in stem cell transplantation
High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome Findings in the SELECT-MDS-1 Study
Stem Cell Transplantation: How Clonal Hematopoiesis Shapes Patient Outcomes
Olutasidenib as a Breakthrough for R/R mIDH1 AML Patients
The Impact of Mutations in Clonal Hematopoiesis
TP53 in MDS & AML Prognostication & Treatment Strategies
Exploring the Biological Basis of TP53-Aberrant MDS & AML
Improving Outcomes in Blast Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
ASH Clinical News - Practical Solutions Amid Cuts to Federally Funded Research
OncLive with Dr. Patel and Dr. Gerber: p53 Immunohistochemistry
Early Identification of TP53-Mutant MDS and AML Using p53 Immunostaining
Point-of-Care p53 IHC Unveils TP53-Mutant MDS/AML
IHC Enables Rapid Identification of TP53-Mutant MDS/AML
ASH Clinical News: p53 Immunohistochemistry for TP53-Mutant MDS/AML
p53 Immunostain in TP53-Mutant MDS and AML