Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Please contact Dr. Fazzio for details.
Rotation Projects <p >Rotation projects are available on any of the main topics being studied in the lab. Our recent RNAi screen identifying chromatin regulators necessary for ES cell self-renewal has opened up several new potential projects aimed at identification of the important functions of these regulators in ES cells. Alternatively, projects focusing on the mechanisms of action and regulation of Tip60-p400 complex, or examining the functions of chromatin regulators in cancer stem cells are also possible, depending on the student’s interests. Rotation projects will usually involve some combination of mammalian cell culture, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomic approaches.
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION A Postdoctoral Position is available immediately in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology to study the regulation of RNA processing and export by signal transduction pathways. So far in this project we have found that the assembly of mRNA export complexes in live cells is regulated by the PI3 kinase/AKT signal transduction pathway and that, for a subset of mRNAs, nuclear export is AKT regulated. The experimental approach for this project integrates molecular techniques and microscopy, especially live cell microscopy. The postdoc in this position could also be involved in studies of the role of nuclear architecture in regulating gene expression and in studying the role of chromatin remodeling enzymes in breast cancer. Candidates with a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology are especially desirable. Quaresma, A.J., Sievert, R. & Nickerson, J.A. Regulation of mRNA export by the PI3 kinase/AKT signal transduction pathway. Mol Biol Cell 24, 1208-1221 (2013). The University of Massachusetts Medical School is located in Worcester, at the western edge of the Boston Metropolitan Area. The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology has especially strong research programs in nuclear and chromatin structure, cytoskeletal function, and mitotic architecture. Interested candidates should contact: Jeffrey A. Nickerson, Ph.D. Department of Cell and Developmental Biology S7-214 University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655 (508) 856-2312 jeffrey.nickerson@umassmed.edu
Potential Rotation Projects Identify the AKT phosphorylation sites on mRNA export proteins. Determine the effect that point mutation of those sites has on mRNA export complex assembly and on the export of specific mRNAs. Investigate the role of chromatin remodeling in driving the important metabolic changes occurring during breast tumorigenesis.
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/
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 >
Teresita del Nino Jesus Padilla-Benavides PhD
Claudia A. Vilchis Nestor. Visiting Scholar from CINVESTAV-IPN, MEXICO
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology