Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
Dept of Biochem & Mol Biol And Dept of Chem
Cutler Chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Our Danny Cancer Fund Chair in Biomedical Research II
Postdoctoral positions are available for this lab. Please contact Eric Baehrecke directly, 508-856-6733 or via email, Eric.Baehrecke@umassmed.edu
Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences
Dr. Brown’s laboratory has focused on the identification of gene defects that elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of selected neuromuscular diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), muscular dystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, hereditary neuropathy and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.
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.
Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Kensuke Futai for additional details.
Rotation Projects The Futai laboratory seeks highly motivated graduate students who have interest in the roles of risk genes of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as autism and schizophrenia, on neuronal function.Rotation students will typically work side-by-side with Kenny Futai or Postdoctoral Fellows, and give one laboratory meeting presentation at the conclusion of their rotation project. Rotation projects The roles of the risk genes of neuropsychiatric diseases on neuronal structure and synaptic function The roles of the scaffold molecules in synapse maturation, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity Characterization of gultamate receptors which express in interneruon
A Postdoctoral position is available in the Trivedi lab to study roles of novel chromatin and epigenetic modifications during cardiovascular development and disease (for details of our research: The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Science Advances, Journal of Experimental Medicine, ATVB, Human Molecular Genetics, Journal of Biological Chemistry). Candidates with a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Stem Cell Biology or Developmental Biology are encouraged to apply. Previous experience with mice handling and biochemistry-molecular biology-epigenetics related techniques such as ChIP-seq is strongly desired. Candidate will be required to learn new techniques in the area of translational biology to advance their project.
Rotation Projects: Please contact Chinmay Trivedi (chinmay.trivedi@umassmed.edu) for information regarding potential rotation projects (for details - research performed by graduate students in the trivedi lab: The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Science Advances, Journal of Experimental Medicine, JCI Insight, ATVB, Human Molecular Genetics, Journal of Biological Chemistry). We will develop a specific rotation project based on student's interest, background, and goals of the rotation. Students can rotate either for a half- or full-semester.
David J. Freelander Memorial Professor in AIDS Research
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. Corvera for additional details.
Rotation Projects Our rotation projects are in the area of diabetes and obesity, and we are interested in basic mechanisms of cell proliferation, differentiation and communication. Diabetes is highly correlated with obesity, but why obesity causes disease in some humans and not others is not understood. Amazingly, we still don’t understand how adipose tissue grows in human adults. A better understanding of this fascinating process can give us insight into basic mechanisms of cell growth, differentiation and communication, as well as mechanisms of disease, not only diabetes but also cancer and developmental defects. During your rotation, you will work on an important piece of a larger project, that has a well-defined outcome. Thus, your successful completion of the rotation project will allow you to be included at the time of publication of the work. Project 1: Adipose tissue is not only formed by adipocytes, but by other cells such as endothelial, mural and immune cells. Also, there are multiple kinds of adipocytes with different functions. We have recently developed conditions to develop adipose tissue from humans in-vitro (adipose tissue “organoids”). From this tissue we have been able to separated single cells, and find that they grow into different kinds of clones. We are now conducting RNAseq on >300 of those clones, to determine how many cell types exist in human adipose tissue, and what their roles are. In this rotation, you will be able to analyze RNAseq data to define what genes characterize these cells, and you will use virus transduction to create immortalized cells for further study. Project 2: Adipose tissue has many functions besides storing and releasing lipids. It also has to coordinate metabolism in the whole body. We have found that human “beige” adipose tissue, which is found in people who are metabolically healthy, expresses genes for secreted factors that communicate with the immune system and the brain. These include IL-33 and enkephalins. In this project you will knockout these genes, and investigate whether this changes the function of adipose tissue when we implant it into immune compromised mice.
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.
Potential Rotation Projects <p >Research in the Munson lab is focused on biochemical/biophysical and cell biological characterization of proteins in the exocyst complex. Potential rotation projects include the following: Cloning of various exocyst protein domains and point mutations. These will be expressed in E. coli for biochemical/structural studies, and their functions tested in yeast. Protein expression and purification. Develop purification strategies for several exocyst proteins and their domains, using chromatography methods such as ion exchange and gel filtration (Fig. 2). Characterization of the purified exocyst proteins. Protein structure, stability, oligomerization state and protein:protein interactions will be monitored by such techniques as circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation and gel filtration (Fig. 3). Crystallography. We have determined the structure of the C-terminal domain of Sec6p (Fig. 4). Crystallization trials ofotherexocyst proteins and their domains are in progress. Design and test functional exocyst mutants in yeast. Mutants will be characterized using a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and microscopic techniques. Identify novel regulators of yeast exocytosis using a genetic screen. Mutants created in these screens are currently being tested and identified (Fig. 5). Their role in exocytosis will be explored <p >
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.
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. Rogaev for additional details.
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.
Higgins Family Professor in Neuroscience
Potential Rotation Projects Project #1: Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Disease. The student can select projects emphasizing either molecular mechanisms of huntingtin in trafficking in neurons or receptor stimulated effects on gene expression in neurons. Techniques include: Generation of fusion proteins, raising antisera Preparation of organelles Immunocytochemistry, light microscopy and electron microscopy Immunoprecipitation methods PCR Protein separation techniques, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting Autoradiography
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/
Arthur F. and Helen P. Koskinas Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. McCollum for additional details.
Rotation Projects Analog sensitive LATS kinase: The goal of this project is to use CRISPR based genome modification to make mutations in the endogenous LATS kinase that cause it to be inhibited by a synthetic ATP analog. This will allow LATS kinase activity to be turned on and off using the ATP analog. The analog sensitive cell line will be a valuable tool for studying Hippo pathway responses to various stimuli and will be used to test whether dephosphorylation of LATS substrates is an important regulatory mechanism. This project will also set the stage for future experiments to create mice that have analog sensitive versions of LATS. These mice will be used to test whether LATS inhibition is a viable treatment for regenerative therapies for the heart, gut, pancreas and other organs. TRIP6 and Angiomotin interacting proteins: We know that cells monitor their mechanical environment by sensing F-actin levels and by measuring tension at cell-cell junctions. We have identified angiomotins as sensors for F-actin and the TRIP6 protein as part of a tension sensor at cell-cell junctions. However, to understand how these sensors work, we need know the network of proteins that they each interact with, and how those networks change in response to mechanical perturbations. To do this we will fuse each sensor to the promiscuous biotin ligase protein BirA, and express the fusion proteins in cells under various conditions. The biotin ligase will label proteins in close proximity with biotin. Labeled proteins will be purified and analyzed by mass spectrometry, and the spectrum of interacting partners under different conditions will be compared.
Rotation Projects Potential Rotation Projects Allostericregulation of PTEN using biophysical techniques. Analysis of PTEN structure by NMR. Therapies directed against cancer stem cells for human glioblastomas. Signaling directed therapies for meningioma brain tumors. <p > <p >
Postdoctoral Fellow Applications are being accepted for one position. A position is available to develop Cys2His2 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) for the treatment of monogenic disorders. This project will focus on the creation of ZFPs with novel DNA-binding specificity to recognize sequence elements within genomic loci of therapeutic interest. In collaboration with other laboratories, we will evaluate the activity of these ZFP-based gene therapy reagents in vitro and in vivo in relevant disease models. Applicants will also have the opportunity to learn to apply Cas9 and Cas12a editing systems in vivo.
Potential Rotation Projects Improving the Precision of CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases for gene therapy applications: We are working to improve the precision of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate nucleases that will cleave at only a single site in the genome. These engineering efforts focus on increasing the DNA-editing precision of Cas9 and using protein engineering to introduce new properties into the nuclease. Much of this work is now transitioning to the use of Cas9 (and Cas12a) protein-RNA complexes. These modified nucleases will then be applied to patient derived cell-culture systems for the targeted repair or inactivation of disease-causing alleles. With the eventual goal of creating therapeutics for Sickle Cell Disease, beta-Thalassemia, HIV, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome and other monogenic disorders. ex vivo genome editing in CD34+ HSPCs: We are developing improved Cas9 proteins for delivery ex vivo into CD34+ HSPCs for therapeutic application to sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. The goal is to modify the hematopoietic stem cells of a patient to complement the loss of function of the beta-globin gene and then return these cells to the patient through an autologous transplant. Development of Cys2His2 Zinc fingers proteins (ZFPs) as targeted therapeutics: We are developing artificial ZFPs for the regulation of target genes to change their gene expression profiles for therapeutic applications.
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Lambright for additional details.
Lab Rotations <p >Our lab takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of fundamental problems in cell biology, signal transduction and membrane trafficking. Rotation projects are available in any of the areas of interest to the lab. Projects are tailored to the individual interests of the students and often involve a combination of molecular, biochemical, biophysical, structural and/or cell based analyses to investigate signaling and trafficking mechanisms. <p >
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Budnik for additional details.
Herman G. Berkman Chair in Diabetes Care Innovation
Potential Rotation Projects Rotation projects in my laboratory will involve questions of how cilia are assembled and the function these organelles play in mammals. Projects vary depending on ongoing work in the laboratory and interests of the rotation student. Rotations in my laboratory can give students exposure to a range of techniques from mouse breeding and histological analysis of mouse tissues to mammalian cell culture and other cell biological techniques.
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 postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Bach for additional details.
Rotation Projects For rotation projects, please inquire with Dr. Bach.
Potential Rotation Projects <p >Our laboratory combines genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate the molecular underpinnings of adaptation. Potential rotation projects are available in two general (and partially overlapping) areas: exploring fitness landscapes through systematic approaches and investigating the molecular mechanism of the Hsp90 chaperone in signal transduction. Please contact the lab to discuss specific rotation projects in more detail.
Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Zhang laboratory. Areas of study include the molecular mechanisms of senescence and its functions in cancer and aging. Both cell culture and mouse models are used. A Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, or a related field is required. Prior experience in cell culture and mouse genetics is desirable. Please send curriculum vitae to Dr. Zhang (hong.zhang@umassmed.edu).
Rotation Opportunities Germinal center response in lymphomagenesis Smurf2's role in autoimmunity and its link with lymphoma development Hematopoietic stem cell quiescence, senescence and aging Genetic screen of senescence regulators using genome-wide shRNA-mediated gene silencing Characterization of substrate specificity of HECT family E3 ligases
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Emergency Medicine at UMass Chan - Lahey
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research