Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
Dept of Biochem & Mol Biol And Dept of Chem
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.
<p >Our laboratory combines biochemical, biophysical, molecular and cell biological approaches to investigate various aspects of pre-mRNA processing, mRNA metabolism and RNA quality control in eukaryotic cells. Potential rotation projects are available in all areas of the laboratory's interests (see Research section).
The project aims to develop computational algorithms and software programs for analyzing high-throughput sequence data such as ChIP-Seq RNA-Seq small RNA sequencing data. PhD required. A strong background in computational biology especially experience with analyzing high-throughput sequencing data is highly desirable. Excellent communication and writing skills and the ability to work with experimental and computational collaborators are essential. To apply please forward CV cover letter and three references to: Zhiping.Weng@umassmed.edu
Please contact Dr. Weng for information on rotations that are available in her lab.
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.
The lab is currently looking for motivated postdoctoral scholars with backgrounds in genomics and computational biology. Please email the PI.
Rotation projects are available related to malaria and Burkitt lymphoma. Our projects range from genetic epidemiology to directed genomics studying human, parasite and tumor.
Postdoctoral Positions Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics or related area. To apply, send a letter describing your current research activities and future research interests, a CV, and contact information for three references to Jennifer Benanti.
Rotation Projects Several rotation projects are available for current Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students. Contact Jennifer Benanti to discuss potential projects.
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.
David J. Freelander Memorial Professor in AIDS Research
Focus: Post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III
Please email Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu if you are interested in rotations.
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 >
A postdoctoral fellow position is available for a highly motivated candidate to join us in the Program in Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Our research interests are focused on understanding how aneuploidy affects cellular physiology and metabolism, and how aneuploidy influences cell evolution leading to further gross genomic alterations.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Candidates should have a recent Ph.D or M.D/Ph.D degree in Cancer Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related field. The candidates must also have a proven track record of productivity and research experience. They should be highly motivated, have a strong desire to learn and excellent communication skills.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p></o:p>Applicats should send their CV, summary of previous research and the name of three references that may be contacted to Dr. Eduardo Torres, e-mail: Eduardo.torres@umassmed.edu (address: 364 Plantation Street, LRB -523, Worcester, MA 01605-4321
Rotations are available in this laboratory. Please contact Dr. Torres for details.
Gerald L. Haidak, MD, and Zelda S. Haidak Professor in Cell Biology
Rotation Projects <p >Rotation projects generally address specific gene expression issues in yeast, including problems in NMD, general mRNA decay, and translation termination. Methodological approaches depend on time commitment, but could include yeast genetics, individual and genome-wide transcript analysis, in vitro translation, and protein:protein interaction studies.
Focus: Cytoplasmic aspects of post-transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes
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.
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 Project #1: Signaling in the MAP kinase cascade. Membranerecruitment ofthe kinase cascade "scaffold" protein, Ste5, initiates signaling. But our recent work suggests that membrane localization alsoboosts signaling efficiency through the kinase cascade, and similar findings have been reported in a mammalian pathway. Yet the mechanism explaining this effect is unknown.This project would use molecular genetic approaches to probe thisphenomenon. Project #2: Membrane targeting domains. Our recent work identified a small membrane-binding domain that guides Ste5 to the plasma membrane, but it does so only acting in conjunction with protein-protein interactions. Relatedly, we have recently found similar domains, and their cooperative relationship with protein-protein interactions, in several other plasma membrane-localized signaling proteins. We suspect this may be a very common arrangement, and that multiple weak interactions are advantageous to ensuring dynamic localization that constantly probes the availability of membrane-localized binding partners. This project would involve conducting a small-scale survey of polarized proteins in yeast, searching for small membrane-binding domains that are critical for their normal localization and function.
Rotation Project Background
In yeast cells, protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum can occur by cotranslational or posttranslational pathways. The objective of this project is to develop a rapid method to inactivate the posttranslational pathway in vivo in yeast cells by appending the CMV-ribosome stalling sequence to the C-terminus of a typical posttranslational translocation substrate (carboxypeptidase Y). Complexes between the posttranslational translocation channel (SEC complex) and the stalled ribosomes will be purified for structural and functional analysis.
Postdoc position is available. Please contact us.
Potential Rotation Projects Several rotation projects are available in structural biology of immune receptors, antigen presentation pathways, T-cell activation, and development of novel T-cell detection reagents. Please see Prof. Stern for details.
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.
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.
Richard M. Haidack Professor in Medicine
Focus: The Munro laboratory develops and applies quantitative biophysical approaches to visualize virus replication, and probe the functions of the proteins and RNAs involved.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research