Psychology Department and Center for Neuroendocrin
School of Public Health and Health Sciences
Department of Psychology; Neuroscience And Behavio
Psychology Department And Center for Neuroendocrin
Health Informatics And Implementation Science
Johnnie Ray Cox Term Chair in Biomedical Research
Elisabeth Chair for the Dean of Medicine
Lab rotations are currently available in this lab. Please contact Dr. Kim.
My research for almost 30 years has focused on obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes and explores the molecular link between inflammation and insulin resistance using transgenic mice with elegant in vivo metabolic experiments and molecular approaches. My research also investigates the role of inflammation and altered metabolism in diabetic heart disease.
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.
Isadore and Fannie Foxman Chair in Medical Research
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Czech for additional details.
Mentoring……………………………………………………………………………………………………… The Czech laboratory is active in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Many former student and postdoctoral trainees of the Czech laboratory are now internationally recognized professors at major universities and medical schools. These former lab members include: Paul Pilch, Professor of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine Jeffrey Pessin, Professor and Director of the Diabetes Center, Einstein College of Medicine Joan Massague, Director, Sloan Kettering Institute Roger Davis, HHMI investigator and Professor of Molecular Medicine, UMASS Medical School Silvia Corvera, Professor of Molecular Medicine, Co-Director of the MD/PhD Program, UMASS Medical School Carla Greenbaum, Vice Chair and Director of Clinical Research, Benaroya Research Institute Jes Klarlund, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Rob Lewis, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Richard MacDonald, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Assia Shisheva, Professor of Physiology, Wayne State School of Medicine. Mark Sleeman, Professor of Physiology, Monash University, Australia John Harris, Associate Professor of Medicine, UMASS Medical School Zhen Jiang, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Medicine, Boston University Vishu Puri, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Olga Gupta, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Tim Fitzgibbons, Assistant Professor of Medicine, UMASS Medical School Myriam Aouadi, Assistant Professor, Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institute Adilson Guilherme, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School Our laboratory currently offers graduate student Rotation Projects (examples below and others available) and Thesis Research Projects for students following a rotation: Developing CRISPR technology for gene editing in adipocytes: Adipocytes function as master regulators of whole body metabolism and deletions of specific adipocyte genes in knockout mice promote dramatic improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in diabetic models. Thus the ability to direct gene editing in adipocytes in vivo has great potential in developing therapeutic strategies for obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Alternatively, an ex vivo approach is also feasible since adipose cells can be genetically altered in vitro prior to implantation into mice with beneficial effects. Such projects are designed to be performed in collaboration with other Czech lab members with the goal of specifically deleting or editing genes in adipose depots that drive increases in fatty acid oxidation, energy expenditure and systemic metabolic activity. Exciting preliminary data at the “proof of principle” stage has been achieved and this project is designed to focus on specific genes of high interest for therapeutics. Signaling by the lipogenesis pathway through Acetyl CoA: A major function of adipocytes is to store calories as triglyceride, in part through the process of fatty acid synthesis (lipogenesis). This metabolic pathway involves a number of metabolites including Acetyl CoA, which is also a substrate for acetylation reactions that modify proteins such as histones. Thus metabolic flux through adipocyte lipogenesis may also function as a signaling pathway to the nucleus to modulate transcription via levels of Acetyl CoA that accumulate during this process. This rotation project is designed to test this idea at the molecular level by monitoring histone acetylations and resultant transcriptional events during changes in Acetyl CoA levels caused by altering physiological conditions such as exercise, obesity and diabetes. If this concept is correct, the project could lead to developing therapeutic strategies for metabolic disease based on targeting lipogenic enzymes.
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.
One rotation student is expected in the lab to characterize the expression and function of Drosophila gustatory receptor 28b (Gr28b) in phototransduction and taste sensation. Please contact Dr. Yang Xiang for details.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Xiang, Ph.D. University of Massachusetts Medical School Department of Neurobiology, LRB 725 364 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605 USA phone: 508-856-6816 (office) e-mail: yang.xiang@umassmed.edu<o:p></o:p>
Dr. Henninger is a vascular neurologist with research interest in the neurobiology of axonal injury associated with traumatic brain injury and its contribution to functional outcome.
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.
Remondi Family Chair in Biomedical Research
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION: RNAI PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT Excellent training opportunity for a person considering industrial carrier in drug development Oligonucleotides represent a new class of drugs, which have the promise to become a major class of future therapeutics. There are several classes of oligonucleotides which can efficiently silence genes in various tissues with acceptable level of toxicity. There are also new chemistries being developed to further improve oligonucleotide tissue distribution and cellular uptake. The successful candidate will be a key part of an intra-disciplinary team working with biologists and chemists to develop novel types of therapeutics for treatment of neurological disease, liver disease and orphan indications. The work will include compounds identification, screening, characterization, in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies, novel assays development etc. In addition exposure and training in nucleic acid pre-clinical development, project management etc will be provided. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and ideally, have research experience in nucleic acid molecular cell biology or pharmacology.
RNAI MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY/ RNA OLIGONUCLEOTIDE CHEMISTRY Develop and characterize novel RNA chemistries to promote efficient oligonucleotide internalization and tissue distribution. Oligonucleotides represent a new class of drugs, which have the promise to become a major class of future therapeutics. There are several chemistries and formulations developed by us and others that effectively support oligo internalization and favorable PK/PD. In most cases in vivo efficacy is limited by (1) poor PK (2) inefficient tissue distribution (3) compound entrapment in biologically inactive intracellular compartments. The objective of future studies will be development of novel chemistries, which promote receptor mediated cellular internalization and/ or endosomal escape. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel RNA precursors, optimization of RNA synthesis and conjugation protocols and interface with the biology part of the lab. In addition, exposure to pre-clinical development programs and oligonucleotide manufacturing will be available. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and have previous experience in nucleic acid / oligonucleotide chemistry.
SMALL RNA TRAFFICKING Discover, characterize and adapt mechanisms of small RNA extracellular and intracellular trafficking for development of novel classes of oligonucleotide drugs. A serious limitation in realizing the potential of oligonucleotide based therapies has been the exceedingly inefficient transit of oligonucleotides from outside cells to the intracellular compartments where the biologically relevant activity happens. On the other hand, there are multiple lines of evidence supporting the notion that nature has implemented evolutionarily conserved mechanisms and pathways for efficiently trafficking small RNAs across cellular boundaries. The objective of future studies will be the systematic evaluation of mechanisms of cellular uptake of different classes of oligonucleotides and their comparison to mechanisms of native RNA trafficking using a combination of experimental approaches, including advanced RNA chemistry and high temporal and spatial resolution microscopy in living cells, Mass spectrometry, cell biology and others. The successful candidate will work closely with Victor Ambros and Silvia Corvera labs and the UMASS imaging group and receive training in RNA chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and pre-clinical development. QUALIFICATIONS:Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and ideally, have research experience in nucleic acid molecular and cell biology
Our laboratory uses a combination of nucleic acid and oligonucleotide chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology and develops and evaluate novel technologies for development of oligonucleotide therapeutics. A rotation project is available to develop and identify chemically modified self-delivering RNAi compounds for treatment of Huntington and other diseases.
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/
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.
Motor Neuron Disease Mechanisms; Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis: a Muscle Ion Channel Disorder.
Herman G. Berkman Chair in Diabetes Care Innovation
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Craig for additional details.
Potential Rotation Projects Project #1: Lipid-Layer Protein Crystallization for Electron Microscopy.While individual protein molecules can be readily visualized by EM, structural information is greatly enhanced if the molecules can by crystallized into 2-dimensional ordered arrays. Methods for achieving this are well established, making use of lipid monolayers at an air-water interface. Follow literature methods to crystallize "standard" proteins using the lipid-layer method. Observe results by electron microscopy following negative staining. If time permits, carry out preliminary image processing of micrographs and/or crystallization of unknown proteins. Techniques to be learned: lipid layer crystallization methods; grid preparation; use of electron microscope; image processing.
Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Teresita del Nino Jesus Padilla-Benavides PhD
Claudia A. Vilchis Nestor. Visiting Scholar from CINVESTAV-IPN, MEXICO
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
Dr. Ghasemi completed his adult neurology residency training (2014-2018) at UMass Medical Center and fellowship training in neuromuscular disorders (2018-2019) at Mass General Hospital (MGH) and Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH), and more recently graduated from Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health (2021) with master’s degree in public health (MPH). He focuses on neuromuscular diseases.
Focus: Study the physiology and pathophysiology of smooth muscle with state-of-art technology ranging from molecular biology, gene editing, calcium imaging, organ culture, and transgenic animal model.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
National Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center
Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan - Baystate
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA
Current State of the OAI & Intro to the Knowledgebase Earlier Than Early Osteoarthritis (OA): Pre-OA Illness Preventing Osteoarthritis After an ACL Injury Playing the Long Game: Consensus for Preventing OA Characteristics of Accelerated Hand Osteoarthritis The Inverse OARSI-OMERACT Criteria for Knee OA