School of Public Health and Health Sciences
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychology; Neuroscience And Behavio
Health Informatics And Implementation Science
Biostatistics And Health Services Research
Cutler Chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Melvin S. and Sandra L. Cutler Chair in Biomedical Research
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.
Arthur F. Koskinas Chair in Neuroscience
Many rotation projects are available so please inquire.
Imoigele P. Aisiku, MD’97 Chair in Health Equity and Diversity
Barbara Helen Smith Chair in Preventive & Behavioral Medicine
Richard M. Haidack Professor in Medicine
Dr. John Meyers Professor in Primary Care Medicine
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
UMass Worcester Prevention Research Center
Prevention Research Center at UMass Chan
Tweets by @DrSherryPagoto
Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan - Baystate
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research