Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 2006
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 2006
Adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics in neuron guidance
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1967
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1967
Stanford University
Appointed in 1999
Nucleolin: RNA interaction during poliovirus infection
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1981
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1981
California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1973
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California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1973
Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2021
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Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2021
Mapping the translational landscape of tumor progression and immune evasion
Tumor initiating cells (TIC) have a remarkable ability to evade the immune system, hindering the effect of immunotherapies and fostering tumor relapse. Hence, it is critical to understand the intrinsic mechanisms underlying TIC capacity to escape immune recognition.
My research focuses on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), an aggressive cancer harboring TIC uniquely equipped to escape immunotherapy. Notably, SCC-TIC maintain low protein synthesis and dysregulated metabolism, implicating translational control as a key player in therapy resistance. However, how aberrant translation contributes to tumor progression and immune-evasion remains poorly understood.
Using unique mouse models, and a combination of ribosomal tagging and ribosome profiling I aim to delineate the translational dynamics promoting TIC ability to evade the immune system. If successful, my unbiased approach will delineate new mechanisms driving altered translational control and promoting immune evasion and tumor relapse
Harvard University
Appointed in 1999
Mechanisms of mating system evolution in nematodes
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Appointed in 1998
Mechanisms of mating system evolution in nematodes
Harvard University
Appointed in 2011
Circuits mediating learning and sensory processing in the context of memory in zebrafish
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2013
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2013
Biochemical studies of the membrane-associated steps in the Wnt signaling pathway
Signaling between cells through the Wnt pathway critically affects cell fates during embryonic development and in disease states, such as cancer. Many of the components of the Wnt pathway have been identified, and it is known that activation of the pathway ultimately leads to the cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin, which then promotes transcription of a set of target genes. However, the molecular mechanism of signal transduction that leads to the increase in beta-catenin is not clear. I propose to identify the specific roles of the upstream components of the pathway in regulating its activity by determining the sequence of protein recruitment, phosphorylation, and oligomerization events that occur on the Wnt membrane receptors in vivo by immunoprecipitation and blue native gel assays. This part of the pathway will then be reconstituted in vitro with purified membrane receptors and cell extracts so that the individual protein binding and phosphorylation steps can be separated by removing or mutating components, and their effect on beta-catenin degradation can be directly assessed. These experiments will thereby elucidate how the different proteins contribute to initiating or modulating the Wnt signal and may identify ways of interfering with the pathway that would be therapeutically useful.
Harvard University
Appointed in 1957
Yale University
Appointed in 1953
Yale University
Appointed in 2007
Structural and functional studies of RNA quality control TRAMP4 complex
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 2019
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 2019
Redesigning lentiviruses to achieve CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering in vivo
CRISPR-Cas genome editing enables control of gene expression in cells, tissues and whole organisms. Although invaluable for experimental studies, translation of these advances into clinical therapeutics requires delivery of CRISPR-Cas proteins and guide RNA to disease-relevant organs in the body. Current in vivo delivery strategies have drawbacks including ineffective delivery to target tissue, prolonged nuclease expression leading to off-target damage, and clearance of edited cells by adaptive immune responses.
My research leverages viral infection strategies to overcome the challenges faced by the in vivo delivery of genome editing tools. In the Doudna laboratory, I am applying my background in engineering enveloped viruses to create the next-generation of CRISPR-Cas delivery vehicles and translate these technologies into therapeutics. By merging virology with bioengineering, I aim to both better understand the cellular response to genome editing and, ultimately, to make genome-based treatments accessible to all people who can benefit.
Princeton University
Appointed in 1972
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 2013
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University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 2013
Dynamics of RNA granule assembly in temperature synchronization of clock rhythms
I study the role played by TMEM16F, a phospholipid scramblase, in the generation of extracellular vesicles. TMEM16F is a transmembrane protein found in a family of calcium-activated chloride channels (CACCs). Mutations in TMEM16F cause a rare bleeding disorder called Scott Syndrome in which patients are deficient in platelet coagulant activity. Interestingly, 16F and four other members in this family have been implicated as phospholipid scramblases by disrupting plasma membrane asymmetry upon calcium activation. This is presumed to be a prerequisite step in the generation of extracellular vesicles, which are believed to deliver RNA and protein cargo as a form of cell-to-cell communication. It is also unclear whether TMEM16 proteins are themselves scramblases or how the protein might achieve bilateral phospholipid transport.
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 2007
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University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 2007
Identification of the repulsive signals mediating dendritic tiling of class IV Drosophila
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1964
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1964
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2020
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2020
The physical and molecular determinants of touch
National Institutes of Health
Appointed in 1981
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1980
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1980
New York University
Appointed in 1958
Boston Children's Hospital
Appointed in 2015
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Boston Children's Hospital
Appointed in 2015
Mechanism for activating the clearance of damaged axonal mitochondria
One crucial pathway that marks damaged mitochondria for removal involves constant mitochondrial import and degradation of the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a protein compromised in a hereditary form of Parkinsons disease. My current research focuses on how the PINK1 pathway is activated in the axonal compartment of neurons._x000D_
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Growing up as the daughter of two math and science teachers my curiosity for science was nurtured from the very beginning. I pursued my interest for the workings of the cells in our body by studying Molecular Medicine in Freiburg/Germany, finally joining the lab of Nikolaus Pfanner and Chris Meisinger. During my PhD there I demonstrated that mitochondrial functions such as energy production and metabolite transport could be controlled by phosphorylation of the import pathway for mitochondrial proteins._x000D_
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Having fallen in love with mitochondria, I am continuing my research as a Post-Doc in the lab of Tom Schwarz and am extending my research on protein import towards transport of mitochondria, mitochondrial proteins and RNA in neurons and implication of transport in Parkinsons disease.
Harvard University
Appointed in 2020
Investigating how striatum selects and modifies actions across contexts
Understanding how the brain drives natural behavior is a central question in neuroscience. This quest is made particularly difficult by the fact that animal behavior is highly adaptable, thus requiring underlying neural circuits to alter the information they compute or represent depending on the task at hand. In my research, I examine how neurons in the motor pathway represent natural behaviors, and how these representations may change depending on the task the animal must perform. I investigate these questions using a combination of in vivo electrophysiology, machine vision, and computational models.
California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1977
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California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1977
Carnegie Institute for Science
Appointed in 1986
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Carnegie Institute for Science
Appointed in 1986
Stanford University
Appointed in 2008
Role of APC multi-protein complex in regulating microtubule function at the membrane
My current research focuses on understanding the relationship between the signaling and cytoskeletal functions of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a ubiquitously expressed tumor suppressor commonly mutated in cancers.
I developed curiosity and enthusiasm for science at a young age. My father and I spent many hours performing “experiments” at home, such as making soap-powered boats to explore the principals of surface tension, and building potato clocks to learn about redox reactions. These experiences sparked my passion for science and led me to pursue a career in research. I went on to receive my B.S. in biology from the University of New Hampshire, and my Ph.D. in biochemistry from Dartmouth Medical School. In addition to research, I enjoy teaching and mentoring young people. Outside of the laboratory I love to garden, cook, and hike with my dog.
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1965
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1965
Johns Hopkins University
Appointed in 1977
Stanford University
Appointed in 1982
Columbia University
Appointed in 2010
The architecture and function of a neural circuit governing behavioral plasticity
University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1970
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University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1970
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1984
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1984
Isolation and characterization of homeo box-containing genes
University of Washington School of Medicine
Appointed in 2003
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University of Washington School of Medicine
Appointed in 2003
Probing the structural role of buried polar residues
National Institute for Medical Research, England
Appointed in 2000
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National Institute for Medical Research, England
Appointed in 2000
GDNF/RET signaling roles in mammalian ENF development
State University of New York, Stony Brook
Appointed in 1980
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State University of New York, Stony Brook
Appointed in 1980
Isolation of Ad2 mutants
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1988
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1988
Missexpression of the Drosophila rough gene interferes with normal eye develoment
State University, Gent, Belgium
Appointed in 1966
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State University, Gent, Belgium
Appointed in 1966
Nucleic acid
Carnegie Institute for Science
Appointed in 1988
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Carnegie Institute for Science
Appointed in 1988
Multiple replication origins are used during Drosophila chorion gene amplification
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1987
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1987
Molecular and genetic analysis of the disconnected locus
Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2003
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Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2003
Form and function of glia-neuron interactions
University of California, San Diego
Appointed in 1974
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University of California, San Diego
Appointed in 1974
Fluorescence mapping of chromosomal genes
Johns Hopkins University
Appointed in 1972
Glycolipids and glycoproteins of normal and transformed mammalian cells
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1988
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1988
Regulation of transcription by mercuric ion in a marine Bacillius
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Appointed in 1971
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University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Appointed in 1971
DNA polymerase and invitro DNA
State University of New York, Stony Brook
Appointed in 1999
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State University of New York, Stony Brook
Appointed in 1999
Regulation of Smad signaling of the TGF-beta signal transduction pathway by novel Smurf ubiquitin ligases
Harvard University
Appointed in 1974
Photoreactive diazo analogs of coenzymes
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 2017
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Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 2017
Targeting the EMT program in high grade serous ovarian cancer
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most aggressive gynecological malignancy for which few targeted therapies exist. The poor prognosis associated with this disease underscores the importance of targeting critical determinants of tumor relapse and therapeutic resistance, which account for the high morbidity rate. Given our lab’s findings that acquisition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows carcinoma cells with enhanced tumor-initiating potential and therapeutic resistance, I propose to identify novel mechanisms to reverse the EMT program by performing a pooled CRISPR/Cas9-based screen using a genome-wide sgRNA library optimized for high target cleavage efficiency. Candidate hits will be functionally characterized to ascertain their role in EMT-associated phenotypes and the mechanism by which their depletion elicits a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Furthermore, I will investigate the potential translation of these findings for therapeutic utility by evaluating the efficacy of tumor-targeting Layer-by-layer (Lbl) nanoparticles that deliver siRNAs or drugs that induce an MET alone or in combination with platinum-based drugs using clinically relevant HGSOC patient-derived xenograft mouse models and genetically engineered mouse models._x000D_
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University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1973
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University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1973
DNA related proteins in the development of the macronucleus
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1974
Basic mechanisms in the development of the mammalian central nervous system
Cambridge University, England
Appointed in 1963
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Cambridge University, England
Appointed in 1963
Organic phosphates