New York University
Appointed in 1970
Protein synthesis in Artemia salina
Princeton University
Appointed in 2021
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Princeton University
Appointed in 2021
Small protein modules dictate prophage fates during polylysogeny
DNA-damaging agents are the pervasive inducers of temperate phages in model bacteria. Most bacteria in the biosphere are polylysogens, harboring multiple prophages. Thus, how co-residing prophages compete for cell resources if they all respond to an identical trigger is unknown. My project in the Bassler Lab is focused on the discovery of regulatory modules that control prophage induction independently of the DNA damage cue. The modules I uncovered lack sequence similarity but share regulatory logic by having a transcription factor that activates the expression of a neighboring gene encoding a small protein. The small protein inactivates the master repressor of lysis, leading to induction. Polylysogens harboring two prophages exposed to DNA damage release mixed populations of phages. Single-cell analyses reveal that this blend is a consequence of discrete subsets of cells producing one, the other, or both phages. By contrast, induction via the DNA-damage-independent module results in cells producing only the phage sensitive to that specific cue. Thus, in the polylysogens tested, the cue used to induce lysis determines phage productivity. Considering the lack of potent DNA-damaging agents in natural habitats, additional phage-encoded sensory pathways to lysis could play fundamental roles in phage-host biology and inter-prophage competition.
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Appointed in 1970
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University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Appointed in 1970
Biochemistry and genetic characterization of certain E. coli mutants
National Institutes of Health
Appointed in 1974
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National Institutes of Health
Appointed in 1974
Translation of SV40 messenger RNA
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1987
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1987
Trans-regulation by the Drosophila bithorax complex
Yale University
Appointed in 2003
Structural study of cotranslational translocation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1984
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1984
Mammalian transcriptional regulatory proteins and their genes
University of California, San Francisco /
Stanford University
Appointed in 1993
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University of California, San Francisco / Stanford University
Appointed in 1993
A novel method for mutagenesis of a cloned gene
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Appointed in 2018
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Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Appointed in 2018
Defining mechanisms for selective translation in ribosomopathies
Translational elongation is a tightly regulated process, whose dysfunction triggers cellular quality control (QC) processes that minimize production of defective protein molecules. Aberrantly stalled ribosomes on messenger RNAs (mRNAs) disrupt translational homeostasis and arise as a consequence of inefficient decoding, defective mRNAs, and cellular insults, such as stress and starvation. As such, the primary role of co-translational QC is to initiate ribosomal rescue by splitting the ribosomal subunits, triggering mRNA decay, and enabling recycling of the subunits for new rounds of translation. _x000D_
The molecular cues required to initiate ribosomal QC (RQC) are poorly characterized, as are the fate of ribosomes affected by RQC. Using a combination of biochemical, mass-spectrometric and ribosome profiling approaches, I am studying how QC factors spatiotemporally recognize and resolve stalled ribosomes and how such factors discriminate terminally (or “dead end”) stalled ribosomes on defective mRNAs, from transiently paused ribosomes on elongation-limited transcripts. _x000D_
Yale University
Appointed in 1993
Understanding the DNA recognition and cleavage characteristics of Phenanthrenequinone Dilimine complexes of Thodium (III)
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1973
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 1973
Factor controlling RNA chain initiation in lambda
University of Arizona
Appointed in 2002
A single-molecule study of co-translational protein folding
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1970
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Appointed in 1970
Mechanism of messenger RNA transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of the cleaving sear urchin embryo
Boston Children's Hospital
Appointed in 2013
DNA elements within BCL11A and its target sequences in globin switching
This project aims to identify cellular mechanisms contributing to elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, ?2?2) levels, the most promising therapy for patients with sickle cell disease. The characterization of BCL11A, a repressor of HbF production, and potential BCL11A targets within the ?-globin locus, will impact therapy design and treatment of the major hemoglobin disorders whose global health burden is rising. Although BCL11A is dispensable for normal red cell function, studies in mice have determined that it is required for development, presenting a potential obstacle for therapies designed to inhibit BCL11A function by small molecule. Aim1 will determine the dependence of BCL11A erythroid expression on a single nucleotide polymorphism dense region, identified by genome wide association studies. Aim2 will identify a region required for ?-globin gene repression within the A?-? intergenic region of the ?-globin locus. Both aims will utilize DNA targeting of mouse embryonic stem cells and analysis of BCL11A expression and/or globin gene expression in fetal and adult mice. These studies will contribute to a fuller understanding of ?-globin gene regulation, provide in vivo models for molecular characterization of hemoglobin switching, and identify erythroid specific targets for therapeutic intervention.
Purdue University
Appointed in 1986
X-ray crystal structure of rhinovirus/antibody and receptor protein complexes
University of North Carolina
Appointed in 1987
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University of North Carolina
Appointed in 1987
Structural studies of intermediate state hemoglobins
Institute for Cancer Research
Appointed in 1981
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Institute for Cancer Research
Appointed in 1981
Expression of immunoglobulin variable region genes in T cells
California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 2006
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California Institute of Technology
Appointed in 2006
Modeling the cytochrome P450 enzyme superfamily
International Laboratory of Genetics and Biophysics, Italy /
Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, France
Appointed in 1968
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International Laboratory of Genetics and Biophysics, Italy / Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, France
Appointed in 1968
Mechanism of RN synthesis by RNA polymerase
Duke University
Appointed in 2023
Determining how basement membranes stretch and recover to support tissues
Dr. Adam Wei Jian Soh will investigate how the basement membrane (BM), a sheet-like extracellular matrix that encloses tissues, stretches in mechanically-active tissues in Dr. David Sherwood’s lab at Duke University. Dr. Soh will use C elegans ovulation as a novel model system for examining BM stretching and recovery. Soh has performed a localization screen and identified candidate proteins that are likely important for BM dynamics. He will follow up on these findings by determining which proteins are functionally important for the stretching and recovery of BMs. Soh hypothesizes that type IV collagen is critical for stretching tissues as genetic defects in this gene lead to vasculature hemorrhaging and muscle dysfunction. This research may also identify novel genes that are critical for tissue support and are mutated in human disease.
Previously, Dr. Soh investigated the mechanics of motile cilia beating as a PhD student in Dr. Chad Pearson‘s lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Specifically, he discovered a novel intracellular mechanism involving the cortical cytoskeleton network that regulates cilia beating synchronization. Through this research Soh developed expertise in imaging techniques and cellular biophysics. This experience has prepared Dr. Soh for his current project dissecting basement membrane dynamics.
Yale University
Appointed in 1947
Liver fractions with glycogenolytic properties
Brandeis University
Appointed in 2000
Electron microscopy of a voltage-gated ion channel
Yale University
Appointed in 1983
Signals for RNA splicing
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1997
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University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1997
Protein kinase C in thymocyte selection
Institut Pasteur, France /
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1971
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Institut Pasteur, France / University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1971
Cell division in E. coli
Stanford University
Appointed in 1961
Nucleic acids in protein synthesis
Massachusetts General Hospital
Appointed in 2005
Structural studies of chromatin modifier-PRC1
University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 2022
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University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 2022
Disseing the impact of non-coding somatic mutations in the human brain
Histone methyltransferase PRC2 (Polycomb Repressive Complex 2) silences genes via successively attaching three methyl groups to lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Several research groups including ours demonstrated that PRC2 associates with numerous pre-mRNA and lncRNA transcripts with a strong binding preference for G-quadruplex forming RNA. However, the structural details of their interactions have so far been unclear. My research provides a 3.3Å-resolution cryo-EM structure of a PRC2-RNA ribonucleoprotein complex. Notably, G-quadruplex RNA bridges the dimerization of PRC2 with a symmetric interface comprised of two copies of the PRC2 catalytic subunit EZH2. Especially, EZH2 SET domain is indicated to directly facilitate the RNA-mediated dimerization of PRC2. Interestingly, those residues were previously characterized in the PRC2-nucleosome cryo-EM structure to physically interact with the histone H3 tail and nucleosome DNA. Therefore, I hypothesize that in the dimerized PRC2-RNA complex, RNA inhibits PRC2 activity by limiting H3 tail accessibility to the active site. Overall, my study provides a new perspective of RNA regulation of chromatin modifiers.
University of Pennsylvania
Appointed in 1950
Purine metabolism
University of Chicago
Appointed in 1993
TGF-B signalling in C elegans development, RNA biochemistry
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1989
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University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1989
Regulation of the yeast heat shock transcription factor
Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2016
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Rockefeller University
Appointed in 2016
Motivation in the female mosquito
Female mosquitos seek out hosts for blood meals, a behavior that is required for reproduction and that evolved several times in insect evolution. Host seeking is a persistent behavioral state composed of sequential behaviors such as taking flight, searching, landing, and feeding. It is not known how these behaviors are coordinated nor how this persistent motivational state is signaled in the brain._x000D_
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I propose to study sequential host-seeking behaviors by applying an automated behavior classification system to track multiple mosquitoes in three dimensions as they seek out and feed on a human host. Because of the important role of dopamine in insect decision making, I will use genetic approaches to manipulate dopamine signaling circuits in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. I will assess the effect of these perturbations during host seeking and during an assay simulating host defensive behavior. These experiments will give a description of the role of dopamine signaling in a sustained complex behavior that evolved in the common ancestor of mosquitoes._x000D_
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University of Buffalo
Appointed in 1959
Membrane permeability
University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1973
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University of Colorado, Boulder
Appointed in 1973
Genetic organization of DNA
University of Michigan
Appointed in 1970
Enzymatic mechanism of molecular oxygen activation
Carlsbadt Laboratorium
Appointed in 1957
Investigations toward elucidating the structure of the enzymatically active core of ribonuclease
University of California, Santa Cruz
Appointed in 2005
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University of California, Santa Cruz
Appointed in 2005
Structural studies of ribosomal translocation
Stanford University School of Medicine
Appointed in 2002
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Stanford University School of Medicine
Appointed in 2002
Biogeneisi of epithelial cell polarity: the SEC 6/8 complex
National Research Consiglio, Italy /
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1976
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National Research Consiglio, Italy / Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 1976
Purification of an SV40 DNA replicating system
University of Utah
Appointed in 1989
Yale University
Appointed in 1953
Metabolism of glucose
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 2010
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Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 2010
Identification of genetic constituents of learning in songbirds through a new system for molecular marker development
Many animal species are able to regenerate missing body parts or even entire body plans. I am using molecular and genomic tools to study regeneration and learn whether regeneration mechanisms in various species were inherited from their common ancestor or if they have evolved independently. Discovering conserved mechanisms might reveal previously unknown but potentially critical aspects of regeneration in animals.
During college, I studied development, regeneration, and asexual reproduction in segmented worms. My graduate work focused on the genomes of early animal lineages such as sea anemones and sponges to learn about early animal evolution. Such comparative genomic analyses have allowed us to infer changes in gene content, gene structure, and genomic organization that accompanied the appearance of animals and their subsequent radiation into phyletic lineages. However, we don’t yet understand the functions of the genomic innovations unique to animals.  I am now studying the evolution of a particular biological process, focusing on how the functions of a few genes have evolved. For this research, I have returned to my interest in regeneration which, with the help of modern genetic tools, can be studied at molecular and cell biological levels in many species.
Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2016
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Harvard University Medical School
Appointed in 2016
Understanding gut-to-brain signaling through the vagus nerve
The vagus nerve is a key part of the neuroendocrine axis that controls feeding behavior and metabolism. Within the gastrointestinal tract, vagal sensory neurons detect ingested nutrients and mechanical stretch of the stomach, although underlying sensory transduction mechanisms are not understood. Basic questions remain about how ingested food is sensed, and how inputs are relayed centrally to coordinate systemic responses. Unraveling the functions of different vagal sensory neuron types in feeding behavior and metabolism control would provide a basic understanding of gut-to-brain communication mechanisms, and perhaps provide new therapeutic targets to control appetite and help treat metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity and anorexia._x000D_
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I am working towards characterizing a subpopulation of vagal sensory neurons that express cholecystokinin receptor type- A (CCKAR), a receptor for the gut satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Using transgenic mice, anatomical tract tracing, calcium imaging and optogenetics I want to understand the structure and function of the neural circuits formed by these sensory neurons. These studies will enable long-term efforts to shed light on the sensory biology of the vagus nerve- from understanding signal transduction mechanisms in the periphery to determining the organization of central inputs that orchestrate behavioral and endocrine responses._x000D_
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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Appointed in 2002
Control of mitochondrial function by PGC-1
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Appointed in 1992
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Appointed in 1992
Isolation and characterization of the SNAP receptor
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1999
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University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1999
Activation signals of the unfolded protein response
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 1984
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Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Appointed in 1984
Molecular basis of antibody complementarity
Johns Hopkins University /
University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1971
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Johns Hopkins University / University of California, San Francisco
Appointed in 1971
Genetric regulation of RNA tumor virus
Stanford University
Appointed in 2025
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Stanford University
Appointed in 2025
Disrupting neuron-glioma interactions in the thalamus for thalamic pediatric low-grade glioma therapy
Dr. Patrick Steadman is passionate about neuroscience and the interplay between neurons and glial cells (support cells in the brain) in physiology and disease. During his graduate research, he examined the interaction between these cell types in normal memory consolidation. In his fellowship, Steadman will now investigate how this interplay impacts pediatric low-grade gliomas.
Steadman’s thesis research in Dr. Paul Frankland’s lab at the University of Toronto, focused on the importance of a specialized glial cell, myelin-forming oligodendrocytes, in memory consolidation. He showed that oligodendrogenesis and de novo myelination in the cortex are promoted by learning. Importantly, when he prevented learning-induced increases in oligodendrogenesis, this impaired memory consolidation. Steadman’s results emphasize the role of glial cells in fine-tuning neural circuits for memory consolidation and retrieval.
Now in Dr. Michelle Monje’s lab at Stanford University, Dr. Steadman will continue to examine glial-neuronal interactions, but in the pathological context of pediatric low-grade gliomas. Recent work from the Monje lab demonstrated that gliomas increase neuronal excitability which promotes tumor growth and disrupts normal brain function. Steadman will investigate the molecular mechanisms mediating glioma progression, and test targeted therapies’ impacts on glioma progression and brain function. This research will provide new insight into pediatric gliomas while taking into account the cognitive impact of potential treatments on patients – an important consideration since children with this disease are typically quite young.
National Institute of Dental Research and National Cancer Institute
Appointed in 1982
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National Institute of Dental Research and National Cancer Institute
Appointed in 1982
Reversal of phenotype of transformed fibroblasts
University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 2011
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University of California, Berkeley
Appointed in 2011
Cell non-autonomous modulation of electron transport chain-mediated lifespan extension