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Min-Ho Lee,
Ph. D. University of Illinois, Chicago; Postdoctoral,
Washington University School of Medicine |
| Dr.
Lee is engaged in elucidation of the genetic
and molecular bases through which a specific
RNA binding protein governs multiple mRNA
targets in order to control many distinct
cellular processes. Translational regulation
is a key regulatory mechanism that controls
protein levels during the development and
homeostasis of essentially all organisms.
Due to a silencing of transcription in the
germ line, translational regulation plays
a central role and many RNA binding proteins
have been identified that regulate distinct
steps during germline development. An emerging
theme is that individual RNA binding proteins
appear to exert their effect on development
through the coordinate control of batteries
of RNA targets to regulate tissue development
and disease. Dr. Lee’s research provides critical
insight into how single proteins regulate
expression of multiple genes. |
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Hua Shi,
M.D., Ph.D., Cornell University; Postdoctoral,
Cornell University |
| Breathtaking
developments in genomics have kindled hope for
a revolutionary transformation of medicine,
but a crucial link remains to be forged between
genomic discovery and drug development. Dr.
Shi’s laboratory develops novel approaches to
filling this gap between “knowing” and “controlling”
of normal and abnormal biological processes.
Nucleic acids are used to generate molecular
partners for protein targets. The molecules
are treated as if they are organisms (animals
or plants) in a process analogous to “breeding.”
The resulting molecular constructs have wide-range
utility in probing and manipulating biological
processes in vivo and in real time. In particular,
they can be used as building blocks of highly
specific medical interventions to treat cancer
and other diseases. Dr. Shi’s research provides
a new generation of RNA based molecules with
which to explore therapeutic models in living
cells and organisms. |
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| Jayanti Pande, Ph.D. University
at Albany; Postdoctoral, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology |
The
overall objective is to understand the molecular
mechanisms by which normally soluble proteins
undergo transformations that lead to disease.
Dr. Pande’s laboratory investigates he molecular
mechanisms by which genetic mutations and
chemical modifications of the crystallin proteins
in the eye lens, lead to a variety of cataracts
(genetic and age-onset opacities, respectively).
Based on available genetic and epidemiological
data, the Pande laboratory is examining recombinant
native and mutant proteins and determining
the molecular mechanisms that could explain
how the observed pathology (or phenotype)
is related to altered molecular interactions
of the proteins due to the mutation. Dr. Pande’s
strategy involves expressing native and mutant
crystallins in E. coli and comparing their
physico-chemical properties in solution. Despite
dramatic phase changes the secondary and tertiary
structures of the mutant proteins remain largely
intact. The Pande laboratory is in the process
of extending this work to examining lens epithelial
and fiber cells, using optical imaging and
micro-spectrophotometry. |
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Please send questions or comments to: sgalime@uamail.albany.edu
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