Trainees

2018 - 2020

Johnathon Emlaw

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry & Biomolecular
Sciences, University of Ottawa

Supervisor:

Dr. Corrie daCosta

Project:

Ancestral reconstruction approach to acetylcholine receptor structure and function

Description:

Modern-day protein functions are products of millions of years of evolution. Using an ancestral protein reconstruction approach, my project focuses on replaying this evolutionary trajectory in the lab to understand how the evolving amino acid background shapes ion permeation in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Hobbies:

Interests include playing soccer, squash, and participating in obstacle course races (ie. Spartan Race).

Hometown:

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Marc Mayer

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry & Biomolecular
Sciences, University of Ottawa

Supervisor:

Dr. Roberto Chica

Project:

GFP-based biosensor to detect transiently expressed proteins

Description:

GFP fusions have been successfully used to identify and localize cellular components. However, this strategy fails to elucidate processes that occur faster than the maturation half-life of the GFP chromophore, which is >30 min in vivo. Thus, the maturation time of GFP limits the characterization of rapid biological processes. To rectify this issue, the Chica Lab recently developed a protein biosensor based on a fully matured but dim GFP. The biosensor achieves full fluorescence upon binding of a fused tag-POI (protein of interest). Therefore, our biosensor can be used to detect rapid biological processes. The project involves a collaboration with Dr. Katey Rayner (University of Ottawa Heart Institute), where we are performing in vivo validation of the biosensor in mammalian cells. We are also working on different fluorescent proteins for the purpose of multiplexing.

Hobbies:

Family activities, such as swimming, fishing and snowshoeing. Cottage living and maintenance tasks, master of the BBQ and campfires. Overall enjoys all outdoors family activities and fun times.

Hometown:

Casselman, Ontario, Canada

Mykhaylo Slobodyanyuk

MSc Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry & Biomolecular
Sciences, University of Ottawa

Supervisor:

Dr. Corrie daCosta & Dr. Roberto Chica

Project:

Computation design of agonist specificity in ligand-gated ion channels

Description:

Develop biosensors for any target small molecule by altering the agonist specificity of ligand-gated ion channels. To accomplish this a computational protein design (CPD) approach is used to generate variants that bind to the desired small molecule. Agonist binding and channel activation are then screened using a GCAMP cell-based assay. Responsive channel(s) are characterized using single channel electrophysiology after which multiple rounds of CPD, screening and characterization are repeated to achieve optimal properties for biosensor activity.

Hobbies:

Movie analysis, powerlifting, singing and trying new foods.

Hometown:

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Dalia Naser

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry, University of Waterloo

Supervisor:

Dr. Elizabeth Meiering

Project:

Defining inclusion body structure with quenched amide exchange

Description:

My research project is to develop NMR methods to define the inclusion body structures formed by diverse proteins and their mutants. By combining NMR results with data on protein stability and biophysical properties for natural and engineered protein variants, I aim to obtain a predictive knowledge of the molecular determinants of specific aggregate structure.

Hobbies:

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and baking. I also practice yoga, and spend lots of time playing with my cats.

Hometown:

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Carolina Perusquía Hernández

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biology, INRS

Supervisor:

Dr. Nicolas Doucet

Project:

Role of allosteric control and homodimer interface communication in galectin-7-induced cell apoptosis

Description:

Galectins can act as cell regulators by binding glycan motifs on membrane receptors. They are beta-galactosyl-binding lectins that bridge molecules by their sugar moieties, forming a signaling and adhesion network. Increased expression of Gal-7 was observed in numerous neoplasms. Previous work from our research group has shown that Gal-7 can induce resistance to apoptosis by altering its functionally homodimeric architecture. The main objective of my Research Project is to study the role of allosteric control and homodimer interface communication in Galectin-7 (Gal-7) induced cell apoptosis by characterizing the dynamic network of interactions within the molecule that allow us to design Gal-7 mutants that can induce neoplasm apoptosis.

Hobbies:

I love reading, to travel around for sightseeing, I like outdoors activities and hang out with friends, but I also like playing video games and watching movies and series.

Hometown:

Toluca City, State of Mexico, Mexico

Shuce Zhang

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry, University of Alberta

Supervisor:

Dr. Robert Campbell

Project:

Development of genetically-encoded membrane tension indicator

Description:

Mechanotransduction, the conversion of the mechanical signal into biochemical relevant information, participates in a wide spectrum of critical physiological processes including cell cycle control, early developmental morphogenesis, cardiovascular functioning and cancer metastasis. However, the understanding of mechanotransduction is very limited at the cellular level. My project is focused on developing a mechanical signalling sensor to facilitate the study of mechanotransduction and membrane biophysics. By taking advantage of the intrinsic mechanical sensitivity of mechanosensitive ion channels, we are working to engineer their tension-sensing domains into genetically-encoded fluorescent membrane tension sensor using a combination of techniques including molecular biology, cell-based assays and molecular dynamics simulation.

Hobbies:

Besides doing research, I also enjoy experimenting in my kitchen and imaging with my DSLR.

Hometown:

Qingdao, Shandong, China

Mary Zhen

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Chemistry, University of Toronto

Supervisor:

Dr. Andrew Woolley

Project:

Optical tools for multiplex spatiotemporal control of gene expression using crisper cas9

Description:

Basic functions of cells, vital for life, are the products of a spatially and temporally regulated proteome, which is further regulated by transcription and translation. Stem cell differentiation, de-differentiation, and by extension neuron, tissue, and organ regeneration and function are all phenomena of special interest where external control of both gene expression (by extension downstream protein activity) normally under different endogenous regulators could enable precise control of cell fate and function. Developing orthogonal optogenetic tools which respond to non-invasive external stimuli, of which light is the most accessible and controllable, would enable true multiplex control of gene expression. cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, adenylyl cyclase and FhlA (GAF) domains, which are natural light sensors in plants and bacteria, will be used as the basis for a new suite of evolved and designed optogenetic tools compatible with enzymatically dead CRISPR-Cas9.

Hobbies:

Amateur aquarist, gardening, maker, avid reader.

Hometown:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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