Section: Research

Postdoctoral Position Available

Timothy Kowalik, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Associate Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Center for AIDS Research
   Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
   Program in Immunology and Virology

Cell activation and DNA viruses

Research in my laboratory centers around the regulation of cellular proliferation control especially from the perspective of an infecting virus. To maximize yields, small DNA tumor viruses encode activities which trick infected cells into proliferative states. This is often achieved by subverting normal homeostatic controls resulting in infected cells progressing into S phase. For small DNA viruses, this entails inactivating the Rb and p53 tumor suppressors. Rb inactivation results in the activation of the E2F transcription factor family which induces expression of genes involved in nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis. Genetic and biochemical studies have demonstrated that Rb inactivation and induction of E2F transcriptional activity normally occur in late G1 and are central to the progression of cells through G1 and into S phase.

Using recombinant adenovirus technology, we are presently examining the paradoxical relationship between growth activation by E2F1 overexpression and the resultant p53-dependent apoptotic cell death. We are also studying the consequences of Rb and p53 targeting by large DNA tumor viruses including members of the herpesvirus family.

Office: S5-216
Phone: 508-856-6035
E-mail: Timothy.Kowalik@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Cancer Biology, Virology, Gene Expression

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Postdoctoral Position Available Postdoctoral positions are available to study the relationship(s) between the Rb/E2F proliferation pathway and p53-dependent apoptosis. Areas of investigation include understanding why E2F1 is unique among the E2F family in its strong apoptosis signaling ability and determining the pathways that lead from E2F1 activation to cell death. Fellows will be associated with a highly motivated and interactive group of researchers studying aspects of cell cycle, apoptosis signaling and cancer using cell culture, virology and animal models. If interested, please contact: Timothy Kowalik Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655 The University of Massachusetts Medical School is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.