Section: Research

Postdoctoral Position Available

Leslie Berg, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Pathology

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

T lymphocyte development and activation

The research in my laboratory is aimed at understanding the signal transduction pathways important for T lymphocyte development and activation. For these studies, we use a combination of mouse genetics (transgenics and knockouts), biochemistry, and cellular immunology. Our current work focuses on three projects. First, we have identified a tyrosine kinase, Jak3, involved in cytokine receptor signaling, and have generated Jak3-deficient mice. These mice have severe defects in lymphocyte development and function. Second, we have identified a novel tyrosine kinase, Itk, involved in T cell receptor signaling. Using Itk-deficient mice generated in the lab we are currently examining the role of this protein in lymphocyte development and activation. Finally, we are examining the role of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, ephrins, in T lymphocyte maturation. This latter family of proteins is known to play a role in cell migration and tissue patterning during the development of many organ systems in the body; we are investigating a potential role for these receptor-ligand interactions during thymic development and T cell maturation.

Office: S3-143B
Phone: 508-856-8371
E-mail: Leslie.Berg@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Genetic Systems, Signal Transduction, Immunology

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Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Berg for additional details.