Section: Rotations

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

Potential Rotation Projects

1. Our genetic and biochemical data indicate that Itk plays an important role in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling.  However, T cells express two other Tec family tyrosine kinases in addition to Itk.  We would like to test the ability of RNAi-type approaches to generate T cells lacking expression of all three Tec kinases.  These Tec-deficient T cells would provide the most conclusive evidence concerning the role of these kinases in TCR signaling.
2. We are currently performing structure/function analysis of Jak3 by generating “knock-in” mice, in which the endogenous Jak3 gene is replaced with Jak3 genes carrying point mutations in individual protein domains or phosphorylation sites.  We would like to generate additional constructs and targeted ES cells for these studies.
3. We hypothesize that Eph receptor/ephrin interactions also play a role in the organization of secondary lymphoid organs into discreet T and B cell areas.  As a first test of this hypothesize, we would like to examine the expression patterns of Eph receptors and ephrins in lymph node and spleen, before and after immunization.

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

More on Leslie Berg's Research Research | Publications | Rotations View All Sections on One Page

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