Greetings from Department Head Carolyn Teschke

April 19, 2023

Greetings friends and alumni:

Here we are at the start of the 23/24 academic year. We all enjoy the summer because we get a chance to slow down a bit, but it’s always exciting when the undergraduates arrive back on campus. Our new class of graduate students have also arrived and are being welcomed into classes and research labs. This year we have 17 new PhD students, 5 MS students, and 11 Professional MS students. We are excited that they have joined us here in Storrs.

Our teaching mission continues to grow. MCB majors now number around 550 and we contribute to the education of the greater than 1000 Biological Sciences students. Many of our undergraduates participate in research. Many of our undergraduate researchers are awarded SURF funds to support their summer research. Last year Romir Raj '24 was awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship and Stephanie Schofield '23 became a Fulbright US Scholar to study in Heidelberg Germany. In addition, Ananya Aggarwal '24 and Sindy Gorka '23 were chosen as University Scholars.

In terms of research support, we continue to produce new grant proposals at a good rate, and to date in this academic year these efforts have attracted additional major awards totaling more than $4.7 million and research expenditures of ~$7.1 million for FY23. Faculty are also producing work that is translational, with several MCB research programs being supported by institutions and agencies working to transform our scientific discoveries into products, therapies, and diagnostics.

In this issue, we share the work of Kat Milligan-McClennan to strengthen Native American and Indigenous communities, as well as recent research from the labs of Jelena Erceg, Dan Gage, and Jonathan Klassen. I am so proud of how hard our entire community works to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students and the research each lab produces, which enhances our understanding of our world.

2023 Khairallah Symposium

April 12, 2023

"Uncovering Vulnerabilities in Genetic Subtypes of Lung Cancer"

KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinoma is the most lethal type of lung cancer and is associated with high degree of genetic heterogeneity. KRAS co-mutations can promote tumorigenesis and therapy resistance. Using KRAS-driven genetically engineered lung cancer mouse models and patient samples we have identified mechanisms by which LKB1 and KEAP1 mutations accelerate tumor growth by rewiring cancer cell metabolism and reshaping the immune microenvironment. We have identified novel therapeutic approaches to both suppress the tumor metabolism and reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment these genetic subsets of KRAS-driven lung cancer.

About Dr. Papagiannakopoulos:
Thales Papagiannakopoulos obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in Dr. Ken Kosik’s lab at UC Santa Barbara (2005-2010). His research focused on uncovering the role of microRNAs in regulating embryonic stem cell pluripotency and cancer. In 2010, he started his postdoctoral studies in Dr. Tyler Jacks’ laboratory at MIT where he studied the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cancer at an organismal level, using autochthonous mouse models of cancer. He pioneered the use of novel CRISPR/Cas9-based somatic genome engineering in lung cancer genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In 2015, Thales joined NYU School of Medicine as an assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology. Using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering in both mouse and human pre-clinical models, his lab has developed a platform to rapidly characterize the function of clinically relevant lung cancer mutations, elucidate their mechanism of action and identify novel targeted therapies against complex genetic subtypes of lung cancer. Thales’ group has made significant progress in characterizing a major genetic subset of lung adenocarcinoma with KEAP1 and/or LKB1 mutations. Patients with these mutations have the worst prognosis of all lung cancer patients and do not respond well to standard of care chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.

Nrf2 Activation Promotes Lung Cancer Metastasis by Inhibiting the Degradation of Bach1

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867419306312

To learn more about Dr. Papagiannakopoulos, visit his website at http://thalesplab.com

The symposium is named in honor of late UConn faculty members Ed and Lamia Khairallah and funded by the Dr. Edward A. Khairallah and Dr. Lamia H. Khairallah Fund for Scholarship. This fund is dedicated to the financial support of graduate students who are pursuing a degree with a concentration in Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Toxicology, and the continuing education of faculty and student colleagues via the ongoing “Khairallah Seminar Series.”

Michel Giovanni Santiago-Martinez (Geo) joined the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology in August '22 as an assistant professor. Santiago-Martinez is a microbiologist from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and The Pennsylvania State University. He is interested in the ecophysiology of archaea and anaerobic bacteria, and how energy status influences their ability to resist environmental stress conditions, such as exposure to oxygen and nutritional starvation. His research goal is to understand the function of anaerobic microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles and host-associated microbiomes. He is also interested in bringing up-to-date knowledge of archaea to the classrooms and outreach activities, as well as promoting more inclusive science through mentoring activities and service initiatives.

Also new to the department this year are

Justin Kratovil
Visiting Assistant Professor

Chris Malinoski
Assistant Professor In-Residence

Ron Ortenberg
Assistant Professor In-Residence

2022-2023 Professional Science Master’s News

April 9, 2023

The PSM programs obtained a $10,000 donation from Bob and Carlita Gasparini, allowing us to help students pay for winter and summer session PSM/PM modular classes. Two MCB PSM students were awarded scholarships for their successful completion of the winter session 2023 MCB PSM laboratory modules. Molly Schiffer (Microbial Systems Analysis) received a $ 500.00 award for her participation in the one-credit Advanced Liquid Handling module. Kota Tejaswinee (Applied Genomics) was awarded $ 1,000.00 for her participation in the two-credit Characterization of Microbial Communities by 16S rRNA gene sequencing module. In summer 2023, three MCB PSM students will be awarded scholarships for their successful completion of the summer session 2023 MCB PSM two-credit laboratory module Microbial Genome Sequencing, Assembly and Annotation. The three students are Emilie Karovic (Microbial Systems Analysis), Kota Tejaswinee (Applied Genomics), and Xinyao (Sarah) Qiu (Microbial Systems Analysis), Each student will receive an award of $1,000.00.

In summer 2022, three PSM/PM students were awarded UConn-Technology Incubator Program (TIP) Innovation Fellowships, with one student interning at DeBogy Molecular, Molly Schiffer (Microbial Systems Analysis) and two students at Encapsulate, Alicia Predom (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology) and Duran Gonzalez (Applied Genomics). Other students interned at Bactana (Colleen Brown - Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), Boehringer Ingelheim (Samantha Hess - Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Mary Likhite - Applied Genomics), Encapsulate (Kristina Dibble - Microbial Systems Analysis), JAX-GM (Michael Piekarsky - Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), and Shoreline Biome (now Intus Biosciences) (Michael Martinez - Microbial Systems Analysis).

Graduates from our program continue to be highly sought after by Connecticut biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and facilities. Recent graduates Kristina Dibble (Microbial Systems Analysis) at Verve Therapeutics, Duran Gonzalez (Applied Genomics) at Encapsulate, Samantha Hess (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology) at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Mary Likhite (Applied Genomics) at Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Michael Martinez (Microbial Systems Analysis) at Intus Biosciences, Alicia Predom (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology) at Pfizer, and Molly Schiffer (Microbial Systems Analysis) at DeBogy Molecular.

Speakers at the 2022-2023 PSM Professional Development seminar series included PSM alumni who are now employed at Alexion Pharmaceuticals (Feissal Djoule - Microbial Systems Analysis), Beam Therapeutics (Angelica Messana, Applied Genomics), Connecticut Department of Public Health (Emily Gagnon - MIcrobial Systems Analysis), Detect (Dominique (Carrillo) Juan - Microbial Systems Analysis), Goldbelt C6 (Marsenia (Harrison) Mathis - Microbial Systems Analysis), Pfizer (Brendan Tierney - Applied Genomics), Quantum-Si (Dister Deoss - Microbial Systems Analysis), and Waterbury Hospital (Kiefer Rodriquez - Applied Genomics).

Eight students walk in the 2023 Master’s Degree Commencement ceremony - Colleen Brown (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), Duran Gonzalez (Applied Genomics), Faith Jano (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), Mary Elizabeth (Maryel) Likhite (Applied Genomics), Michael Martinez (Microbial Systems Analysis), David Mathieu (Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology), Molly Schiffer (Microbial Systems Analysis), and Akshada Shankar Ganesh (Applied Genomics).

2022-2023 Undergraduate Achievements

April 4, 2023

Judith A. and David C. Kelly Summer MCB Research Fellowships

The 2023 recipients of the Judith A. and David C. Kelly Summer MCB Research Fellowship Awards are Sindy Gorka (Leighton Core’s lab), Klea Nito (Charlie Giardina’s lab), and Victoria Yi (Aoife Heaslip’s lab).

The awards support three rising senior MCB majors in their research activities in an MCB Faculty laboratory during the summer of 2023. The three fellowships are funded jointly by
Kellys and MCB, in the amount of $8,000 each, are intended to support students with demonstrated financial need who are MCB majors in good standing, and who have career goals aligned with the major.

Stephanie Schofield '23 is one of 9 UConn recipients of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Stephanie earned her UConn undergraduate degree in molecular and cell biology with a minor in psychological sciences. She will perform research in Heidelberg, Germany, and work with Magdalena Laugsch of the Heidelberg Institute for Human Genetics. She and Laugsch will study the genetics behind hereditary neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on early embryonic human neural crest cell development. Schofield is planning to pursue a career in genetic counseling.

Tamborra-Walton Invited to 2nd Annual BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium

Teresa Tamborra-Walton, an MCB major and senior undergraduate research student in the Lynes laboratory, was selected to represent the University of Connecticut at the second annual BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium. Her work was chosen to represent the best of student research being done across all disciplines including natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, nursing, business, engineering, and fine arts at UConn. Her presentation is entitled “Characterization of anti-MT monoclonal antibody as a potential therapeutic in autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases”. This symposium took place on March 11 at Madison Square Garden. Five posters from each BIG EAST institution participated and each presenter was invited to the BIG EAST Championship game to be played the night of the symposium.

Erceg Lab Member, Romir Raj Named Goldwater Scholar

MCB Students win Undergraduate Research Symposium Awards

Three MCB undergraduates who were selected to give talks at the All Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium last week have been selected by the panel of judges to receive an award. Teresa Tamborra-Walton has received the Outstanding Senior in MCB Award, Rayna Esch has received the Excellence in System Genomics Award, and Taylor Domingue has received the Biology Directors Award.

2022 Drotch Memorial Scholarship

MCB student Hayden Yuan was a recipient of the 2022 Drotch Memorial Scholarship Awards. This competition is open to UConn undergraduates in biology, including Biological Sciences, EEB, MCB, PNB, and Biophysics, who have demonstrated both scholarship and financial need and who have completed a minimum of 3 and maximum of 7 semesters of study.

2023 University Scholars:

Ananya Aggarwal "Cisplatin Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma"

Sindy Gorka "Investigation of Post-Mitotic Read-through Transcription Timing and Function"

Spring 2023 IDEA Grant Recipient

Olivia Bowes ’24, Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS, The Effects of Phosphodiesterases on Drosophila melanogaster Sperm Storage

2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) Awards

Priya Aggarwal ’24 (Physiology and Neurobiology & Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Corpus Luteum Movement in Drosophila
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jianjun Sun, Physiology and Neurobiology

Harshita Akella ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: The First Genome Reference for the Tropical Legume, Inga vera, and Comparative Analysis of
Genes Involved in Nitrogen Fixation Among the Fabaceae
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jill Wegrzyn, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Emma Beard ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: The Role of Histone H3 in Transposon Repression
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mayu Inaba, Cell Biology

Rey Carten, Dec. ’23 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Molecular Simulation Investigations into Amino Acid Substitutions in the Design of Janus-Based
Nanotubes
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric May, Molecular and Cell Biology

Fariha Fardin ’25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Investigating the Effect of Acvr1R206H Expression in Muscle Stem Cells on Skeletal Muscle
Regeneration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Goldhamer, Molecular and Cell Biology

Ryan Gado, Dec. ’23 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Determining How the TM3, Sb Ser Balancer Chromosome Contributes to the Meiotic Drive of the
B Chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stacey Hanlon, Molecular and Cell Biology

Cristopher Guzman ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: De Novo Genome Assembly, Annotation, and Comparative Genomics of Juglans ailantifolia
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jill Wegrzyn, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Fraser McGurk ’25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: CD13 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Controls Macrophage Fusion
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mallika Ghosh, Cell Biology

Taylor Orban ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: The Relationship Between Homolog Pairing and Gene Expression during Drosophila Development
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jelena Erceg, Molecular and Cell Biology

Trevor Religa ’25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: The Synaptic Adhesion Protein C1QL3 in the Prefrontal Cortex is Required for Learning Cognitively
Challenging Tasks
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Martinelli, Neuroscience

Emily Trybulec ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Automation of De Novo Genome Assembly and Comparative Genomics Using Bioinformatic
Workflows
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rachel O'Neill, Molecular and Cell Biology

Grace Xiong ’25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Using the ADAPT-ITT Model to Adapt a Tailored Oral Health and Nutrition Educational Messaging
and Game Intervention for Children and Adolescents in a Pediatric Dental Office Setting
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Valerie Duffy, Allied Health Sciences

Hayden Yuan ’24 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Project Title: Identifying Key Evolving Residues That Drive CID/CAL1 Incompatibility in Drosophila Species
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Barbara Mellone, Molecular and Cell Biology

New Department Hires