|
Currently, I am characterizing the function of the novel human microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase (MASTL) that has been implicated in the autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia. Our lab previously described a mutation in this gene linked to a family with the disease (Gandhi et.al., 2003, Hum Hered, 55: 66-70). The mutation causes a single amino acid change from a glutamic acid residue in position 565 resulting in an aspartic acid in that position. We will biochemically characterize the function of this potential kinase as well as the mutant form of the molecule and will examine a loss of MASTL function in megakaryocyte and platelet development in vivo.
Additionally, I am setting up a system for using inducible siRNA in human megakaryocytic cell lines to examine molecules of interest during differentiation. This system is under the control of the tetracycline inducible promoter, and should allow me to a) examine several different molecules by cloning in the siRNA oligonucleotides into the mammalian expression plasmid, pRNATinH1.2 (GenScript) b) examine the involvement of these molecules at different stages of megakaryocyte development by using the induction system, and c) better define the role of known mediators of differentiation at different megakaryocyte differentiation. I am a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Diana Gilligan’s laboratory at the Puget Sound Blood Center. |
|
| |
 |
| |
H. Jan Johnson, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Puget Sound Blood Center
BRI
921 Terry Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
janj@psbc.org
Phone: 206-398-5935
FAX: 206-587-6056
Johnson Publications |
|
