Genetics Alumni


Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Immunology & Microbiology

Neuroscience

Genetics

Molecular Cell Biology

Physiology & Pharmacology


Amelio Andino Bongorno Bray

Brum

Cahill

Chamberlain

Charron
Collins Conlon Cresawn K Cresawn S Dong Eckenrode

Fishbein

Fraites

Fritz

Kanadia

Kaplan Khalil Kiefer Latner

Luttge

Maatouk

Marshall McAuliffe Muller Nykamp Pacak

Peery

Raisler

Ruan

Rucker-Schleissing

Thomson S

Walrath White

Antonio Amelio, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

David C. Bloom, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2000 - December 2005

Dissertation Title

Factors involved in epigenetic regulation of the HSV-1 reactivation critical region (rcr) during latency and reactivation

Professional Positions

Education

M.S., Business Administration - Concentration Management, University of Florida, 2004

B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) Microbiology & Cell Science, Univeristy of Florida, 2000

Publications

Amelio AL, McAnany PK, Bloom DC.  CTCF Binds to Several Clusters of CTCF Consensus Motifs within the HSV-1 Genome during Latency.  J Virol Submitted 

Kubat NJ, Amelio AL, Giordani NV, Bloom DC.  The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript (LAT) Enhancer/rcr Is Hyperacetylated during Latency Independent of Lat Transcription.  J Virol 78:12508-12518 abstract

Abstracts Presented at Meetings during Graduate Studies

30th International Herpes Virus Workshop, Turku, Finland.  July 2005.  Amelio AL, Bloom DC.  Identification of a Chromatin Insulator with Enhancer-Blocking Activity Located within the HSV-1 LAT region.  Poster/Oral

24th Annual American Society for Virology Meeting, Penn State Univ, PA.  June 2005.  Amelio AL, Bloom DC.  Characterization of a cell-type specific transcriptional boundary in the HSV-1 LAT locus.  Oral.

2nd Annual Florida TechTransfer Conference, Orlando, FL.  May 2005.  Amelio, Bloom DC.  Insulated Herpesvirus-Derived Expression Cassette and Insulated Viral Artificial Chromosome (IVAC) for Sustained and Regulatable Gene Delivery to the Nervous System.  Poster.

29th Internation Herpesvirus Workshop, Reno, NV.  2004.  Amelio AL, Jubat NJ, Giordani NV, Bloom DC.  Transcription of the LAT is not required to maintain hyperacetylation of the region encoding the LAT 5' exon.  Poster.

36th Annual Student Science Training Program Research Presentation, Gainesville, FL.  1994.  Amelio AL, Welt B, Teixieira AA.  The effects of Pre-Irradiation on the thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores.

Honors & Awards

Gold Medal Finalist, Medical Guild Graduate Student Research Competition, 2005

First Place, Genetics Advanced Concentration, Medical Guild Graduate Student Research Concentration, 2005

President of the College of Medicine Graduate Organization, 2001-2002

UF President's Honor Roll, 1999

Golden Key National Honor Society, 1999

Alpha Zeta Professional Fraternity, 1999

Hazel N. Crews Academic Scholarship, 1998-1999

College Student of the Year, Indian River Community College 1997-1998

Donald C. Hicks Memorial "Stars" Academic Scholarship, 1996-1998

Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, 1996-1998


Lourdes M. Andino, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Alfred S. Lewin, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2000 - August 2006

Dissertation Title

Repressing a repressor: Adeno-associated virus delivered short hairpin RNA molecules targeting phospholamban

Professional Positions

Education

B.S., Biochemistry, Florida International University

Publications

Szmulewicz MN, Andino LM, Reategui EP, Woolley-Barker T, Jolly CJ, Disotell TR, Herrera RJ.  An Alu insertion polymorphism in a baboon hybrid zone. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1999 May;109(1):1-8.  abstract

Abstracts Presented at Meetings during Graduate Studies

Honors & Awards


Jennifer Bongorno, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Alfred S. Lewin, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1998 - December 2005

Dissertation Title

Ribozymes targeted to the mitochondria using the 5S ribosomal RNA

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept. Biochemistry, Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Education

BS, Ohio Wesleyan University

Christopher Bray, (M.D., Ph.D.)

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Edward W. Scott, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2000 - August 2005 (Ph.D. portion of M.D./Ph.D. program)

Dissertation Title

Hemangioblastic origins of the adult endothelial progenitor cell (PDF)

Professional Positions

Medical Student, UF College of Medicine

Education

B.S., Florida State University

Publications

Fisher RC, Slayton WB, Chien C, Guthrie SM, Bray C, Scott EW.  PU.1 supports proliferation of immature erythroid progenitors. Leuk Res. 2004 Jan;28(1):83-9.  abstract

Lauren Morges Brum, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Richard W. Moyer, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1998 - May 2003

Dissertation Title

Characterization of the poxvirus serpins SPI-1 and SPI-3  (full-text)

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Education

Publications

Brum LM, Lopez MC, Varela JC, Baker HV, Moyer RW.  Microarray analysis of A549 cells infected with rabbitpox virus (RPV): a comparison of wild-type RPV and RPV deleted for the host range gene, SPI-1. Virology. 2003 Oct 25;315(2):322-34.  abstract

Brum LM, Turner PC, Devick H, Baquero MT, Moyer RW. P lasma membrane localization and fusion inhibitory activity of the cowpox virus serpin SPI-3 require a functional signal sequence and the virus encoded hemagglutinin. Virology. 2003 Feb 15;306(2):289-302.  abstract


Kevin S. Cahill (M.D./Ph.D.)

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Barry J. Byrne, M.D., Ph.D.

Department

PediatricsMolecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2000 - December 2003

Dissertation Title

Enhancement of stem-cell transplantation strategies for muscle regeneration  (full text)

Professional Positions

Medical Student, University of Florida College of Medicine (MD/Ph.D. program)

Education

BS, University of Florida, 1999

Publications

Cahill KS, Toma C, Pittenger MF, Kessler PD, Byrne BJ.  Cell therapy in the heart: cell production, transplantation, and applications. Methods Mol Biol. 2003;219:73-81.  abstract

Toma C, Pittenger MF, Cahill KS, Byrne BJ, Kessler PD.  Human mesenchymal stem cells differentiate to a cardiomyocyte phenotype in the adult murine heart. Circulation. 2002 Jan 1;105(1):93-8.  abstract


Stormy J. Chamberlain, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Camilynn I. Brannan, Ph.D. & James L. Resnick, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1997 - May 2003

Dissertation Title

Elucidation of imprinting mechanisms and phenotypes in Prader-Willi syndrome mice

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, Dept. of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Education

B.A., Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Publications

Chamberlain SJ, Brannan CI.  The Prader-Willi syndrome imprinting center activates the paternally expressed murine Ube3a antisense transcript but represses paternal Ube3a. Genomics. 2001 May 1;73(3):316-22.  abstract

Vanrheenen SM, Reilly BA, Chamberlain SJ, Waters MG.  Dsl1p, an essential protein required for membrane traffic at the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi interface in yeast. Traffic. 2001 Mar;2(3):212-31.  abstract

Lee S, Kozlov S, Hernandez L, Chamberlain SJ, Brannan CI, Stewart CL, Wevrick R.  Expression and imprinting of MAGEL2 suggest a role in Prader-willi syndrome and the homologous murine imprinting phenotype. Hum Mol Genet. 2000 Jul 22;9(12):1813-9.  abstract

Honors & Awards

Medical Guild Graduate Student Research Competition, First Place Genetics, First Place Overall, 2003


Catherine E. Charron, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Philip J. Laipis, Ph.D.

Department

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Enrolled

August 2001 - August 2005

Dissertation Title

Gene Therapy for Phenylketonuria: Dominant-negative Interference in a Recessive Disease  (PDF)

Professional Positions 

Postdoctoral Research Associate, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London

Education

B.S., Chemistry, University of Florida

Publications

 

Christin Collins, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Jin-Xiong She, Ph.D.

Department

Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine

Enrolled 

August 1999 - May 2005

Dissertation Title Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood lymphocytes from type 1 diabetes patients

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Biotechnology & Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA

Publications

Eckenrode SE, Ruan QG, Collins CD, Yang P, McIndoe RA, Muir A, She JX.  Molecular pathways altered by insulin b9-23 immunization. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1037:175-85.  abstract

Yang L, Zhao H, Li SW, Ahrens K, Collins C, Eckenrode S, Ruan QG, McIndoe RA, She JX. Gene expression profiling during all-trans retinoic acid-induced cell differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. J Mol Diagn. 2003 Nov;5(4):212-21.  abstract

Zhu H, Zhao H, Collins CD, Eckenrode SE, Ruan Q, McIndoe RA, Crawford JM, Nelson DR, She JX, Liu C. Gene expression associated with interferon alfa antiviral activity in an HCV replicon cell line. Hepatology. 2003 May;37(5):1180-8.  abstract


Thomas J. Conlon, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Terence R. Flotte, M.D.

Department

PediatricsMolecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1998 -August 2004

Dissertation Title

Hepatocyte transduction by recombinant adeno-associated virus as an approach to gene therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and fatty acid oxidation disorders

Professional Positions

Education

Publications

Conlon TJ, Flotte TR.  Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors for gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2004 Jul;4(7):1093-101.  abstract

Loiler SA, Conlon TJ, Song S, Tang Q, Warrington KH, Agarwal A, Kapturczak M, Li C, Ricordi C, Atkinson MA, Muzyczka N, Flotte TR. Targeting recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors to enhance gene transfer to pancreatic islets and liver. Gene Ther. 2003 Sep;10(18):1551-8.  abstract

Owen R 4th, Mandel RJ, Ammini CV, Conlon TJ, Kerr DS, Stacpoole PW, Flotte TR. Gene therapy for pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha deficiency using recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2) vectors. Mol Ther. 2002 Sep;6(3):394-9.  abstract

Wu P, Xiao W, Conlon T, Hughes J, Agbandje-McKenna M, Ferkol T, Flotte T, Muzyczka N. Mutational analysis of the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) capsid gene and construction of AAV2 vectors with altered tropism. J Virol. 2000 Sep;74(18):8635-47.  abstract


Kerry O. Cresawn, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Barry J. Byrne, M.D., Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & MicrobiologyPediatrics

Enrolled

August 1998 - May 2004

Dissertation Title

Liver-directed strategies and immunologic consequences of recombinant AAV-mediated cross-correction of glycogen storage disease type II

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate (lab of Dr. Barry Byrne), Department of Pediatrics, UF College of Medcine

Education

B.S., James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Publications

Mah C, Fraites TJ Jr, Cresawn KO, Zolotukhin I, Lewis MA, Byrne BJ.  A new method for recombinant adeno-associated virus vector delivery to murine diaphragm. Mol Ther. 2004 Mar;9(3):458-63.  abstract

Abstracts Presented at Meetings During Graduate Studies

Cresawn,KO, Porvasnik,SL, Raben,R, Plotz, PR and BJ Byrne. Inhibition of Humoral Immunity in Liver-Targeted Gene Therapy for Glycogen Storage Disease Type II. American Society of Gene Therapy 5th Annual Meeting, June 5-9, 2002. Molecular Ther., Vol 5, (5) Part 2 of 2; S342, May 2002.


Steven Cresawn, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Richard C. Condit, Ph.D. 

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled 

August 1999 - April 2005

Education

B.S., Chemistry, University of Florida

Professional Position 
Postdoctoral Fellow, UF, College of Medicine

Dissertation Research

Publications

Prins C, Cresawn SG, Condit RC.  An isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone-resistant vaccinia virus containing a mutation in the second largest subunit of the viral RNA polymerase is defective in transcription elongation. J Biol Chem. 2004 Oct 22;279(43):44858-71. Epub 2004 Aug 3. abstract

Abstracts Presented at Meetings during Graduate Studies

Honors & Awards


Hui-Jia Dong, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Daniel J. Driscoll, Ph.D., M.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled 

August 2000 - April 2005

Education

B.S., Microbiology

Professional Position  Postdoctoral Fellow, UF, College of Medicine

Dissertation Research

Epigenetic modifications in the Angelman and Prader-Willi region of chromosome 15

Publications

Lossie AC, Whitney MM, Amidon D, Dong HJ, Chen P, Theriaque D, Hutson A, Nicholls RD, Zori RT, Williams CA, Driscoll DJ. Distinct phenotypes distinguish the molecular classes of Angelman syndrome. J Med Genet. 2001 Dec;38(12):834-45.  abstract


Sarah E. Eckenrode, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Jin-Xiong She, Ph.D.

Department

Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine

Enrolled

Augst 1997 - August 2002

Dissertation Title

Characterization of the molecular basis of type 1 diabetes using linkage and microarray analysis  (full-text)

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA

Education

BA, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA

Publications

Eckenrode SE, Ruan Q, Yang P, Zheng W, McIndoe RA, She JX.  Gene Expression Profiles Define a Key Checkpoint for Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice. Diabetes. 2004 Feb;53(2):366-75.  abstract

Yang L, Zhao H, Li SW, Ahrens K, Collins C, Eckenrode S, Ruan QG, McIndoe RA, She JX.  Gene expression profiling during all-trans retinoic acid-induced cell differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. J Mol Diagn. 2003 Nov;5(4):212-21.  abstract

Wilson KH, Eckenrode SE, Li QZ, Ruan QG, Yang P, Shi JD, Davoodi-Semiromi A, McIndoe RA, Croker BP, She JX.  Microarray analysis of gene expression in the kidneys of new- and post-onset diabetic NOD mice. Diabetes. 2003 Aug;52(8):2151-9.  abstract

Zhu H, Zhao H, Collins CD, Eckenrode SE, Ruan Q, McIndoe RA, Crawford JM, Nelson DR, She JX, Liu C.  Gene expression associated with interferon alfa antiviral activity in an HCV replicon cell line. Hepatology. 2003 May;37(5):1180-8.  abstract

Kukar T, Eckenrode S, Gu Y, Lian W, Megginson M, She JX, Wu D.  Protein microarrays to detect protein-protein interactions using red and green fluorescent proteins. Anal Biochem. 2002 Jul 1;306(1):50-4.  abstract

Li QZ, Eckenrode S, Ruan QG, Wang CY, Shi JD, McIndoe RA, She JX.  Rapid decrease of RNA level of a novel mouse mitochondria solute carrier protein (Mscp) gene at 4-5 weeks of age. Mamm Genome. 2001 Nov;12(11):830-6.  abstract

Yang MC, Ruan QG, Yang JJ, Eckenrode S, Wu S, McIndoe RA, She JX.  A statistical method for flagging weak spots improves normalization and ratio estimates in microarrays. Physiol Genomics. 2001 Oct 10;7(1):45-53.  abstract

Li QZ, Wang CY, Shi JD, Ruan QG, Eckenrode S, Davoodi-Semiromi A, Kukar T, Gu Y, Lian W, Wu D, She JX.  Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse and human TUSP gene, a novel member of the tubby superfamily. Gene. 2001 Aug 8;273(2):275-84.  abstract

Eckenrode S, Marron MP, Nicholls R, Yang MC, Yang JJ, Guida Fonseca LC, She JX.  Fine-mapping of the type 1 diabetes locus (IDDM4) on chromosome 11q and evaluation of two candidate genes (FADD and GALN) by affected sibpair and linkage-disequilibrium analyses. Hum Genet. 2000 Jan;106(1):14-8.  abstract

Marron MP, Zeidler A, Raffel LJ, Eckenrode SE, Yang JJ, Hopkins DI, Garchon HJ, Jacob CO, Serrano-Rios M, Martinez Larrad MT, Park Y, Bach JF, Rotter JI, Yang MC, She JX.  Genetic and physical mapping of a type 1 diabetes susceptibility gene (IDDM12) to a 100-kb phagemid artificial chromosome clone containing D2S72-CTLA4-D2S105 on chromosome 2q33. Diabetes. 2000 Mar;49(3):492-9.  abstract

Reimsnider SK, Eckenrode SE, Marron MP, Muir A, She JX.  IL4 and IL4Ralpha genes are not linked or associated with type 1 diabetes. Pediatr Res. 2000 Feb;47(2):246-9.  abstract


Lauren Fishbein (M.D./Ph.D.)

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Margaret R. Wallace, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1999 - August 2004 (M.D./Ph.D. program)

Dissertation Title

Professional Positions

Medical Student, University of Florida College of Medicine (M.D./Ph.D. program)

Education

B.A., Biochemistry, Vassar College, NY

Publications

Fishbein L, Eady B, Sanek N, Muir D, Wallace MR.  Analysis of somatic NF1 promoter methylation in plexiform neurofibromas and Schwann cells.  2004 Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. (in press)

Thomson SA, Fishbein L, Wallace MR.  NF1 mutations and molecular testing. J Child Neurol. 2002 Aug;17(8):555-61; discussion 571-2, 646-51. Review.  abstract

Fishbein L, O'Brien P, Hutson A, Theriaque D, Stacpoole PW, Flotte T.  Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of nicotine nasal spray devices on cardiovascular and pulmonary function. J Investig Med. 2000 Nov;48(6):435-40.  abstract

Hutson AD, Fishbein L, O'Brien P, Stacpoole PW.  Accounting for plasma levels below detection limits in a one-compartment zeroorder absorption pharmacokinetics model.  J Applied Statistics.  2000 29(8): 1181-1190.

Pokrywka NJ, Fishbein L, Frederick J.  New phenotypes associated with the swallow gene of Drosophila: evidence for a general role in oocyte cytoskeletal organization. Dev Genes Evol. 2000 Sep;210(8-9):426-35.  abstract

 Honors & Awards

NRSA from NINDS for predoctoral MD/PhD fellows, Aug 2002 - Aug 2007

National Cancer Institute Cancer Biology Training Grant, Oct 2001 - July 2002

American Society of Human Genetics, Member ,1999-present

The American Federation of Medical Research (AFMR) Student Travel Grant Award to the Experimental Biology Conference in Washington, DC, 1999

University of Florida Medical Student Summer Research Grant, 1998

American Medical Women's Association, Member, 1997-1999

The Olive M. Lammert Prize for Excellence in the Study of Biochemistry

Vassar College Departmental Honors in Biochemistry, 1997

Vassar College General Honors, 1997

Eating Disorder Reachout Service, Vassar College, 1994-1997.  President 1996-97, Secretary 1995-96.

The Listening Center Peer Counseling, Vassar College 1994-1997.  President 1996-97, Counselor trainer.


Thomas J. Fraites, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Barry J. Byrne, M.D., Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & MicrobiologyPediatrics

Enrolled

August 2000 - December 2003

Dissertation Title

Muscle-directed gene and enzyme replacement therapies for glycogen storage disorder type II, Pompe disease

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate (lab of Dr. Barry Byrne), Dept. Pediatrics, UF College of Medcine

Education

B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

M.S., Medical Sciences, M.B.A., University of Florida

Publications

Zolotukhin S, Potter M, Zolotukhin I, Sakai Y, Loiler S, Fraites TJ Jr, Chiodo VA, Phillipsberg T, Muzyczka N, Hauswirth WW, Flotte TR, Byrne BJ, Snyder RO.  Production and purification of serotype 1, 2, and 5 recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors. Methods. 2002 Oct;28(2):158-67.  abstract

Mah C, Fraites TJ Jr, Zolotukhin I, Song S, Flotte TR, Dobson J, Batich C, Byrne BJ.  Improved method of recombinant AAV2 delivery for systemic targeted gene therapy. Mol Ther. 2002 Jul;6(1):106-12.  abstract

Fraites TJ Jr, Schleissing MR, Shanely RA, Walter GA, Cloutier DA, Zolotukhin I, Pauly DF, Raben N, Plotz PH, Powers SK, Kessler PD, Byrne BJ.  Correction of the enzymatic and functional deficits in a model of Pompe disease using adeno-associated virus vectors. Mol Ther. 2002 May;5(5 Pt 1):571-8.  abstract

Pauly DF, Fraites TJ, Toma C, Bayes HS, Huie ML, Hirschhorn R, Plotz PH, Raben N, Kessler PD, Byrne BJ.  Intercellular transfer of the virally derived precursor form of acid alpha-glucosidase corrects the enzyme deficiency in inherited cardioskeletal myopathy Pompe disease. Hum Gene Ther. 2001 Mar 20;12(5):527-38.  abstract

Fraites TJ Jr, Saeki A, Kass DA.  Effect of altering filling pattern on diastolic pressure-volume curve. Circulation. 1997 Dec 16;96(12):4408-14.  abstract

Honors & Awards

National Merit Scholar, Johns Hopkins University, 1992

Provost's Undergraduate Award for Research and Excellence, Johns Hopkins University, 1995

American Society of Gene Therapy, Student Award for Excellence in Research, 2000

Beta Gamma Sigma, University of Florida, 2000

Poe/Southern Family Business Ethics Fellow, University of Florida, 2000

Linton E. Grinter Graduate School Fellowship, University of Florida, 2000

American Heart Association, Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate, 2000-2002


Jason J. Fritz, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

William W. Hauswirth, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1997 - August 2004

Dissertation Title

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Neurodegenrative Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Education

B.S., Microbiology, University of South Florida

Publications

Fritz JJ, Lewin A, Hauswirth W, Agarwal A, Grant M, Shaw L. Development of hammerhead ribozymes to modulate endogenous gene expression for functional studies. Methods. 2002 Oct;28(2):276-85.  abstract

Fritz JJ, White DA, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW. Designing and characterizing hammerhead ribozymes for use in AAV vector-mediated retinal gene therapies. Methods Enzymol. 2002;346:358-77.  abstract


Rahul N. Kanadia, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Maurice S. Swanson, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 1999 - May 2004

Dissertation Title

Involvement of muscleblind proteins in pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy  

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate (lab of Dr. Maurice Swanson), Dept. Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, UF College of Medcine

Education

B.S., Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, FL

Publications

Kanadia RN, Johnstone KA, Mankodi A, Lungu C, Thornton CA, Esson D, Timmers AM, Hauswirth WW, Swanson MS.  A muscleblind knockout model for myotonic dystrophy. Science. 2003 Dec 12;302(5652):1978-80.  abstract

Kanadia RN, Urbinati CR, Crusselle VJ, Luo D, Lee YJ, Harrison JK, Oh SP, Swanson MS.  Developmental expression of mouse muscleblind genes Mbnl1, Mbnl2 and Mbnl3. Gene Expr Patterns. 2003 Aug;3(4):459-62.  abstract

Kuo WN, Kanadia RN, Shanbhag VP, Toro R.  Denitration of peroxynitrite-treated proteins by 'protein nitratases' from rat brain and heart. Mol Cell Biochem. 1999 Nov;201(1-2):11-6.  abstract

Kuo WN, Kanadia RN, Shanbhag VP, Morgan R. Modification of proteins and polynucleotides by peroxynitrite. Cytobios. 1999;99(390):47-55.  abstract

Kuo WN, Kanadia RN, Shanbhag VP.  Denitration of peroxynitrite-treated proteins by "protein nitratases" from dog prostate. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1999 Jun;47(6):1061-7.  abstract

Kanadia RN, Kuo WN, Mcnabb M, Botchway A. Constitutive nitric oxide synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1998 Sep;45(6):1081-7. abstract

Kuo WN, Kanadia RN, Mcnabb M. Soluble guanylate cyclase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1998 Jun;45(1):125-31.  abstract

Kuo WN, McNabb M, Kanadia RN, Dopson N, Morgan R.  The presence/absence of Bcl-2, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV, calretinin and p53 in baker's yeast and wheat germ. Cytobios. 1997;91(364):7-13.  abstract

Kuo WN, Jn-Baptiste JB, Zhai L, Chambers MC, Kanadia R.  Immunoreactivities of p11 and calcyclin in baker's yeast, wheat germ and lobster. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1997 Jan;41(1):209-15.  abstract

Kuo WN, Jn-Baptiste JB, Kanadia RN, McNabb LD, Zhai L, Weeks K, Dopson N, Chambers MC. Immunoreactivities of m-calpain, calpastatin, nitric oxide synthase, myelin basic protein and dynamin II in baker's yeast, wheat germ and lobster tail muscle. Cytobios. 1996;87(351):251-63.  abstract

Honors & Awards

Medical Guild Graduate Student Research Competition, First Place in Genetics, Second Place Overall, 2004

Graduate Fellowship for Outstanding Reseach, UF College of Medicine, 2003


Lee Kaplan, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Margaret R. Wallace, Ph.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2001 - December 2005

Dissertation Title

Elucidating the genetic influences in pain sensitivity and analgesic effect

Professional Positions

 

Education  B.S., Psychology and Genetics, University of Stellenbosch (South Africa)

Publications

Zhang J, Kumar A, Kaplan L, Fricker FJ, Wallace MR.  Genetic linkage of a novel autosomal dominant restrictive cardiomyopathy locus. J Med Genet. 2005 Aug;42(8):663-5.  abstract

Mogil JS, Ritchie J, Smith SB, Strasburg K, Kaplan L, Wallace MR, Romberg RR, Bijl H, Sarton EY, Fillingim RB, Dahan A.  Melanocortin-1 receptor gene variants affect pain and mu-opioid analgesia in mice and humans. J Med Genet. 2005 Jul;42(7):583-7.  abstract

Fillingim RB, Kaplan L, Staud R, Ness TJ, Glover TL, Campbell CM, Mogil JS, Wallace MR.  The A118G single nucleotide polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) is associated with pressure pain sensitivity in humans. J Pain. 2005 Mar;6(3):159-67.  abstract

Hill-Harfe KL, Kaplan L, Stalker HJ, Zori RT, Pop R, Scherer G, Wallace MR. Fine Mapping of Chromosome 17 Translocation Breakpoints >/=900 Kb Upstream of SOX9 in Acampomelic Campomelic Dysplasia and a Mild, Familial Skeletal Dysplasia. Am J Hum Genet. 2005 Feb 16;76(4) [Epub ahead of print] abstract

Mogil JS, Wilson SG, Chesler EJ, Rankin AL, Nemmani KV, Lariviere WR, Groce MK, Wallace MR, Kaplan L, Staud R, Ness TJ, Glover TL, Stankova M, Mayorov A, Hruby VJ, Grisel JE, Fillingim RB. The melanocortin-1 receptor gene mediates female-specific mechanisms of analgesia in mice and humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003 Apr 15;100(8):4867-72.  abstract

Stalker H, Zori R, Wallace M, Hill-Harfe K, Kaplan L. Reply to Unger: The mildest form of campomelic dysplasia. Am J Med Genet A. 2005 Jan 1;132A(1):114-5.

Metcalf T, Kelley K, Erdos GW, Kaplan L, West CM. Formation of the outer layer of the Dictyostelium spore coat depends on the inner-layer protein SP85/PsB. Microbiology. 2003 Feb;149(Pt 2):305-17.  abstract

West CM, Zhang P, McGlynn AC, Kaplan L. Outside-in signaling of cellulose synthesis by a spore coat protein in Dictyostelium. Eukaryot Cell. 2002 Apr;1(2):281-92.   abstract

Van Der Wel H, Morris HR, Panico M, Paxton T, Dell A, Kaplan L, West CM. Molecular cloning and expression of a UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc):hydroxyproline polypeptide GlcNAc-transferase that modifies Skp1 in the cytoplasm of dictyostelium. J Biol Chem. 2002 Nov 29;277(48):46328-37.   abstract

Abstracts Presented at Meetings during Graduate Studies

Hill-Harfe, Katherine, Lee Kaplan, Heather Stalker, Roberto Zori, Margaret Wallace. Molecular Analysis of a Translocation Breakpoint in a Family with Dominant Skeletal Dysplasia: Toward a Novel Gene/Mechanism. American College of Medical Genetics Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, 2004, Orlando Florida. (Poster jointly presented with Dr. Hill-Harfe).

Kaplan, L, R. Fillingim, M. Agbandje-McKenna, R. Staud, T. Glover, C. Campbell, J. Mogil, M. Wallace.  Functional Effects of the t80g snp of the delta opioid Receptor in Baseline Pain Sensitivity.  The 2nd Joint Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society and the Canadian Pain Society 2004, Vancouver, BC.

Fillingim, R., L. Kaplan, R. Staud, T. Ness, T. Glover, C. Campbell, J. Mogil, M. Wallace The A118G single nucleotide polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) is associated with pressure pain sensitivity in humans.  The 2nd Joint Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society and the Canadian Pain Society, 2004,Vancouver, BC.

Honors & Awards
2005 UF President's Award

2003-04 President, University of Florida College of Medicine Graduate Student Organization

2003-present Member of the American Pain Society

2002-present Member of the American Society of Human Genetics

2002-03 Vice President, Univ. Florida College of Medicine Graduate Student Organization


Ahmad M. Khalil, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor

Daniel J. Driscoll, Ph.D., M.D.

Department

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Enrolled

August 2000 - December 2004

Dissertation Title

Histone modifications and chromatin dynamics of the mammalian inactive sex chromosomes

Web Page http://myprofile.cos.com/AhmadK78

Professional Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, Pediatric Genetics, Center for Mammalian Genetics, The Genetics Institute, UF College of Medicine

Education

B.A., Biology, University of Kansas

Publications

Khalil AM, and Driscoll DJ.  Histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation is enriched on the inactive sex chromosomes in male meiosis but absent on the inactive X in female somatic cells. Cytogenet Genome Res 2006;112  (in press)

Khalil AM, Boyar FZ, Driscoll DJ.  Dynamic histone modifications mark sex chromosome inactivation and reactivation during mammalian spermatogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Nov 9;101:16583-16587.  abstract

Khalil AM, Driscoll DJ.  Tri-methylation of Histone H3 Lysine 4 is an Epigenetic Mark for Regions Escaping X Inactivation.  (in preparation)

Khalil AM, Driscoll DJ.  Histone 3 Lysine 4 Dimethylation is Enriched on the Inactive X in Male Meiosis but Absent on the Inactive X in Females.  (in preparation)

Honors & Awards

Postdoctoral Award, Keystone Symposia: Epigenetics and Chromatin Remodeling in Development, Keystone, CO, January 2006

Finalist, Postdoctoral Basic Science Outstanding Research Award, American Society of Human Genetics, Salt Lake City, UT, October 26-30, 2005 (Note: three finalists are selected each year)

Platform Presentation, American Society of Human Genetics, Salt Lake City, UT, October 25-29, 2005

2005 NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institute of Health (NIH) and the University of Florida College of Medicine

Postdoctoral Award, Keystone Symposia - Chromatin Modification Pathways, Snowbird, Utah, March 2005

First Place, Predoctoral Basic Science Outstanding Research Award, 2004 American Society of Human Genetics, Toronto

Platform Presentation, 2004 American Society of Human Genetics, Toronto

2004 Graduate Fellowship for Outstanding Research Award, University of Florida College of Medicine

Lalor Foundation Merit Award for Outstanding Research, 2004 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Vancouver, Canada

Lalor Foundation Fellowship, 2004 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Vancouver, Canada

Finalist, Trainee Research Award, 2004 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Vancouver, Canada

Platform Presentation, 2004 Gordon Conference (Mammalian Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis), CT

Scholarship, 2004 Keystone Symposia (Emerging Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation), CA

Second Place, Predoctoral Basic Science Outstanding Research Award, 2003 American Society of Human Genetics, Los Angeles, CA

Platform Presentation, 2003 American Society of Human Genetics, Los Angeles, CA

President’s Award for Educational Excellence

Honors Program, Kansas Alumni Association

Crowell Book Award, University of Kansas

McNair Merit Award, University of Kansas

Kansas Honor Scholar for Outstanding Academic Achievements

Abstracts Presented at Meetings Through Graduate Studies

American Society of Human Genetics, Salt Lake City, UT, October 2005, "Epigenetic Regulation of Pericentromeric Heterochromatin during Mammalian Meiosis" (selected for platform presentation)

American Society of Human Genetics, Toronto, Canada, October 2004

Society for the Study of Reproduction, Vancouver, Canada, August 2004

Gordon Conference (Mammalian Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis), Connecticut College, June 2004

Keystone Symposia (Emerging Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation), Lake Tahoe, CA, January 2004

American Society of Human Genetics, Los Angeles, CA, November 2003

American College of Medical Genetics, San Diego, CA, March 2003

University of Florida College of Medicine Research Day, April 2003 and 2004

Pediatrics Science Day at the University of Florida, 2003 and 2004

University of Florida Graduate & Professional Student Forum, April 2002 and 2003


Christine Kiefer, Ph.D.

Advanced Concentration

Genetics

Mentor