Do Hun Kim (WHITE LAB)

Investigation of MAPK Inhibition Using Analog-sensitive Kinase

RAS oncoprotein is a major driver of many different cancer types. However, we currently do not have effective therapeutics to counter it, which shifts our attention to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is one of the primary effectors of RAS signaling. MAPK1, more famously known as ERK2, phosphorylates numerous substrates and identifying direct ERK2 substrates become more challenging with additional phosphorylation by different kinases. Here, we propose an approach to identify direct ERK2 substrates using analog-sensitive kinase.

Joshua Elacqua (BLAINEY LAB)

Developing a Novel Cell Collection Method for Lineage Sequencing

Mutagenesis has critical health implications related to aging and age-related diseases. Lineage sequencing is a powerful approach for measuring somatic mutations, but ideally involves collecting individual cells after clonal expansion while preserving information on cell identities and relationships. This cell collection is challenging and, to date, has only been performed using a complex, custom microfluidic device. Here, we describe a new method to collect cells for lineage sequencing with only commercially available, easy-to-use equipment.