Mentor Areas
The Oliver lab is focused on understanding basic mechanisms that explain how our immune system protects us against pathogenic infection and prevents inflammation and consequent tissue damage. The ubiquitin system helps immune cells to function properly and allows these cells to morph into powerful effector cells during an infection. To understand how the various ubiquitin enzymes help to maintain immune health, we use mouse models of human autoimmune and allergic disease. Undergraduates working in the lab develop their experimental skills by working with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows prior to taking on more independent projects.
Description:
One area of focus in the lab has centered on catalytic HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases of the Nedd4-family. We have identified a small family of membrane tethered adaptors, Ndfip1 and Ndfip2, that activate several Nedd4-family E3s. These adaptors regulate T cell activation, CD4 differentiation and effector function, and Treg cell metabolism and lineage stability. We have used biochemical approaches to define how these adaptors activate the enzymatic activity of Nedd4-family ligases, and are now using this information in the rational design of therapeutics. Based on our data, such therapeutics will be particularly useful in the treatment of autoimmune and/or allergic disease. Our recent work has employed systems biology approaches in which we integrated transcriptome, proteome and ubiquitome information to identify Cullin E3 ubiquitin ligases that are particularly active as T cells transition from resting to activated states. We have now generated genetic models in which to test the biologic relevance of these ligases in protective immune responses.
Preferred Qualifications
Requirements include a strong interest in immunology focused research.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.