Meet Matt Deng
Major: Biology
Graduation Year: Spring 2016 Field of Study: Molecular microbiology Abstract: Cellular homeostasis is regulated at many layers, from gene expression to cell cycle progression. Phosphatases and kinases are widely used by the cell to regulate biological processes. Aberrant expression of phosphatases/kinases (downregulation or amplification) or genetic inactivation is frequently associated with tumorigenesis. Protein Phosphatase 1G (PPM1G) is a Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent phosphatase that functions in transcription regulation of inducible programs, alternative spicing, and histone exchange. Somatic mutations in PPM1G are common in cancer. We discovered that PPM1G forms a complex with KAP1 and keeps it dephosphorylated to silence transcription of inducible genes. |
My Experience:
I enjoyed the amount of mentoring that went on in the lab—I did not have much experience in a wet lab and there was definitely a learning curve. The lab treated me as one of their own so I gave pretty frequent presentations at lab meetings and was contributed in journal club discussions. The semester was challenging but a very memorable experience that has certainly impacted a few aspects of my future professional aspirations and goals. My Advice:
Do not be afraid to ask for help! The people in the lab initially did not know what lab classes I had taken so they assumed that I had previous experience when I did not. There are also many new machines and contraptions that are extremely expensive so it is always better to double check with someone who has more experience than to break something that might cost a lot. |
|