Elizabeth Jose Email and Phone Number

PhD Candidate under investigator Andrew Paek, PhDMy current work is based on understanding how transcription factors coordinate their activation in response to oxidative stress and the impact this has on cell fate.In particular, I am studying the dynamic coordination of the Foxo and p53 signaling pathways in response to hydrogen peroxide. I have identified a two phased temporal response of the Foxo and p53 transcription factors to by showing sequential activation of Foxo followed by p53 using live cell imaging. I have determined that peroxiredoxin proteins and their hyper oxidation control the duration of the Foxo and p53 phases. I have also identified that the activation other transcription factors responding to hydrogen peroxide is also timing based with proteins like NFAT, HSF1 being activated earlier with Foxos and Nrf2, Jun, Fos being activated later with p53.

Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, June 2017 – July 2018Research Assistant under investigator Peter J Mohler, PhDI investigated the role of Scarb1 protein dysfunction in premature and severe coronary artery disease and identified a link between patient mutations and the disease state. I studied alternative splicing of ANK2 gene in patients with Atrial and Ventricular fibrillation and used patient samples to look for different splice products of the ANK2 gene by PCR.Department of Surgery, August 2016 – May 2017.Research Assistant under investigator Chandan Sen, PhD.I identified the role of macrophage polarization in wound inflammation resolution using Collagenase Santyl® Ointment (CSO).

Department of Life and Physical SciencesI determined the effect of silver nanoparticles on select soil enzyme activities involved in nutrient cycling. I collaborated with Dr. Freda Eivazi, Department of Agriculture to obtain soil samples from different farms around mid-Missouri. I collaborated with the Dr. R. Kannan from the University of Missouri to develop gold nanoparticle sensors for the detection of pathogenic E.coli O157:H7.

I isolated and characterized microorganisms from natural resources based on L-glutaminase activity. I optimized the production of the enzyme by microbial management and standardizing media for their maximal growth.

I cloned and induced expression of Plasmodium falciparum Malate quinine oxido-reductase. I carried out experiments towards increasing the yield of Plasmodium falciparum GMP synthetase mutant in soluble form.