Michael Backlund Email & Phone Number

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inherited eye diseases in the Eye Genetics Group of the Genetics Research Program of Folkhälsan Research Center.

Heidelberg Area, Germany

Working on stress dependent responses of RNA-binding proteins at Heidelberg University Hospital. The research group is part of the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) that is a joint venture between the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Heidelberg Area, Germany

Visiting Scientist at EMBL as a part of the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU)

Helsinki, Finland

Working as a graduate student from 2008 to 2010. Continued as a PhD student from 2010 onwards.Searching for novel RNA-binding proteins (RNBP) binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) mRNA. Studying the post-transcriptional regulation of AT1R expression mediated by these RNBPs and their role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

Helsinki, Finland

Created cell lines with silenced gene expression using lentiviral vectors. Set up and optimized immunoprecipitation and western blot protocols for the laboratory. Worked full-time from June to August and from then on part-time while studying.

Helsinki, Finland

Studied mRNA and protein expression of adhesion molecules in primary cells. The project included optimization of qPCR techniques and immunofluorescent stainings.

Finland

Characterized exonic SNPs from a candidate gene in breast cancer families. Methods used in the project included: PCR, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay, sequencing (ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. Worked full-time from June to August and otherwise part-time while studying.

Helsinki, Finland

Produced lentiviral RNA-interference constructs and studied the interaction between a Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus-encoded viral cyclin and a human transcription factor. The methods utilized in the project included: cloning of DNA-oligos, restriction mapping, transfections, immunofluorescent staining, SDS-PAGE, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting.

Finland

Tutor at the preparation course for university entrance examination in biology

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Faculty Of Medicine

Dissertation in June 2016.

Master’S Degree, Faculty Of Biological And Environmental Sciences, Department Of Biosciences

Major in genetics Minor in cellular and molecular biology Minor in marketing (Helsinki School of Economics)

Bachelor’S Degree, Faculty Of Biological And Environmental Sciences, Department Of Biosciences

Activities and Societies: Tutor for the first year students at the faculty (2005). Officer at the student organization (2003-2004) Medium.