Nicholas Sciascia, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Gb

Designed and led a research project to explore role of BRD4 in acquired platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Generated cell lines resistant to platinum agents and applied various molecular biology and sequencing techniques, such as high throughput fluorescence imaging, to assess the impact of BRD4 inhibition on kinetics of platinum adduct formation and repair.Participated in other ongoing early stage drug discovery projects within the epigenetics group, as well as applied my background in chromatin biology to assist other scientists in the wider bioscience department with project and experimental design decisions.Served as a postdoc representative for the AZ Waltham site. My responsibilities included onboarding new postdocs, organizing seminars and other postdoc social events, and engaging with postdoc representatives at the other global AZ sites to plan company wide postdoc events.

Bethesda, Md, Us

Led a multi-year, complex research project, examining how proteolytic degradation of topoisomerase-DNA complexes impacts genome integrity and DNA repair outcomes.Contributed to the development of a novel sequencing method (END-seq), as part of a large research team, to measure DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and DNA end-resection genome-wide at base-pair resolution in vivo. By providing a snapshot of DSBs genome-wide at a given time in a population of cells, END-seq can be utilized to study the causes and consequences of genomic instability. Applied END-seq to map the frequency and spectrum of several types of DSBs associated with physiologic processes, as well as to study the repair dynamics of topoisomerase-induced DSBs.Managed a diverse array of collaborative research efforts related to END-seq with investigators both inside and outside of the NIH, ranging from studying the significance of DNA breaks in cell models of neurodegeneration to parasites that cause tropical diseases (e.g trypanosomes). Trained other researchers to use END-seq.

Bethesda, Md, Us

Investigated the mechanisms by which the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) causing gene FMR1 becomes abnormally silenced by epigenetic modifications.Tested candidate small molecule drugs targeting those epigenetic modifications in various FXS cells types (e.g. fibroblasts, iPSC, neuronal cell types) to determine if FMR1 reactivation can be achieved. Optimized differentiation techniques to generate neural stem cells from FXS iPSCs, which will be used to make neurons to model disease as well as identify FXS specific markers.

Brentford, Middlesex, Gb

Developed a small molecule-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery vector, using the DNA Encoded Library Technology (DEL) previously established in the group. Collaborating as part of a larger team, I created cell-based assays to detect DEL molecule populations that were able to cross the cell membrane and enter the cytoplasm, and later recover them for analysis. Identified several candidate molecules using these assays, which in further experiments I validated for their effectiveness to achieve siRNAi-mediated gene knockdown.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Developed an ELISA assay to detect physiologic levels of the Lymphotoxin-alpha protein, which would be used to analyze samples from ongoing mouse studies, in pursuit of developing new antibody therapies to target autoimmune cells in Crohn’s and Graft vs. Host Disease. Using this ELISA assay, I assessed new antibodies that were synthesized by the protein chemistry team for their ability to mediate various immune responses.By the end of my internship, I had optimized my ELISA assay, and created a poster detailing certain antibody modifications that I had determined increased their effectiveness in mediating an immune response.

Paris, France, Fr

Optimized an ELISA assay to detect a target protein in mouse serum samples and assessed the success of the viral infection to create a normal gene product, as part of my group’s goal to identify novel ways to replace nonfunctional genes in living organisms using adeno-associated viruses as the delivery vectors. Assisted my colleagues with mice takedowns, various behavioral tests, and surgical procedures. By the end of my internship, I mastered the basics of assay development and gained valuable experience working with in vivo mouse models.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Molecular Medicine

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biology, General