About

Orna Resnekov Director Email: oresnekovmolsci.org Tel: 510-981-8711

We are working in two areas:

1) We are investigating whether post-translational modifications can be used as design tools to regulate cell circuits and behaviors. Cell signaling systems carry information by changes in post-translational modifications on signaling proteins. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics data, evolutionary conservation, single cell experiments and modeling we identified a set of phosphorylation events involved in regulating a prototypic kinase cascade in yeast. Our work suggests that sites of post-translational modification are well poised as substrates for both design and evolution to generate circuits that orchestrate modified cellular behaviors.

2) We are building new tools for incorporation into sensitive and precise analytical detection formats. Diagnostic reagents and assays are needed for public health. Two key components for a successful assay are a sensor component that binds to the target and a signal domain that indicates with great sensitivity when the sensor has bound the target molecule. At present we have three areas of focus: a) assays to detect the presence of Francisella tularensis (Ft) in biological and environmental samples as well as immune responses directed against Ft, b)assays to detect prostate cancer and 3)forensic analysis capabilities for ricin toxin.

I previously worked on the Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus subtilis where I acquired extensive experience studying signal transduction using genetics, protein purification and the analysis and use of GFP derivatives.

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