Dr. Roman Meledin

Cell Signaling and Molecular Imaging Laboratory

Cells sense their environment through signaling networks that translate extracellular cues into changes in cellular function. Our laboratory will investigate the molecular mechanisms of cell signaling, with particular interest in cytokine-mediated signaling in immune and other mammalian cells. We seek to understand how these pathways function in health and disease and to develop new strategies to monitor and selectively target them.

Our research will combine molecular and chemical biology, immunology, and advanced fluorescence imaging. In previous work, I developed genetically encoded biosensors based on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy–Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FLIM-FRET) to visualize in real time the activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins in living cells. These proteins are central mediators of cytokine signaling. These tools have enabled the investigation of disease-associated mutations and pharmacological modulation of signaling pathways.

Building on this foundation, we will develop and apply molecular tools to dissect signaling mechanisms and identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Students joining the laboratory will have the opportunity to develop new molecular tools, combine molecular and chemical approaches with live-cell imaging, and investigate signaling in mammalian and primary immune cells.

The laboratory is being established with capabilities for mammalian and primary immune-cell culture and molecular and cellular biology. Advanced fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, and other specialized analyses will be performed using institutional core facilities and collaborative platforms.