Molecular Biology

Research area: My research specialises in plant molecular biology, with a focus on abiotic stress responses and their molecular underpinnings. Using systems biology approaches, my lab investigates how plants perceive, signal, and adapt to environmental stresses at the biochemical and molecular level. We apply these insights to address key challenges in agricultural sustainability, including yield enhancement under suboptimal conditions, improved resource use efficiency, and the development of stress-tolerant crops. By bridging fundamental plant biology with applied agricultural goals, our work aims to contribute to resilient food systems capable of meeting the demands of a changing climate.

Student roles:
With my guidance, the student will be involved in all aspects of the project. The student will assess the transgene expression (in T2 generation by qRT-PCR and GUS staining), prepare tissue samples for mineral profiling of the transgenics, and conduct phenotypic and morphological analysis of the transgenics for pleiotropic effects of transgene expression. After the short listing of candidate genes through mineral nutrient profiling, the student will conduct a detailed comparative sequence and expression analysis of the candidate gene and its homologs in wheat, Arabidopsis, and Canola.
The student will be involved in experimental design, observation and data collection, data analysis and creation of a strategy for translational work of improving seed mineral profile in crop species. Thus, a student who is thorough, creative, observant, and curious will thrive and make a significant contribution.

Skills required:
The student would benefit from interest and some background in plant biology, including plant physiology and morphology. An understanding of basic Mendelian genetics is important. Experience in basic molecular biology techniques would be an asset. Most importantly, the student should have a desire to learn new techniques and a curiosity about how fundamental research is translated to application.

Research area: The Strap Lab focuses on studying microbial interactions, aiming to elucidate and understand the molecular mechanisms driving the biosynthesis and degradation of biomaterials, with applications in agriculture, medicine, and material science. Exopolysaccharides like cellulose play crucial roles in biocontrol of phytopathogens, promotion of plant growth by rhizosphere bacteria, turnover of lignocellulosic materials, and the pathogenicity of biofilm-forming bacteria. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for improving agricultural practices and advancing our knowledge of pathogenic biofilms, which has significant implications for both sustainable agriculture and medical treatments.

Student roles:
The student will play an integral role in investigating the impact of exogenous signalling molecules on bacterial exopolysaccharide production, working closely with the research team and project supervisor. Responsibilities will include performing a variety of microbiological and molecular biology techniques, such as bioinformatics analysis, culturing acetic acid bacteria, DNA and RNA extraction/quantification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, electroporation/transformation, gene cloning, mutational analysis, protein extraction/quantitation, phenotypic assays, cellulose yield assays, biochemical assays, spectroscopy, and microscopy. The student will perform experiments, collect and analyze experimental data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools. Accurate and detailed laboratory records must be maintained. Collaboration with team members through regular meetings will be essential to discuss progress, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to overall project goals. The student will also develop scientific communication skills by preparing and delivering presentations on their findings and contributing to research reports and potential publications. This role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced molecular biology techniques and make meaningful contributions to research in microbial biotechnology.

Skills required:
The ideal student applicant for this project should have a working knowledge of aseptic technique, and a background in microbiology and/or molecular biology. Experience with techniques such as microbial culturing, microscopy, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning is highly beneficial but not required, as training will be provided. A basic understanding of biochemistry, particularly enzyme activity assays and protein purification methods would be an asset. Applicants should be able to perform basic laboratory calculations (e.g., molarity, dilutions, etc.) and have exceptional notetaking/documentation skills. The applicant must be able to work both collaboratively and independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Research area: My lab uses the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study retrotransposons which are DNA elements that can mobilize within a genome. Retrotransposons occur in most eukaryotic genomes and are presumed to have originated from retroviruses. We study the Ty1 retrotransposon which is a 6kb DNA element in the S. cerevisiae genome. Ty1 mobilizes under conditions of stress by replicating through an RNA intermediate. My lab is focused on the retroviral integrase (IN) protein that mediates insertion of Ty1 complementary DNA (cDNA) into the genome. Our goal is to identify host factors required for Ty1 insertion into the genome.

Student roles:
The student will be responsible for making the media for their project. They will learn how to transform wild type and mutant S. cerevisiae strains with a plasmid using a selectable nutritional marker (URA3). They will grow the transformed strains in 48-well plates and follow a well-established 8-day protocol requiring cell transfer and media exchange to induce Ty1 expression. After cells have been pelleted, they will use a YeaStar Genomic DNA kit to extract genomic DNA from the cells. The genomic DNA will be the template for a 96-well multiplex PCR reaction using a QIAGEN Multiplex PCR kit and a 10X primer mix. Two PCRs will be done – one to amplify the Ty1 insertions and the second to add Illumina indexes and flow cell adaptors. The PCRs will be pooled together and a sequencing library prepared – all methods are well established in the lab.

The Ty1 mobility assay will require the student to transform yeast cells with a plasmid, incubate cells in test tubes in a roller drum in the correct media and plate onto selective media. The co-IP assays will involve yeast transformations, Ty1 induction, cell lysis and addition of GFP-Trap beads to purify the GFP-tagged and interacting proteins. A western blot analysis will be carried out to determine if GFP tagged proteins interact with Ty1-IN.

All procedures will require the student to follow detailed experimental protocols, troubleshoot experimental challenges, be meticulous, careful and pay attention to detail. The student will need to document all experimental procedures, maintain accurate records of results, and contribute to the interpretation of data. They will collaborate with lab members and participate in lab meetings. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and in a team are essential for the successful completion of this project.

Skills required:
The student should have a good understanding of cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. The student should be familiar with data analysis, interpretation and have good laboratory practices including the proper handling of microbial cultures and aseptic technique. The student will need to have training in molecular biology and be familiar with DNA extraction, PCR assays, preferably 96-well PCR, agarose gels, protein gels and western blot analysis. They must be able to focus for extended periods of time and have excellent attention to detail. It is critical that samples in 96-well plates are not mixed up.

Research area: Diabetes, Cancer Biology and Molecular Cell Signaling - My research focuses on understanding how metabolic conditions such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) influence cellular behavior and cancer progression. Specifically, in this project, I investigate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGF-β signaling, and the molecular mechanisms linking type 2 diabetes mellitus to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using cell culture, gene expression analysis, and imaging techniques. My research also involves using 3D organoids derived from human pancreas to investigate pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis).

Student roles:
The ideal candidate is an undergraduate student in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related field with a strong interest in cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, or diabetes research. Prior coursework in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, or physiology is desirable. Previous laboratory experience with cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology techniques, or data analysis is an asset but not required. The student should be motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Skills required:
The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate student in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related field with a strong interest in cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, or diabetes research. Prior coursework in genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, or physiology is desirable. Previous laboratory experience with cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology techniques, or data analysis would be an asset but is not required, as training will be provided. The student should be motivated, detail-oriented, capable of working both independently and as part of a research team, and possess strong organizational and communication skills. Experience with scientific literature review,

Research area: Our lab conducts research on several types of microbial eukaryotes including parasites of animals as well as free-living protozoa and microalgae. We employ genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches. We pursue basic science knowledge as well as applications for industry, agri- and aquaculture, and human health.

Student roles:
The student will join a project aimed to sequence and analyze the genome of eukaryotic microbes. Among the activities to develop, the student will purify DNA and RNA from tissues and/or cell cultures and employ molecular biology protocols to process the DNA for next-generation DNA sequencing and perform protocols including electrophoresis of DNA and proteins, PCR and real-time PCR, etcetera. The student will also assist in processing the sequence data using bioinformatics tools. During the stay, the student will be a regular member of the laboratory and as such, engage in shared lab duties and other activities such as training sessions, lab meetings, seminars etc.

Skills required:
Intermediate level in genetics, biochemistry, microbiology or molecular biology. Have a good knowledge of the principles of DNA and RNA biology and well acknowledged on the concepts of gene, genome, transcription, protein translation and related topics. Motivation for laboratory work and interest in evolutionary biology are encouraged.

Research area: Insect systematics and biodiversity. Phylogenetic analysis of wild bees, taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity.

Student roles:
Student would assist a PhD student with specimen preparation, molecular lab work, and data analysis.

Skills required:
Organization, fine-motor skills. Preferably with knowledge of common lab techniques (pipetting, DNA extraction, PCR) and/or bioinformatics (Python).

Research area: The main function of adult stem cells is to produce differentiated progeny to replace damaged cells within tissues. As such, their proliferation rates match the rate of differentiated cell turnover. Our goal is to understand how the need for new differentiated cells in a tissue feeds back to regulate stem cell proliferation, at the genetic, cellular and molecular level. Unfortunately, adult stem cells are difficult to access in vivo in most systems. To circumvent this, we use the germline stem cells of the small transparent nematode C. elegans as a model system to understand homeostatic regulation of adult stem cells.

Student roles:
The student will mutagenize a population of C. elegans using EMS and will screen their progeny under a fluorescent low magnification microscope to look for germline homeostasis defective mutants, which form visible differentiated germline tumors. After recovering and confirming the hits, the student will map them using the sibling subtraction method. If time permits, molecular identidies of the candidate will be confirmed by RNAi and/or transformation rescue experiments.

Skills required:
Experience with genetic crosses and next generation sequencing analyses would be an asset but is not required.

Research area: DYRK1A, a dual-specificity nuclear kinase, orchestrates vascular smooth-muscle cell (VSMC) fate by phosphorylating NFAT and other targets that dictate contractile-to-synthetic switching). Our lab deciphers how hypoxia, oxidised-LDL and biomechanical stretch modulate DYRK1A-STAT3/Pim-1 signalling to drive proliferation, migration and matrix remodelling that underlie neointima and atherosclerosis). Using CRISPR-edited VSMCs, artery-ring cultures and single-cell transcriptomics, we identify druggable nodes and evaluate selective DYRK1A inhibitors such as harmine analogues as anti-remodelling therapies.

Student roles:
Under Dr. Zheng’s guidance, each intern will act as an independent junior scientist driving a complementary work-package. Core duties include: (i) designing and executing experiments in primary human aortic VSMCs, using CRISPR/Cas9 to create DYRK1A knock-out or kinase-dead knock-in lines, then validating edits by qPCR, Western blot, and Sanger sequencing; (ii) measuring Ca²⁺ flux and NFAT nuclear translocation after hypoxia, ox-LDL, or cyclic stretch to chart downstream signalling; (iii) profiling contractile (α-SMA, SM22α) versus synthetic (OPN, COL1A1) phenotypes with high-content imaging; (iv) screening harmine and next-generation DYRK1A inhibitors for anti-proliferative efficacy and pathway selectivity; and (v) translating findings to tissue models—rat aortic-ring organ culture and mouse carotid wire-injury—by quantifying BrdU incorporation, neointimal thickness, and collagen deposition.
Interns will curate data according to Mitacs reporting standards and submit weekly progress summaries. Additional responsibilities include maintaining sterile cell-culture facilities, ordering reagents, adhering to biosafety and animal-care protocols, and mentoring junior trainees when appropriate. Each intern will analyse results in R or Python, prepare publication-quality figures, and co-author at least one conference abstract and one peer-reviewed manuscript during the placement. Participation in Mitacs professional-development workshops and industry events is strongly encouraged to broaden transferable skills.
Success in this role demands initiative, meticulous record-keeping, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit to integrate cellular, molecular, and in-vivo datasets that elucidate how DYRK1A governs VSMC plasticity and vascular remodelling.

Skills required:
Strong background in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, qPCR, Western blotting) is essential. Experience with primary vascular smooth-muscle cells and calcium/NFAT signalling assays is highly desirable. Familiarity with ex-vivo vessel models such as rat aortic-ring culture and in-vivo rodent carotid wire-injury or similar surgical techniques is an asset. Proficiency in fluorescence imaging, data analysis (GraphPad, R or Python) and clear scientific writing, plus the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, will ensure success.

Research area: Nanoconstructs revolutionize nanomedicine by enabling targeted drug delivery, molecular imaging, and theranostics. These engineered systems—ranging from liposomes and polymeric carriers to gold nanoparticles and dendrimers—enhance bioavailability and reduce toxicity by releasing payloads specifically at disease sites. Their applications extend to regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and antimicrobial therapy. DNA origami enables the creation of programmable, biocompatible nanostructures by folding a long single-stranded DNA scaffold with synthetic "staple" strands. In nanomedicine, these structures serve as precision carriers for targeted drug delivery, immune complex engineering, and biosensing. Projects in this field often involve designing stimuli-responsive "nanobots" or containers that release therapeutics only when triggered.

Student roles:
The intern will be involved in the synthesis of nanopyramides for the delivery of various cargos, including DNA, RNA, anticancer drugs, and antibiotics. The intern will perform most of the experiments after appropriate training. The intern will also write a scientific report at the end of the staying.

Skills required:
The intern should be proficient in DNA amplification, basic chemical functionalization, and cell biology. A background in nanomedicine is an asset.