Dr. Michael Blaber
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Florida State University
Tallahassee FL 32306-4300
TEL: 850 644 3361
FAX: 850 644 9399
email: michael.blaber@med.fsu.edu
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Welcome to mikeblaber.org
This site is produced and maintained by Dr. Michael Blaber. Feel free to browse around!
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This web site is intended to provide access to information and resouces associated with, or produced by, Dr. Michael Blaber, and was previously located at http://wine1.sb.fsu.edu
The old site was supported by the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University, but was retired after Dr. Blaber moved to the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. Blaber decided to register the domain name "mikeblaber.org" and transfer the material to this site.
This site is not affiliated with Florida State University, and all opinions are those of the author, Dr. Michael Blaber.
(c)2005 Michael Blaber
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News
July 2010
Scarisbrick & Blaber Patent Issued
U.S. Patent 7,754,216 B2, "Method of Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Anti-K6 Antibody", by Scarisbrick, I.A., Blaber, S.I., Blaber, M. and Rodriguez, M. was issued. The patent covers a method of treating inflammatory demyelination byin the central nervous system by targeting specific inhibition of kallikrein-related peptidase 6. Congratulations to Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick, Sachiko Blaber and Dr. Moses Rodriguez.
June 2010
Blaber & Brych Patent Issued
U.S. Patent 11/001,804, "Engineered Human Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factors and Associated Methods", by Blaber, M. and Brych, S. was issued. The patent covers a mutant form of FGF-1 that is highly-stable, lacks heparin-binding affinity, and is ~100x more potent than the wild-type FGF-1 protein in the absence of added heparin. Congratulations to co-inventor Dr. Stephen Brych.
May 2010
Blaber Lab retreat to watch Atlantis launch
This year's lab retreat was in Titusville, Fl to watch the last launch of the Shuttle Atlantis, and one of the last Shuttle launches before the U.S. manned flight program using the Shuttle is ended. We had an excellent view of the launch, and were about as close as you can get. The noise was unbelievable. Images can be found here.
Ms. Cristina Russo successfully defends Ph.D. thesis
Ms. Cristina Russo, a graduate student co-mentored in the laboratories of Drs. Marcia Fenley and Michael Blaber successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis entitled Salt-dependence of protein-DNA binding: insights into protein electrostatics and redesign . Congratulations Cristina!
Dr. Michael Blaber joins Editorial Board of Research Reports in Biology
Dr. Michael Blaber was recently appointed to the Honorary Editorial Board of Research Reports in Biology an open access online journal published by Dove Press.
Apr 2010
Dr. Michael Blaber joins the Program in Neuroscience at FSU
The FSU Program in Neuroscience is an independent research and graduate training program and includes faculty from the departments of Biological Science, Biomedical Science, Mathematics, and Psychology. Its objective is to promote interdisciplinary basic research into neural processes, including the biological mechanisms underlying behavior, and to provide advanced graduate training leading to the Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience.
Third Blaber & Dubey patent issued
U.S. Patent 7,696,171, Mutant Polypeptides of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 was issued Apr 13, 2010 (inventors Blaber, M. and Dubey, V.K.). This patent covers additional mutations at positions 12 and 134 of FGF-1 that substantially increase the thermostability as well as potency in the absence of added heparin. Such mutants are candidates for "second generation" forms of FGF-1 for pro-angiogenic therapy.
Mar 2010
Dr. Luiz Juliano manuscript accepted for publication
A manuscript entitled "Substrate specificity and inhibition of human kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3 or PSA) activated with sodium citrate and glycosaminoglycans", written by Dr. Luiz Juliano, has been accepted for publication in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Dr. Juliano is a long-standing collaborator and Sachiko Blaber and Dr. Michael Blaber are co-authors of this study. Congratulations to Dr. Juliano!
Feb 2010
Second Blaber & Dubey patent issued
U.S. Patent 7,659,379, Mutants of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor Having Increased Stability and/or Mitogenic Potency was issued Feb 9 2010 (inventors Blaber, M. and Dubey, V.K.). This patent covers additional mutations at positions 12 and 134 of FGF-1 that substantially increase the thermostability as well as potency in the absence of added heparin. Such mutants are candidates for "second generation" forms of FGF-1 for pro-angiogenic therapy.
Mr. Liam Longo and Ms. Sara Jackson join Blaber Lab
Graduate students Mr. Liam Longo (Molecular Biophysics program) and Ms. Sara Jackson (Biomedical Sciences program) have joined the Blaber Lab. Liam's graduate studies will focus upon protein folding, and Sara's graduate studies will focus upon Kallikrein-related peptidase enzymology. It's great to have two new graduate students in the lab, and a hearty welcome to both of them!
Jan 2010
Inaugural issue of Journal of Proteins and Proteomics
The first issue of the JPP has been published, with an editorial on the need for protein chemists contributed by Dr. Michael Blaber. A link to the issue can be found here.
Dec 2009
Dr. Hyesook Yoon joins Blaber Lab
Dr. Hyesook Yoon has started a postdoctoral research position in the Blaber Lab, focusing upon the study of Kallikrein-related peptidases. Dr. Yoon was a former graduate student of the lab (Ph.D. in Chemistry, 2008), and it is great to have her back in the lab once again.
Nov 2009
Dr. Michael Blaber manuscript accepted for publication
A review article on the interactions between Kallikrein-related peptidases and thrombostasis proteases, entitled "Functional intersection of the Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and thrombostasis axis" has been accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry.
Oct 2009
Dr. Jihun Lee/Sachiko Blaber manuscript accepted for publication
A manuscript jointly-authored by Dr. Jihun Lee and Sachiko Blaber, entitled X-ray Structure and Biophysical Properties of Rabbit Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 has been accepted for publication in Acta Cryst. F. This report describes the cDNA sequence, thermostability, receptor-binding affinity, mitogenic activity and X-ray crystal structure of rabbit FGF-1. Congratulations Jihun and Sachiko!
Sep 2009
Blaber & Dubey patent issued
U.S. Patent 7,595,296, Mutant Polypeptides of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 was issued Sep 30 2009 (inventors Blaber, M. and Dubey, V.K.). This patent covers mutations at positions 12 and 134 of FGF-1 that substantially increase the thermostability as well as potency in the absence of added heparin. Such mutants are candidates for "second generation" forms of FGF-1 for pro-angiogenic therapy.
Josh Kogot manuscript accepted for publication
Joshua Kogot, a graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Geoffrey Strouse, has had his manuscript entitled "Analysis of the Dynamics of Assembly and Structural Impact for a Histidine Tagged FGF-1 – 1.5 nm Au Nanoparticle Bioconjugate" accepted for publication in Bioconjugate Chemistry. This study describes the structural changes to a mutant form on FGF-1 upon attachment to gold nanoparticles, and contributes to our understanding of protein conjugates in nanotechnology. Drs. Jihun Lee and Michael Blaber were coauthors in this study. Congratulations Josh!
Dr. Michael Blaber receives Frey-Werle Gold Medal
Dr. Michael Blaber was awarded the E.K. Frey-E. Werle Commemorative Gold Medal at the 3rd International Symposium on Kallikreins and Kallikrein-related Peptidases. This medal was awarded for Fundamental Contributions to the Structural Biology and Enzymology of the Human Kallikrein-related Peptidases. Pictures of the award ceremony can be found here.
Dr. Akshaya Meher manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Akshaya Meher's manuscript "Engineering an Improved Crystal Contact across a Solvent-Mediated Interface of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1" has been accepted for publication in Acta Cryst. F. In this report Dr. Meher demonstrates how mutations at a protein crystal contact interface, that substitute direct molecular contacts for a solvent-mediated interface, can improve the crystal growth. Congratulations Akshaya!
Blaber Lab receives high ranking in Structural Biology
The Structural Biology Rankings web site (http://www.molecularstructure.org/) ranks the impact of investigators in structural biology based opon a combination of total citation data, PDB download statistics of deposited structures, and other factors. In this ranking, the Blaber Lab is identified as being among the top 40 structural biology groups in the world (currently ranked 36th). Thanks go to the hardworking folks, past and present, within the lab.
Aug 2009
Another Dr. Jihun Lee manuscript accepted for publication!
Dr. Jihun Lee's manuscript "The Interaction between Thermodynamic Stability and Buried Free Cysteines in Regulating the Functional Half-life of Fibroblast Growth Factor-1" has been accepted for publication in Journal of Molecular Biology. In this report Dr. Lee shows that buried thiols and thermodynamic stability interact to provide effective regulation of protein functional half-life. This study identifies a protein engineering strategy to achieve a targeted functional half-life in mutant proteins. Congratulations Jihun!
Dr. Jihun Lee manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Jihun Lee's manuscript, "Structural Basis of the Conserved Cysteine in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Family: Evidence for a Vestigial Half-cystine" has been accepted for publication in Journal of Molecular Biology. In this report Dr. Lee shows that the conserved cysteine residue in the FGF family of proteins can be considered a vestigial half-cystine. In members with a cystine, the contribution of this residue is primarily to stabilize the protein; whereas, in members with a free cysteine, the contribution is to an irreversible unfolding pathway (due to thiol reactivity) and regulation of functional half-life. Congratulations Jihun!
July 2009
Dr. Michael Blaber appointed as Invited Research Fellow at JAEA
Dr. Michael Blaber has been appointed as an Invited Research Fellow to the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) for 2009-2010. This appointment will involve research into structural biology associated with neutron diffraction at JAEA, Tokai, Japan. Blaber will interact with researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Ryota Kuroki, Quantum Beam Science Directorate. Pictures from the July 2009 visit are here .
May 2009
Blaber Lab Retreat at Amelia Island!
The lab had a much-deserved three day retreat at Amelia Island on the Atlantic coast of North Florida. Pictures are here .
Mar 2009
Blaber Lab research highlighted in FSU "Research in Review"
Our protein engineering of the FGF-1 protein, and its potential application in a novel treatment for heart disease, has been highlighted in the winter 2009 edition of FSU's Research in Review. To download a copy of this article click here. Thanks to the hard-working folks in the lab, especially Dr. Jihun Lee, for this accomplishment.
Feb 2009
Blaber Lab receives scientific award for Kallikrein research
The Blaber Lab has been awarded the E.K. Frey-E. Werle Commemorative Gold Medal. This medal "is awarded to scientists who have made outstanding contributions to our knowledge of the role of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) and related subjects in health and disease over decades, so that their research achievements have significantly influenced the developments in the field". Thanks to the hard-working members of the lab, Rani Dhanarajan in the Biology department at FSU, Dr. Thayumanasamy Somasundaram in the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at FSU, and Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick our long-time collaborator at Mayo, Rochester; this award would not have been possible without their contributions.
Jan 2009
European patent issued
European patent EP1513553B1 was issued for "Methods and materials for treating and diagnosing kallikrein-6 related inflammatory conditions". The inventors of the patent are Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick (Mayo, Rochester), Sachiko I. Blaber (FSU) and Michael Blaber (FSU).
Dec 2008
Dr. Hyesook Yoon manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Hyesook Yoon (recent PhD graduate from the Blaber Lab) has had her manuscript entitled "A Completed KLK Activome Profile: Investigation of Activation Profiles of KLK9, 10 and 15" accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry. This report completes the characterization of the ability of the members of the KLK family to recognize and cleave the pro-sequences of the KLKs (i.e. the KLK "activome"). Congratulations Hyesook!
Nov 2008
Dr. Michael Blaber/Zign, Inc. receives STTR "Phase 0" award
Enterprise Florida is an organization in the state of Florida that provides seed funds to develop SBIR/STTR grant applications. Dr. Michael Blaber/Zign, Inc. was awarded one of these "Phase 0" grants to develop an STTR proposal entitled "Development of Second-generation Forms of Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 for Pro-angiogenic Therapy".
Oct 2008
Drs. Isobel Scarisbrick, Ian Mehr, and Michael Blaber form Zign Therapeutics, Inc
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick (Mayo Clinic, Rochester), Dr. Ian Mehr (Golden Pine Ventures, Research Triangle Park) and Dr. Michael Blaber (Florida State University) are the founders of Zign Therapeutics, Inc., a startup biotechnology company. Dr. Ian Mehr (PhD, MBA) is the president of the company, and Dr. Michael Blaber is the CSO (Blaber retains his position as tenured professor of Biomedical Sciences at FSU). Details will follow on this exciting development!
Sep 2008
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick's manuscript entitiled "Protease Activated Receptor Dependent and Independent Signaling by Kallikreins 1 and 6 in CNS Neuron and Astroglial Cell Lines" has been accepted for publication in Journal of Neurochemistry. This study shows that KLK6, but not KLK1 is an activator of CNS Protease Activated Receptors (PARs), and that both kallikreins are poised to signal in a B2 receptor-dependent fashion to regulate multiple signal transduction pathways relevant to CNS physiologic function and dysfunction. Ms. Sachiko Blaber and Dr. Michael Blaber are coauthors on this study. Congratulations Isobel!
Aug 2008
Dr. Michael Blaber appointed editor of new journal
Dr. Michael Blaber was appointed an editor of Journal of Proteins and Proteomics a new journal established by Dr. Vikash Dubey, IIT Guwahati. Details can be found here.
PhD Graduation ceremony for Dr. Hyesook Yoon
The graduation ceremony for Dr. Hyesook Yoon was held on August 9 at the Tallahassee Civic Center. Dr. Yoon was hooded by her PhD advisor Dr. Michael Blaber. Photos here!.
Dr. Hyesook Yoon manuscript accepted for publication
Recent Ph.D. graduate Dr. Hyesook Yoon's manuscript entitled "Activation Profiles of Human Kallikrein-related Peptidases by Proteases of the Thrombostasis Axis " has been accepted for publication in Protein Science. This study details how proteases that regulate coagulation and clot lysis can also activate members of the human kallikrein-related peptidase family, thus connecting the function of two major protease families. Congratulations Hyesook!
Dr. Michael Blaber travels to Brazil
Dr. Michael Blaber was invited to give a talk at the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a guest of Dr. Luiz Juliano, a pioneer in the field of human kallikrein-related peptidases. Pictures from the trip can be found here.
July 2008
Dr. Maria Juliano manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Maria Juliano's manuscript entitled "S1’ and S2’ Subsite Specificities of Human Plasma Kalikrein and Tissue Kallikrein 1 on the Hydrolysis of Peptides Derived from Bradykinin Domain of Human Kininogen" has been accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry. This study reports that S1’ and S2’ subsites of KLK1 and HPK show peculiarities that are observed with substrates containing the amino acid sequence of human kinonogen. Dr. Michael Blaber and Sachiko Blaber are coauthors on this study.
Ms. Hyesook Yoon successfully defends Ph.D. thesis
Ms. Hyesook Yoon, a graduate student in the Blaber Lab, successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis Activation Profiles and Regulatory Cascades of the Human Kallikrein-related Peptidases. Pictures of Hyesook's defense can be found here. Dr. Yoon will continue her training as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lab of Dr. Eleftherios Diamandis, University of Toronto. Congratulations Hyesook!
Dr. Gulsah Sanli named one of the top 5 Women in Science in Turkey
Dr. Gulsah Sanli (PhD student in the Blaber Lab 1998-2002), Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Izmir Institute of Technology, was recently recognized as one of the top 5 Women in Science in Turkey. A picture of Gulsah at the awards ceremony can be found here. Congratulations Gulsah!
June 2008
Blaber Lab receives NIH subcontract award
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick, a long-time collaborator, was recently awarded an NIH research grant (1R01NS052741-01A2) entitled Regulation and Function of Kallikreins in Spinal Cord Injury and Repair. This research proposal is a collaborative project and includes a sub-contract award to the Blaber Lab of $252,636 ($171,862 direct). Congratulations Isobel!
May 2008
Dr. Michael Blaber to serve on Kallikrein meeting Advisory Board
Dr. Michael Blaber has been invited to serve on the International Scientific Advisory Board of the 3rd International Symposium on Tissue Kallikreins and Kallikrein-related Peptidases , to be held in Munich, Germany, Sep 16-19, 2009. Kallikreins are a family of proteases with emerging impact in human health, and this meeting is the premier meeting for the field.
Dr. Jihun Lee receives Finn Wold Award
Dr. Jihun Lee, postdoctoral researcher in the Blaber Lab, has received a Finn Wold Award, which provides support to attend the 22nd Annual Symposium of The Protein Society and present results of her research on b-turn structures in protein folding. Congratulations Jihun!
April 2008
Blaber Lab research featured in TechJournal South
Research in the Blaber Lab on FGF-1 mutants and their potential application in pro-angiogenic therapy for coronary heart disease was featured in the April edition of TechJournal South. A link to the article can be found here.
Blaber Lab research featured on WFSU/NPR radio
Research in the Blaber Lab on FGF-1 mutants and their potential application in pro-angiogenic therapy for coronary heart disease was featured this month on radio broadcasts on WFSU and NPR radio stations. An MP3 file of the broadcast can be found here.
Mr. Liam Longo awarded two undergraduate research fellowships
Mr. Liam Longo, an FSU undergraduate student, was awarded both a Florida State University Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (URACE) Summer Award, and a James R. Fisher Fellowship. These awards, totalling $4,000, will provide full-time support for Liam's on-going research into the folding mechanism of the FGF-1 protein in the Blaber Lab during the summer 2008 semester. Congratulations Liam!
Mar 2008
Dr. Michael Blaber invited to the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)
Dr. Blaber will spend one week in March in Tokai, Japan, as the guest of Dr. Ryota Kuroki, Molecular Structural Biology Leader-Drug Target Protein Group, Quantum Beam Science Directorate, Japan Atomic Energy Agency. Dr. Kuroki is a leader in neutron diffraction studies of protein solvation and hydrogen-bonding (more information here). Drs. Kuroki and Blaber are collaborating on neutron diffraction studies of FGF-1. Pictures can be found here.
Ms. Hyehyun Hwang, M.S., joins Blaber lab as Research Assistant
Ms. Hyehyun Hwang, formerly from ENZYTech Ltd., Daejeon Korea, joins the Blaber lab as a Research Assistant. Ms. Hwang will provide experimental and administrative assistance to the research programs in the lab, and her experience in cell-based assay and expression systems will provide additional support in these areas. Welcome Hyehyun!
Dr. Luciano Puzer, Ph.D., joins Blaber lab as Visiting Professor
Dr. Luciano Puzer, Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, SP, Brazil, has joined the Blaber lab as a visiting professor for 6 months. Dr. Puzer is interested in kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and will be collaborating on production and characterization of members of this important family of peptidases. Welcome Luciano!
Dr. Michael Blaber appointed to the Scientific Advisory Board of CardioVascular BioTherapeutics Inc.
CVBT Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company performing clinical and pre-clinical studies of the application of FGF-1 in novel "angiogenic therapy" to treat various types of ischemic disease. The structural and biophysical properties of proteins play an important part in their biological activity, and the Blaber lab is a leader in structural biology and biophysical studies of FGF-1. Information on CVBT's Scientific Advisory Board can be found here.
Feb 2008
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick's manuscript entitiled "Tissue Kallikreins are Associated with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Promote Neurodegeneration" has been accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry. This study shows that tissue kallikreins 1 and 6 may serve as serological markers of progressive MS and contribute directly to the development of disability through promotion of neuron and axon injury. Ms. Sachiko Blaber and Dr. Michael Blaber are coauthors on this study.
Dr. Eijiro Honjo manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Eijiro Honjo's manuscript entitiled "Mutagenesis of the Crystal Contact of Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor" has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Synchrotron Radiation. Dr. Honjo is a researcher in the lab of Dr. Ryota Kuroki, a leader in neutron diffraction studies of protein solvation and hydrogen-bonding. This study describes a mutagenesis approach to increase the size of FGF-1 crystals to enable neutron diffraction studies. Drs. Akshaya Meher and Michael Blaber are coauthors on this study.
Dr. Jihun Lee manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Jihun Lee's manuscript entitiled "A Logical OR Redundancy within the Asx-Pro-Asx-Gly Type I b-turn Motif" has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Molecular Biology. This report, containing a comprehensive structure, stability and folding study of 28 mutations of fibroblast growth factor-1, identifies a logical OR relationship for the Asx residues in the Asx-Pro-Asx-Gly b-turn motif in stabilizing the turn.
Jan 2008
Dr. George Georgiou manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. George Georgiou's manuscript entitiled "The Substrate Specificity of Human Kallikrein 1 and 6 Determined by Phage Display" has been accepted for publication in Protein Science. Sachiko Blaber, Gurunathan Laxmikanthan (former graduate student) and Dr. Michael Blaber are coauthors on this study which characterizes the preferred recognition cleavage sequence of KLK1 and KLK6 using a phage-display methodology.
Dec 2007
Ms. Hyesook Yoon and Dr. Jihun Lee featured on FSU International Center
Ms Hyesook Yoon (graduate student) and Dr. Jihun Lee (postdoctoral fellow), both members of the Blaber Lab, were featured researchers on the FSU International Center web site. Details can be found here.
Dr. Michael Blaber invited to serve on NIH study section
Dr. Michael Blaber received an invitation to serve as an ad hoc member of the Macromolecular Structure and Function Study Section of the NIH at its February 7-8 2008 meeting in Long Beach, CA. Such peer-review meetings are invaluable in understanding the NIH grant review process and the current areas of research interest supported by the NIH.
Nov 2007
Dr. Michael Blaber receives FSU Innovator Award
Dr. Michael Blaber received an FSU Innovator Award at the recent FSU Innovator Reception honoring those faculty involved in the development of intellectual property. Dr. Blaber was recognised for his patent applications associated with the development of novel mutants of fibroblast growth factor for application in angiogenic therapy. Further details can be found here, and a picture of Dr. Blaber receiving his award from Vice President of Research Dr. Kirby Kemper can be found here.
Dr. Thomas Stegmann visits FSU
Dr. Thomas Stegmann, a cardiac surgeon pioneering the application of angiogenic therapy to the treatment of vascular stenosis was the invited speaker for the "Grand Rounds" of the College of Medicine on Nov 1 2007. Dr. Stegmann's procedure utilizes human FGF-1, and several mutants of FGF-1 produced in the Blaber Lab may be of interest as "2nd Generation" forms in angiogenic therapy. A picture of Dr. Stegmann with members of the Blaber Lab can be found here.
Oct 2007
Blaber Lab members attend 2nd ISK meeting in Greece
The 2nd International Symposium on Kallikreins and Kallikrein-Related Peptidases was held Oct 16-18 in Santorini, Greece. Dr. Michael Blaber gave a lecture entitled "Activation Profiles and Regulatory Cascades of the Human Kallikrein-related Peptidases (KLK's)". The meeting was also attended by Ms. Hyesook Yoon and Ms. Sachiko Blaber. Hyesook presented a poster detailing her studies of the human KLK activome (in press in JBC), and Sachiko gave a poster detailing the autolytic regulation of KLK-6 (published earlier this year in Biochemistry). Pictures from the meeting can be found here.
Aug 2007
Ms. Hyesook Yoon manuscript accepted for publication
Ms. Hyesook Yoon's manuscript entitled "Activation Profiles and Regulatory Cascades of the Human Kallikrein-related Peptidases" has been accepted for publication in Journal of Biological Chemistry. This study characterizes the specificity profile of the mature KLK's for the 15 different KLK propeptide sequences, and elucidates potential KLK activation cascades.
June 2007
Dr. Michael Blaber receives "Outstanding Senior Faculty Researcher" award
At the College of Medicine faculty awards ceremony, Dr. Michael Blaber was awarded the "Outstanding Senior Faculty Researcher" award for 2006-2007. This achievement reflects the hard work and accomplishments of the students, postdocs and technicians in the Blaber Lab; thank you!
May 2007
Dr. Vikash Dubey manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Dubey's manuscript entitled "Spackling the Crack: Stabilizing Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 by Targeting the N- and C-terminus b-strand Interactions" has been accepted for publication in Journal of Molecular Biology. This report describes specific point mutations in the adjacent N- and C-termini b-strands that provide substantial increases in thermostability.
Apr 2007
PhD Graduation ceremony for Dr. Jihun Lee
The graduation ceremony for Dr. Jihun Lee was held on April 27 at the Tallahassee Civic Center. Dr. Lee was hooded by her PhD advisor Dr. Michael Blaber. Photo here!.
Mar 2007
Blaber Lab signs contract research agreement
The Blaber Lab has entered into a contract research agreement with CardioVascular BioTherapeutics, a leading-edge Biotechnology company in angiogenic therapy. The research agreement provides research support for the development and characterization of "second generation" forms of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) for application in angiogenic therapy.
Ms. Jihun Lee successfully defends Ph.D. thesis
Ms. Jihun Lee, a graduate student in the Blaber Lab, successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis Characterization of the Effects of b
-turn Sequence on Protein Stability, Folding Kinetics, Functionality and Turn Structure. Dr. Lee will continue her training as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Blaber Lab, pursuing her interest in the study of protein turn structure. Congratulations Jihun!
Ms. Sachiko Blaber manuscript accepted for publication
Ms. Sachiko Blaber's manuscript entitled "The autolytic regulation of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6" has been accepted for publication in Biochemistry. This study concludes that KLK6 autolytic activity is primarily targeted towards inactivation and a distinct protease is required for activation.
Feb 2007
Ms. Hyesook Yoon passes PhD oral qualifing exam
Ms. Hyesook Yoon, a graduate student in the Blaber Lab, successfully passed her PhD oral qualfying exam and has now advanced to candidacy for the PhD degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Congratulations to Hyesook!
Blaber Lab awarded NIH research grant
The Blaber Lab has been awarded a 3-year NIH R15 research grant entitled Interactions between CNS-specific human kallikreins and the PA system in inflammation. The project will focus of the role of specific members of the human kallikrein family in the progression of inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system (as occurs with Multiple Sclerosis).
Jan 2007
Dr. Michael Blaber promoted to Full Professor
FSU president T.K. Wetherell approved promotion of Dr. Blaber to Full Professor, effective the 2007 academic year. This promotion reflects the achievements of the outstanding students, postdocs and technicians who have contributed to the success of the Blaber Lab over the past 13 years (special thanks to the current lab personnel).
Sep 2006
Mr. Gurunathan Laxmikanthan successfully defends Ph.D. thesis
Mr. Gurunathan, a graduate student in the Blaber Lab, successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis An Insight into the Structure, Function and Activation Cascades of the Classical Human Kallikreins. Dr. Laxmikanthan will pursue a Postdoctoral position at Brown University. Congratulations Guru!
June 2006
Dr. Morley Hollenberg manuscript accepted for publication
Another manuscript, Proteinase-activated receptors (pars): targets for kallikrein signalling in collaboration with Dr. Morley Hollenberg (pioneer in the area of protease-activated receptors) has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Dr. Michael Blaber and Ms. Sachiko I. Blaber are coauthors in this study.
May 2006
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick (Mayo Clinic, Rochester) is a long-standing collaborator of the Blaber Lab. She has recently studied the potential scope of action of tissue kallikreins in T cell-mediated disease of the CNS. This work has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Neuroimmunology and includes Sachiko I. Blaber and Michael Blaber as coauthors. Congratulations to Dr. Scarisbrick.
Blaber Lab receives research grant from the American Heart Association
The Blaber Lab has been awarded a three-year research grant from the American Heart Association to study the x-ray structure and receptor-binding properties of mutant forms of human fibroblast growth factor-1. The mutant forms being studied exhibit enhanced properties in regards to their ability to stimulate cells to grow. The study of these mutants will help in the design of "second generation" forms of FGF-1 for angiogenic therapy in the treatment of "no option" heart patients. Thanks to all the hard-working lab personnel who made this grant possible!
Dr. Vikash Dubey obtains tenured faculty position
Dr. Vikash Dubey, a postdoc in the Blaber lab since 2004, has received an offer of a tenured Assistant Professorship in the Department of Biotechnology at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati campus. Congratulations to Vikash!
Apr 2006
Ms. Nikki Held graduates with MS
Ms. Nikki held graduated from the Blaber Lab with an MS degree in Chemistry in the Spring 2006 semester.
Mar 2006
Dr. Morley Hollenberg manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Morley Hollenberg has been studying the role of human kallikreins in the activation of protease-activated receptors. His manuscript entitled Kallikrein-Mediated Cell Signaling: Targeting Proteinase-Activated Receptors (PARs)1 has been accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry. Dr. Michael Blaber and Ms. Sachiko I. Blaber are coauthors in this study.
Dr. Blaber appointed to FSU Human Subjects Institutional Review Board
The Human Subjects IRB reviews research applications from FSU researchers that involve human subjects. The IRB ensures that appropriate ethical standards are upheld for research involving human subjects.
Feb 2006
European patent filed for treating inflammatory demyelination
A European patent application (03734121.1-2403-US0316106) has been filed by the Mayo Foundation entitled Methods and Materials for Treating Inflammatory Conditions. This application derived from research produced by the Scarisbrick (Mayo, Rochester) and Blaber laboratories (FSU). Dr. Michael Blaber and Ms. Sachiko I. Blaber are listed as co-inventors on this patent application.
Jan 2006
Dr. Ake Lundwall manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Ake Lundwall has organized a group of experts in the kallikrein field to propose a nomenclature for the kallikrein family. This effort derived from discussions at the 1st International Symposium on Kallikreins, held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2005. Dr. Blaber participated in this effort, and is a coauthor on this manuscript which was recently accepted for publication in Biological Chemistry.
Dec 2005
Dr. Luiz Juliano manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Luiz Juliano, a recognized expert in the study of human kallikreins at the Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, has been collaborating with the Blaber Lab to study the ability of K6 to activate protease-activated receptors (PAR's). This work, authored by Dr. Juliano, was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Nov 2005
Dr. Blaber receives FSU Innovator Recognition
Dr. Blaber was one of several faculty and staff members to be recognized by Dr. Kirby Kemper, Vice President of Research, for contributions towards the licencing of intellectual property generated at FSU. Dr. Blaber was acknowledged for his development and licencing of web-based tutorials for teaching concepts in undergraduate Chemistry.
Oct 2005
Dr. Blaber reappointed to Protein Science Editorial Advisory Board
Dr. Blaber has previously served a three-year term as an Editorial Advisory Board member to Protein Science. This month he was invited by the Editor of the journal to serve a second three-year term (through 2008). Dr. Blaber has published articles in Protein Science as a graduate student, postdoc and P.I., and it is a real privilege to serve on the EAB for another term. Best wishes for the continued success of the journal!
Sep 2005
Ms. Jihun Lee manuscript accepted for publication
Ms. Lee, a graduate student in the Blaber Lab, had an article entitled "Conversion of type I 4:6 to 3:5 b-turn types in human acidic fibroblast growth factor: effects upon structure, stability, folding and mitogenic function" accepted, with no requested revisions, for publication in the journal Proteins: Structure, Function and Bioinformatics.
Blaber Lab Retreat in Sandestin
The Blaber Lab went on a much-needed 2-day retreat to Sandestin, FL. Images of the trip can be found here.
Blaber Lab first to receive research grant in FSU GAP program
The Blaber Lab was awarded the first of a new type of grant from the FSU Office of Research, known as a GAP grant. These grants are intended to provide proof-of-concept data in the development of intellectual property of potential commercial interest. The Blaber Lab submitted a proposal to study heparin and receptor-binding properties of mutants of human fibroblast growth factor 1 with enhanced functional properties. Such mutants have potential application in "angiogenic therapy" for the development of neo-vasculature in the treatment of ischemia. CardioVascular BioTherapeutics is one such company pursuing the use of FGF-1 in angiogenic therapy.
Blaber Lab moves to brand new research facilities in College of Medicine at Florida State University
After starting his academic career and spending 11 challenging and rewarding years in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at FSU, Dr. Blaber accepted an offer of a faculty position in the new College of Medicine at FSU. This next phase in his career will no doubt be as challengind and exciting as the first! His teaching responsibilities in the College of Medicine include training of medical students; several of which were undergraduates in Dr. Blaber's Chemistry and Biochemistry courses at FSU.
July 2005
Ms. Hyesook Yoon joins Blaber Lab
Ms. Hyesook Yoon has joined the Blaber Lab as a Graduate Research Assistant. Ms. Yoon's research efforts will initially focus upon the biochemistry and enzymology of human kallikreins.
May 2005
Dr. Vikash Dubey manuscript accepted for publication
Dr. Vikash Dubey, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Blaber Lab, had an article entitled "Redesigning symmetry-related "mini-core" regions of FGF-1 to increase primary structure symmetry: thermodynamic and functional consequences of structural symmetry" accepted for publication in the journal Protein Science.
March 2005
Blaber Lab awarded Pilot Project Grant from National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Blaber Lab was awarded a grant (PP1113) to study the "Identification of Activation Cascades Involving Human Kallikrein 6" from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The research will help to understand the role of this novel CNS-specific protease in Multiple Sclerosis.
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