לוח שנה משולב

The integrity of the genome transmitted to the next generation intrinsically relies on cells of the germ line. Processes that ensure germ cell development, genomic stability, and reproductive lifespan are essential for the long-term success of a species. Dónal O'Carroll is interested in characterizing spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) populations that support fertility as well the regenerative capacity of the testis throughout adult life. In addition, O'Carroll lab tackles fundamental questions regarding the mammalian male germ line and heredity from an RNA perspective. Specifically, their research explores the contribution of non-coding RNA (miRNA, piRNA and lncRNA) and RNA modification pathways within germ cell development as well as testicular homeostasis/regeneration. The research objectives focus on the contribution of these emerging pathways on the underlying circuitry of self-renewal that underpins the SSC, as well as the coordination of the various cellular/differentiation processes of spermatogenesis.

Despite much effort in the past decades, uncertainties in both climate impacts and health effects of atmospheric aerosols remain large. During the last ten years, aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) has shown that sub-micron aerosol chemical composition is roughly 50:50 inorganic and organic worldwide, with secondary highly oxidized organics dominating the latter. Parallel application of ToFMS has provided the first observation of molecular cluster ions involved in atmospheric nucleation. Chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) has extended detection to neutral molecules and clusters, detecting highly oxidized multifunctional (HOM) organics in the gas phase. Ambient sampling and photochemical chamber experiments have resolved the interaction of H2SO4 and HOM in nanoparticle nucleation and growth. These results will be discussed in the context of their impact on atmospheric aerosols, clouds and climate.

The Na,K-ATPase, an αβ hetero-oligomer, maintains the gradients of Na and K across the cell membrane vital to all animal cells. While the function of its catalytic α-subunit is well understood the role of β for transport and even tissue specific assembly of α-β isoforms has been less clear. We studied the effect of three β subunits on the cardiac α2 isoform and could show that β2 and β3 subunits greatly reduce K-affinity and show greater selectivity towards cardiotonic steroids. These findings help to understand the role of Na,K-ATPase in cardiac physiology and offer potential pharmaceutical applications.