Jennifer R. Kowalski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Butler University
4600 Sunset Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Office: Gallahue Hall 263
Phone: (317)940-8879
FAX: (317)940-9519
E-Mail: jrkowals@butler.edu
Link to Dr. Kowalski's
C.V.
Education & Training
- B.S., University of Notre Dame, Biology, 2000
- Ph.D., Harvard University, Cell & Developmental Biology,
2006
- Postdoctoral training, Tufts University School of Medicine,
Physiology, 2006-2009
Courses
- Fall 2010:
- Bi120 Principles of Biology I, Bi121 Biological Investigations
I, Bi303 Principles of Physiology
- Spring 2010:
- Bi122 Principles of Biology II, Bi123 Biological Investigations
II, Bi303 Principles of Physiology (SYLLABI - Bi122,
Bi123,
Bi303)
- Fall 2009:
- Bi120 Principles of Biology I, Bi121 Biological Investigations
I (SYLLABI - Bi120,
Bi121)
Research Interests
Research in the Kowalski lab focuses on understanding the
molecular processes that control the ability of neurons to
communicate with one another at specialized cellular junctions
called synapses (synaptic transmission). The precise regulation of
synaptic protein abundance and function impacts the strength of
synaptic transmission, which changes during processes such as
learning and memory. We utilize the roundworm C.
elegans as a model system in which to identify and
characterize enzymes belonging to two highly conserved protein
modification pathways (called the ubiquitin pathway and the SUMO
pathway) and their substrates that regulate synaptic transmission.
To do this, we employ a combination of genetic, biochemical, cell
biological, and behavioral approaches. Since there is significant
conservation of neuronal proteins between C. elegans and
humans, these studies may also provide insight into how synaptic
transmission is controlled in the human nervous system.
Click here to
read more about research in the Kowalski lab, including information
on past and current students and an answer to the question "Why
study neurobiology in microscopic worms?"
If you are interested in doing research related to central
questions in neuronal cell biology, contact Dr.
Kowalski.
Publications
- Kowalski, J.R. and Juo, P. The
deubiquitinating enzyme USP-46 negatively regulates the degradation
of glutamate receptors to control their abundance in the ventral
nerve cord of C. elegans. Submitted.
- Yang, L., Kowalski, J.R., Yacono, P.,
Bajmoczi, M., Shaw, S.K., Froio, R.M., Golan, D.E., Thomas, S.M.
and Luscinskas, F.W. (2006). Endothelial
cell cortactin coordinates ICAM-1 clustering and actin cytoskeleton
remodeling during polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion and
transmigration. J. Immunology, 177:6440-6449.
- Yang, L., Kowalski, J.R., Zhan, X., Thomas,
S.M., and Luscinskas, F.W. (2006). Endothelial cell cortactin
phosphorylation by Src contributes to polymorphonuclear leukocyte
transmigration in vitro. Circ. Res.
98:394-402.
- Kowalski, J.R., Egile, C., Gil, S., Snapper,
S.B., Li, R., and Thomas, S.M. (2005). Cortactin
regulates cell migration via activation of N-WASP. J.
Cell Sci. 118:79-87.
- Hastings, P.J., Bull, H.J., Klump, J.R., and
Rosenberg, S.M. (2000) Adaptive amplification, an inducible
chromosomal instability mechanism. Cell
103:723-731.
Grants Funded
- Cottrell College Science Award (2010-2012),
Research Corporation, $35,000
"Identification and characterization of Anaphase
Promoting Complex substrates that regulate synaptic transmission in
C. elegans"
- Faculty Research Grant (2010-2011), Holcomb
Awards Committee, Butler University, $15,000, "Analysis of Anaphase
Promoting Complex function in regulating synaptic transmission at
the C. elegans neuromuscular
junction"
- Training in Education and Critical Research Skills
(TEACRS) Postdoctoral Fellowship
(2006-2009), NIH/National Institute of General
Medical Science (NIGMS), IRACDA program
- Graduate Research Fellowship (2002-2005),
National Science Foundation
Student Research Grants
Butler Summer Institute
Awards
2010
Erica Damler
Hitesh Dube
Greater Indianapolis Area C. elegans
Group
Begun in November 2009, the Greater Indianapolis Area C. elegans
Group includes researchers working on any aspect of C.
elegans biology in and around Indianapolis. Current
members of the group come from labs at Indiana University in
Bloomington and IU School of Medicine, as well as Butler
University. Dinner meetings are held roughly three
times per year during which data presentations are given by
students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants. The
mission of the group is to foster interaction, collaborations, and
shared resources among C. elegans researchers at all
levels working at institutions in central Indiana. Please
contact Dr. Kowalski if you are a
C. elegans researcher in the area interested in
participating in this group.
Related Links