User:JernejTurnsek: Difference between revisions

From OpenWetWare
Jump to navigationJump to search
(227 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
I am a PhD Candidate at Harvard University working in the laboratory of [https://silver.med.harvard.edu/ Pamela Silver].
<font size=4>'''Illuminating evolution''' one compartment at a time. Pioneering '''spatial proteomics''' approaches in '''photosynthetic microeukaryotes''' at Harvard University, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).</font>
 
 
<font size=4>Be part of my efforts to '''save coral reefs''' at [https://www.crowdrise.com/triforoceans-saving-coral-reefs-through-triathlon/fundraiser/jernejturnsek Let’s all tri our best, TriForOceans!]</font>
 
 
 
On Sep 1, 2016, I became a Visiting Graduate Student in [https://scripps.ucsd.edu/labs/aallen/ Prof. Andrew E. Allen Lab] at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) where I am continuing my spatial proteomics work in diatoms. My new mailing address is as follows:


==Contact Info==
[[Image:Jaz&diatoms.jpg|thumb|400x200px|left]]


===Lab===
Jernej Turnsek<br>
:Jernej Turnšek | Ph.D. Candidate
[http://www.jcvi.org/cms/home/ J. Craig Venter Institute]<br>
:Harvard Medical School | [https://sysbio.med.harvard.edu/ Department of Systems Biology] | 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
4120 Capricorn Lane<br>
:[http://wyss.harvard.edu/ Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University] | Center for Life Science Boston Bldg., 5th Floor | 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
La Jolla, CA 92037<br>
:Phone: 617-797-5386 | Fax: 617-432-5012 | Email: turnsek@fas.harvard.edu
USA<br>
:[[Special:Emailuser/Jernej Turnsek|Email me through OpenWetWare]]
Email: turnsek@ucsd.edu & jturnsek@jcvi.org


===Social Media===
[[Image:linkedin.png|80x60px]] [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jernejt/ Visit my LinkedIn profile.] [[Image:Twitter-logo-hashtag.jpg‎|80x60px]] [https://twitter.com/SynEnthu Follow me on Twitter.]


I am a marine microbiology Ph.D. Candidate at Harvard University working in the laboratory of [https://silver.med.harvard.edu/ Pamela Silver]. Fascinated by the microbial diversity of the oceans, I am striving to push the nascent field forward by developing '''molecular tools to study diatoms''', highly abundant and evolutionarily successful photosynthetic unicellular algae with '''intricately ornamented species-specific silica cell walls'''. I am interested in understanding the '''molecular mechanisms guiding the morphogenesis of diatom cell walls''' and more specifically in the role '''polyamines''' play in this process. Biological problems surrounding diatom cell wall biogenesis lead me to my broader research questions: [1] how have mineral skeletons in ocean microorganisms and biomineralization as a biological phenomenon in general evolved, [2] what is the molecular basis of biosynthesis of such biominerals and other intricately patterned naturally occurring biomaterials and [3] how is polyamine metabolism regulated across kingdoms.<br><br>


==Interests==
==Interests==
To understand biological, chemical and physical forces in biomineralization processes. | To use engineered cells for sustainable production of materials.


*Biomineralization | Biomaterials | Morphogenesis | Self-Assembly
*Biomineralization | Biomaterials | Morphogenesis | Self-Assembly
*Marine Microbiome | Marine Natural Products  
*Marine Microbiome | Marine Natural Products  
*Enzymology | Protein Engineering
*Phase Transitions in Cell Biology
*Astrobiology | Space Exploration | Origins of Life
*Astrobiology | Space Exploration | Origins of Life
*Exercise Physiology
*Endurance Sports | Exercise Physiology | Sports Technology


==Projects==
==Projects==


*Biosilicification-specific proteomics in the model diatom ''Thalassiosira pseudonana''.
*Spatial biosilicification-specific proteomics in the model diatom ''Thalassiosira pseudonana''.
*Size- and shape-constrained synthesis of metal oxides using protein scaffolds.
 
[[Image:SDV_Tp.png|thumb|600x300px|left]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
'''Figure 1 | Overview of the biosilicification process in diatoms.''' (Left) Diatom cell wall is synthesized inside an acidic compartment called the silica deposition vesicle (SDV). (Right) It is hypothesized that the interaction of silaffins with long-chain polyamines (LCPA) inside the SDV leads to the formation of an organic matrix, the structure of which is controlled by the silaffins (adapted from Kröger, 2007, and Kröger & Poulsen, 2008).
 
References
*N. Kröger, Prescribing diatom morphology: toward genetic engineering of biological nanomaterials. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 11, 662–669 (2007).
*N. Kröger, N. Poulsen, Diatoms—From Cell Wall Biogenesis to Nanotechnology. Annu. Rev. Genet. 42, 83–107 (2008).
*M. Hildebrand, S. J. L. Lerch, Diatom silica biomineralization: Parallel development of approaches and understanding. Semin. Cell Dev. Biol. 46, 27–35 (2015).
 
 
[[Image:Overview_Diatoms.png|thumb|600x300px|left]]
 
 
 
 


[[Image:Cut_Tp_Yellow.png|thumb|400x200px|left|SEM image of ''Thalassiosira pseudonana'']]




Line 50: Line 91:




'''Figure 2''' [A] Morphological diversity of diatom cell walls. The image represents cleaned diatom cell walls arranged in the star-like pattern by the UK-based microscopist and diatom artist [http://www.diatoms.co.uk/ Klaus Kemp]. [B] SEM image of ''Thalassiosira pseudonana'', the model diatom for biomineralization studies (credit: Nils Kröger). [C] ''Thalassiosira pseudonana'' cells. Red and green correspond to plastid autofluorescence and silica, respectively.


See poster links under the "Conferences" section for more details.


==Funding==


My work is supported by the '''Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation''': "The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation believes in bold ideas that create enduring impact in the areas of science, environmental conservation and patient care. Intel co-founder Gordon and his wife Betty established the foundation to create positive change around the world and at home in the San Francisco Bay Area. Science looks for opportunities to transform–or even create–entire fields by investing in early-stage research, emerging fields and top research scientists. Environmental conservation efforts promote sustainability, protect critical ecological systems and align conservation needs with human development. Patient care focuses on eliminating preventable harms and unnecessary healthcare costs through meaningful engagement of patients and their families in a supportive, redesigned healthcare system." Visit [https://www.moore.org/ Moore.org] or follow [https://twitter.com/MooreFound @MooreFound] and read more about the broader research initiative my projects fall under on the [https://www.moore.org/newsroom/press-releases/2015/11/12/$8m-awarded-to-scientists-from-the-gordon-and-betty-moore-foundation-to-accelerate-development-of-experimental-model-systems-in-marine-microbial-ecology following link].


==Peer reviewed publications==
*R. J. Conrado et al., DNA-guided assembly of biosynthetic pathways promotes improved catalytic efficiency. Nucleic Acids Res. 40, 1879–1889 (2012).


==Publications==
==Open source publications==
<biblio>
*[https://www.protocols.io/view/conjugation-of-thalassiosira-pseudonana-f55bq86 Conjugation of Thalassiosira pseudonana] (protocols.io, Oct 19, 2016)
#paper1 pmid=22021385
</biblio>


==Conferences==
==Conferences==
===Molecular Life of Diatoms 2017, 9-13 July 2017, Kobe, Japan===
===[http://www.embo-embl-symposia.org/symposia/2016/EES16-01/index.html A New Age of Discovery for Aquatic Microeukrayotes], 26-29 Januar 2016, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany===
This conference celebrated efforts of three major contributions to microeukaryote biology, ecology, and evolution that are catapulting the field forward: the Marine Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP), the Tara Oceans Expeditions, and the Malaspina Expedition. You can find the poster I presented at the conference on [http://openwetware.org/images/c/c1/Turnsek_EMBL_16%27.pdf this link].
===The Eleventh Annual [https://www.broadinstitute.org/ Broad Institute] Retreat, 14-15 December 2015, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA===
This event brings together researchers and affiliates of the Broad Institute to discuss institute's most recent advances at the interface of science and technology. You can find the poster I presented at the retreat [http://openwetware.org/images/4/4a/Turnsek_Broad_Retreat_15%27.pdf here]
===[http://wyss.harvard.edu/ Wyss Institute] 7th Annual Retreat, 19 November 2015, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA===
This event brings together researchers and affiliates of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering to discuss institute's most recent advances at the interface of science and technology. You can find the poster I presented at the retreat on [http://openwetware.org/images/d/df/Turnsek_Wyss_Retreat_15%27.pdf this link].


===[http://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Molecular+Life+of+Diatoms+2015 Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015], 7-10 July 2015, University of Washington, Seattle, WA===
===[http://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Molecular+Life+of+Diatoms+2015 Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015], 7-10 July 2015, University of Washington, Seattle, WA===


Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015 brought together an eclectic interdisciplinary mix of scientists to discuss recent advances in our understanding of diatoms and the way they shape our planet. You can download the poster I presented at the conference [http://openwetware.org/images/b/b5/Turnsek_MLD_15_Poster.pdf here].
Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015 brought together an interdisciplinary mix of scientists to discuss recent advances in our understanding of diatoms and the way they shape our planet. You can find the poster I presented at the conference [http://openwetware.org/images/b/b5/Turnsek_MLD_15_Poster.pdf here].
 
==Talks==
*Synthetic Biology Platform Meeting, [http://wyss.harvard.edu/ Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering], 1 March 2016 | [http://openwetware.org/images/8/8f/16_03_01_SynBio_Platform.pptx slides]
 
==Teaching==
 
*Biochemistry Bootcamp Mentor, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, January 2015
I served as a mentor for the inaugural biochemistry bootcamp aimed at promising undergraduates at Wellesley College. Students expressed a protein in bacteria, purified it, assayed its activity, and presented their findings to their classmates. I directly supervised a pair of undergraduate participants. The administrators at Wellesley agreed to offer this bootcamp opportunity to students again in 2016.
 
==Outreach==
 
===My PhD project in plain English===
*3 slides describing my PhD project in simple terms can be found [http://openwetware.org/images/f/f5/Andy_Australia_High_School_Diatom.pptx here].


==[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/ SITN Waves] Correspondent==
===[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/ SITN Waves] Correspondent===
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/going-with-the-flow-new-evidence-for-liquid-water-on-mars/ Going with the Flow: New Evidence for Liquid Water on Mars]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/going-with-the-flow-new-evidence-for-liquid-water-on-mars/ Going with the Flow: New Evidence for Liquid Water on Mars]


==[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/ SITN Waves] Expert==
===[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/ SITN Waves] Expert===
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2015/friend-or-foe-getting-the-body-to-make-peace-with-bioengineered-drug-delivery-systems/ Friend or Foe? Getting the body to make peace with bioengineered drug delivery systems]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2015/friend-or-foe-getting-the-body-to-make-peace-with-bioengineered-drug-delivery-systems/ Friend or Foe? Getting the body to make peace with bioengineered drug delivery systems]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2015/algae-applications-in-removing-arsenic-and-beyond/ Algae: Applications in Removing Arsenic and Beyond]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2015/algae-applications-in-removing-arsenic-and-beyond/ Algae: Applications in Removing Arsenic and Beyond]
Line 75: Line 144:
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2014/electric-bacteria-groundbreaking-science-or-old-news/ Electric Bacteria – Groundbreaking Science or Old News?]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/waves/2014/electric-bacteria-groundbreaking-science-or-old-news/ Electric Bacteria – Groundbreaking Science or Old News?]


==Science Art==
===Science Art===
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/art/2014/diatoms-natures-nanotechnologists/ Diatoms: Nature's Nanotechnologists]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/art/2014/diatoms-natures-nanotechnologists/ Diatoms: Nature's Nanotechnologists]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/uncategorized/2014/dna-sciku/ DNA Scikus]
*[http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/uncategorized/2014/dna-sciku/ DNA Scikus]
===In the news===
*[http://metinalista.si/metaphodcast-zapisi-07-jernej-turnsek-biotehnolog/ MetaPHoDcast], January 2016 (in Slovene)
*[http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpage/614 Wyss Institute], December 2015
*[http://www.startaj.si/8817899/Intervju-Slovenec-ki-na-Harvardu-secira-alge Finance], February 2015 (in Slovene)


==Past Affiliations==
==Past Affiliations==
Line 95: Line 169:


*[http://www.uni-lj.si/eng/ University of Ljubljana], Biotechnical Faculty, Diploma in Biotechnology, 06/2012
*[http://www.uni-lj.si/eng/ University of Ljubljana], Biotechnical Faculty, Diploma in Biotechnology, 06/2012
*Diploma thesis entitled: "Synthetic biology approach towards improvement of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway using zinc fingers"
*Diploma thesis entitled: [http://www.digitalna-knjiznica.bf.uni-lj.si/dn_turnsek_jernej.pdf "Synthetic biology approach towards improvement of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway using zinc fingers"]


==Sports==
==Sports==


*[http://huca.herokuapp.com/ Harvard Cycling] & [https://harvard-tri.herokuapp.com/ Harvard Triathlon]
*[http://ucsdcycling.org/ UC San Diego Cycling Team]
*[http://www.lajollacoveswimclub.com/ La Jolla Cove Swim Club]
*[http://triathlon.mit.edu/index.php MIT Triathlon Club]
*[http://huca.herokuapp.com/ Harvard University Cycling Association]
*[https://harvard-tri.herokuapp.com/ Harvard Triathlon Team]
*[http://november-project.com/ November Project]
 
*70.3 Ironman triathlon PR | [http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/timberman/register.aspx Timberman 2016] 08/2016: 5h 24' 02"
 
You can find reflections on my first Ironman 70.3 journey on [http://openwetware.org/images/c/c8/JT_Timberman_16%27_Race_Report.pdf this link].
 
[[Image:Timb All.png|thumb|600x300px|left]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


*Olympic distance triathlon PR | [http://www.lobstermantri.com/ Lobsterman Triathlon] 09/2014: 2h 40' 32"
*Olympic distance triathlon PR | [https://maxperformanceonline.com/massstaterace/ Mass State Triathlon] 07/2016: 2h 17' 24"
*Sprint distance triathlon PR | [https://maxperformanceonline.com/neopenerrace/ New England Season Opener] 05/2016: 1h 04' 12"  
*26.2 PR | [http://baystatemarathon.com/ Baystate Marathon] 10/2013: 3h 30' 55"
*26.2 PR | [http://baystatemarathon.com/ Baystate Marathon] 10/2013: 3h 30' 55"
*13.1 PR | [http://www.bostonsruntoremember.com/boston/index.html Boston's Run to Remember] 05/2013: 1h 26' 30"
*13.1 PR | [http://www.bostonsruntoremember.com/boston/index.html Boston's Run to Remember] 05/2013: 1h 26' 30"
*10K PR | [http://www.baa.org/races/10k.aspx B.A.A. 10K] 06/2015: 40' 20"
*10K PR | [https://www.wiz-events.com/mardi-gras Mardi Gras 10K] 02/2017: 38' 26"
*5K PR | [https://www.racemenu.com/events/139454-July-14th-2016-Boston-5K-Summer-Series 2016 Boston 5K Summer Series] 07/2016: 18' 56"
*University of Ljubljana basketball champion in 2008 and 2009.
*University of Ljubljana basketball champion in 2008 and 2009.


==Podcasts==
==Podcasts==
'''Science, Technology, Entertainment, Design'''
*[http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/more/?type=podcasts-monthly&page=1 Chemistry World] | [http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpage/567/wyss-podcast Disruptive] | [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002w557/episodes/downloads Discovery] | [http://www.nature.com/nature/podcast/ Nature] | [http://www.nature.com/nbt/podcast/index.html Nature Biotechnology] | [http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/ NPR: Invisibilia] | [http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2015-11-25 NPR: Ted Radio Hour] | [http://www.sciencemag.org/site/multimedia/podcast/ Science Magazine] | [http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/science-talk/ Science Talk] | [http://www.theguardian.com/science/series/science Science Weekly] [http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/podcast/ SIT'N Listen!] | [http://www.startalkradio.net/ StarTalk Radio] | [http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts/ Stuff You Should Now] | [https://www.theguardian.com/science/series/science The Guardian's Science Weekly] | [http://www.radiolab.org/ WNYC's Radiolab]
'''Sports'''
*[http://www.endurancenation.us/podcasts/ Endurance Nation] | [http://overthetopradio.net/ Over The Top Cycling] | [http://thekonaedge.com/podcast/ The Kona Edge] | [http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ The Rich Roll Podcast] | [http://tower26.com/podcasts-2/ TOWER26] | [http://www.zentriathlon.com/ Zen and The Art of Triathlon] | [http://www.220triathlon.com/podcast/ 220 Triathlon Magazine]
'''EDM'''
*[http://clubkerrynyc.libsyn.com/ Club Kerry NYC] | [http://www.miamiundergroundmovement.com/ Miami Sessions] | [https://soundcloud.com/umek-promo-mixes UMEK's 1605]
'''Slovenian'''
*[http://apparatus.si/ Apparatus] | [http://val202.rtvslo.si/frekvencax/ Frekvenca X] | [http://metinalista.si/category/phodcast/ Meta PHoDcast] | [http://apparatus.si/ Podrobnosti] | [https://player.fm/series/studio-ob-17h Studio ob 17h] | [http://www.rtvslo.si/stevilke Stevilke] | [https://player.fm/series/vroi-mikrofon Vroci Mikrofon]
'''Other'''
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02nq0lx/episodes/downloads Documentaries] | [http://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/ Fresh Air] | [http://hellophd.com/ Hello PhD] | [https://www.jeffsanders.com/the-5-am-miracle-podcast/ The 5AM Miracle Podcast] | [http://www.vinylschminyl.com/Vinyl_Schminyl_Radio.html Vinyl Schminyl Radio]


==Web==
==Web==
'''Marine Microbiology'''
*[http://oceans.taraexpeditions.org/en/ Tara Oceans] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFQ_fO2D7f0 The Secret Life of Plankton] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23mrtGCkAH8 Five Reasons to Thank Plankton] | [https://vimeo.com/84872751 Ocean Drifters] | [https://vimeo.com/90160649 The Diatomist]
'''Science, Technology, Entertainment, Design'''
*[http://www.compoundchem.com/ Compound Interest] | [https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy] | [http://www.sciencedaily.com/ ScienceDaily] | [http://fhapgood.fastmail.fm/site02.html Selected Lectures on Science and Engineering in the Boston Area] | [http://www.ted.com/ TED]
'''Sports'''
*[http://www.runningintheusa.com/Default.aspx Endurance races in the USA] | [http://triathlon.competitor.com/ Triathlete] | [http://www.usatriathlon.org/ USA Triathlon]
'''EDM'''
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4JhwDa2Wvc Kraftwerk and Electronic Revolution] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnMhkkgWpG4 Krautrock: The Rebirth of Germany] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mirw_yyRjOQ Sasha: Airdrawndagger (ADD)]
==Contact Info==
[[Image:Jaz&diatoms.jpg|thumb|400x200px|left]]
===Lab===
:Jernej Turnšek | Ph.D. Candidate
:Harvard Medical School | [https://sysbio.med.harvard.edu/ Department of Systems Biology] | 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
:[http://wyss.harvard.edu/ Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University] | Center for Life Science Boston Bldg., 5th Floor | 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
:Phone: (617) 797-5386 | Fax: (617) 432-5012 | Email: turnsek@fas.harvard.edu | [http://openwetware.org/images/e/eb/Jernej_Turnsek_CV.pdf CV as of July 16']
:[[Special:Emailuser/Jernej Turnsek|Email me through OpenWetWare]]
===Social Media===
[[Image:linkedin.png|80x60px]] [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jernejt/ Visit my LinkedIn profile.] [[Image:Twitter-logo-hashtag.jpg‎|80x60px]] [https://twitter.com/SynEnthu Follow me on Twitter.]

Revision as of 00:32, 18 February 2017

Illuminating evolution one compartment at a time. Pioneering spatial proteomics approaches in photosynthetic microeukaryotes at Harvard University, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).


Be part of my efforts to save coral reefs at Let’s all tri our best, TriForOceans!


On Sep 1, 2016, I became a Visiting Graduate Student in Prof. Andrew E. Allen Lab at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) where I am continuing my spatial proteomics work in diatoms. My new mailing address is as follows:


Jernej Turnsek
J. Craig Venter Institute
4120 Capricorn Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
USA
Email: turnsek@ucsd.edu & jturnsek@jcvi.org


I am a marine microbiology Ph.D. Candidate at Harvard University working in the laboratory of Pamela Silver. Fascinated by the microbial diversity of the oceans, I am striving to push the nascent field forward by developing molecular tools to study diatoms, highly abundant and evolutionarily successful photosynthetic unicellular algae with intricately ornamented species-specific silica cell walls. I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms guiding the morphogenesis of diatom cell walls and more specifically in the role polyamines play in this process. Biological problems surrounding diatom cell wall biogenesis lead me to my broader research questions: [1] how have mineral skeletons in ocean microorganisms and biomineralization as a biological phenomenon in general evolved, [2] what is the molecular basis of biosynthesis of such biominerals and other intricately patterned naturally occurring biomaterials and [3] how is polyamine metabolism regulated across kingdoms.

Interests

  • Biomineralization | Biomaterials | Morphogenesis | Self-Assembly
  • Marine Microbiome | Marine Natural Products
  • Astrobiology | Space Exploration | Origins of Life
  • Endurance Sports | Exercise Physiology | Sports Technology

Projects

  • Spatial biosilicification-specific proteomics in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana.















Figure 1 | Overview of the biosilicification process in diatoms. (Left) Diatom cell wall is synthesized inside an acidic compartment called the silica deposition vesicle (SDV). (Right) It is hypothesized that the interaction of silaffins with long-chain polyamines (LCPA) inside the SDV leads to the formation of an organic matrix, the structure of which is controlled by the silaffins (adapted from Kröger, 2007, and Kröger & Poulsen, 2008).

References

  • N. Kröger, Prescribing diatom morphology: toward genetic engineering of biological nanomaterials. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 11, 662–669 (2007).
  • N. Kröger, N. Poulsen, Diatoms—From Cell Wall Biogenesis to Nanotechnology. Annu. Rev. Genet. 42, 83–107 (2008).
  • M. Hildebrand, S. J. L. Lerch, Diatom silica biomineralization: Parallel development of approaches and understanding. Semin. Cell Dev. Biol. 46, 27–35 (2015).













Figure 2 [A] Morphological diversity of diatom cell walls. The image represents cleaned diatom cell walls arranged in the star-like pattern by the UK-based microscopist and diatom artist Klaus Kemp. [B] SEM image of Thalassiosira pseudonana, the model diatom for biomineralization studies (credit: Nils Kröger). [C] Thalassiosira pseudonana cells. Red and green correspond to plastid autofluorescence and silica, respectively.

See poster links under the "Conferences" section for more details.

Funding

My work is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: "The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation believes in bold ideas that create enduring impact in the areas of science, environmental conservation and patient care. Intel co-founder Gordon and his wife Betty established the foundation to create positive change around the world and at home in the San Francisco Bay Area. Science looks for opportunities to transform–or even create–entire fields by investing in early-stage research, emerging fields and top research scientists. Environmental conservation efforts promote sustainability, protect critical ecological systems and align conservation needs with human development. Patient care focuses on eliminating preventable harms and unnecessary healthcare costs through meaningful engagement of patients and their families in a supportive, redesigned healthcare system." Visit Moore.org or follow @MooreFound and read more about the broader research initiative my projects fall under on the following link.

Peer reviewed publications

  • R. J. Conrado et al., DNA-guided assembly of biosynthetic pathways promotes improved catalytic efficiency. Nucleic Acids Res. 40, 1879–1889 (2012).

Open source publications

Conferences

Molecular Life of Diatoms 2017, 9-13 July 2017, Kobe, Japan

A New Age of Discovery for Aquatic Microeukrayotes, 26-29 Januar 2016, EMBL Heidelberg, Germany

This conference celebrated efforts of three major contributions to microeukaryote biology, ecology, and evolution that are catapulting the field forward: the Marine Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP), the Tara Oceans Expeditions, and the Malaspina Expedition. You can find the poster I presented at the conference on this link.

The Eleventh Annual Broad Institute Retreat, 14-15 December 2015, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA

This event brings together researchers and affiliates of the Broad Institute to discuss institute's most recent advances at the interface of science and technology. You can find the poster I presented at the retreat here

Wyss Institute 7th Annual Retreat, 19 November 2015, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA

This event brings together researchers and affiliates of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering to discuss institute's most recent advances at the interface of science and technology. You can find the poster I presented at the retreat on this link.

Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015, 7-10 July 2015, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Molecular Life of Diatoms 2015 brought together an interdisciplinary mix of scientists to discuss recent advances in our understanding of diatoms and the way they shape our planet. You can find the poster I presented at the conference here.

Talks

Teaching

  • Biochemistry Bootcamp Mentor, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, January 2015

I served as a mentor for the inaugural biochemistry bootcamp aimed at promising undergraduates at Wellesley College. Students expressed a protein in bacteria, purified it, assayed its activity, and presented their findings to their classmates. I directly supervised a pair of undergraduate participants. The administrators at Wellesley agreed to offer this bootcamp opportunity to students again in 2016.

Outreach

My PhD project in plain English

  • 3 slides describing my PhD project in simple terms can be found here.

SITN Waves Correspondent

SITN Waves Expert

Science Art

In the news

Past Affiliations

  • Ginkgo BioWorks, Inc., Boston, MA (10/2012 - 06/2013) | Ginkgo BioWorks
  • Jerala Lab at the National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia (05/2010 - 07/2012) | Jerala Lab

Selected Awards & Accomplishments

Education

Sports

You can find reflections on my first Ironman 70.3 journey on this link.















Podcasts

Science, Technology, Entertainment, Design

Sports

EDM

Slovenian

Other

Web

Marine Microbiology

Science, Technology, Entertainment, Design

Sports

EDM

Contact Info

Lab

Jernej Turnšek | Ph.D. Candidate
Harvard Medical School | Department of Systems Biology | 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University | Center for Life Science Boston Bldg., 5th Floor | 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 797-5386 | Fax: (617) 432-5012 | Email: turnsek@fas.harvard.edu | CV as of July 16'
Email me through OpenWetWare

Social Media

Visit my LinkedIn profile. Follow me on Twitter.

Retrieved from "https://openwetware.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=User:JernejTurnsek&oldid=975430"