Nicholas Sylvain, B. S., Biology
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Graduate Student in Immunology
E-mail: nicholas.sylvain@tufts.edu

Our lab focuses on the proximal events of T cell signaling. Vav is an oncoprotein that has been shown to be important in T and B cell production. Recent experiments have shown that Vav is recruited into SLP-76-containing clusters that are strongly correlated with effective T cell signaling. Using fluorescent microscopy, we are able to visualize the formation and migration of these signaling complexes. Currently, I am studying how Vav affects the stability of SLP76 containing clusters, by using RNAi to eliminate endogenous Vav, and reintroducing various Vav mutants. I hope to gain a better understanding of the role of Vav in complex formation and stability and its contribution to T cell signaling.