UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1242

Submission information
Submission Number: 1242
Submission ID: 20806
Submission UUID: 29afc35e-b68d-4591-b71e-b3405d77a9f8

Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 02:16 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 02:16 PM
Changed: Fri, 09/05/2025 - 04:46 PM

Remote IP address: 144.174.214.17
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Helene Tigro
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns she, her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) ht24@fsu.edu
Position Title Post Doc
FSU College (if applicable) Education, Health, and Human Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Department of Health, Nutrition and Food Sciences
Headshot (optional) Helene-2.png
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above) Christopher Solis
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific? Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) csolis@fsu.edu
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project Assessing phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in the α-actinin2 actin-binding domain through analysis of Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data
Project Keywords Bioengineering and biomedical engineering, Computational Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Sarcomeric proteins, Recombinant proteins, Protein chemistry
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Computational Biology, Engineering, Exercise Physiology, Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomathematics
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): Partially Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 5-10 hours
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description α-Actinin2, encoded by ACTN2, is a key cross-linker of F-actin and titin within cardiac Z-discs, maintaining sarcomere architecture and mechanical integrity. Phosphoproteomic studies have identified multiple phosphorylation sites—including T43, S50, S147, and T237 in the actin-binding domain (ABD)—that likely regulate its function. Mechanical stress enhances phosphorylation at these residues, particularly within the ABD CH1–CH2 interface, which we have shown in computational simulations shifts the ABD from a closed to an open, more active conformation. Phosphorylation introduces negative charges that modulate local electrostatics, destabilize the autoinhibited state, and enhance F-actin binding. This project will experimentally test how these modifications alter α-actinin2 conformation using SAXS, aiming to define the molecular mechanisms by which phosphorylation preserves sarcomeric integrity and informs therapeutic strategies for heart disease.
Research Tasks Literature review, data collection (simulate SAXS data), analyze incoming SAXS data, statistical analysis and graph illustrating.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good computer skills and experience with statistical software and data analysis. Good theoretical understanding of chemistry and biology. Experience with programming languages and data analysis tools like MATLAB, Python, and R. Skilled in critical thinking. Punctuality and responsibility.
Mentoring Philosophy As a postdoctoral researcher, I see mentorship as both a responsibility and a privilege, an opportunity to guide emerging scientists while actively contributing to their professional growth. I work side-by-side with mentees in the lab, sharing technical expertise, experimental strategies, and problem-solving approaches that I’ve refined through my own training. My goal is to help them build strong scientific foundations, think critically, and gain the confidence to design and execute independent research. I foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are learning opportunities, and diverse perspectives strengthen our science.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://solislab.create.fsu.edu/
Please add any additional information here (if applicable): https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-tigro-656130282
Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? No
Roundtable times and Zoom links
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Year 2025
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