UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1250

Submission information
Submission Number: 1250
Submission ID: 20846
Submission UUID: b3f3ffc3-d5fe-4ef4-9de1-39d5c9b1795d

Created: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 02:57 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/18/2025 - 02:57 PM
Changed: Fri, 09/05/2025 - 04:47 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 Evaluating phosphorylation-induced conformational alterations in the α-actinin2 actin-binding domain that modulate F-actin binding
Project Keywords Bioengineering and biomedical engineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Sarcomeric proteins, Recombinant proteins, Protein chemistry, Binding kinetics, Protein-protein interactions, Actin-binding proteins, post-translational modifications
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Exercise Physiology, Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Engineering
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 10 hours
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? During business hours
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 and destabilize the autoinhibited state. We propose that the phosphorylation-induced opening of the ABD enhances F-actin binding. This project will experimentally test how these modifications of α-actinin2 ABD affect F-actin binding, using co-precipitation assays, aiming to define the molecular mechanisms by which phosphorylation preserves sarcomeric integrity and informs therapeutic strategies for heart disease.
Research Tasks Literature review, actin extraction and purification from pig hearts, recombinant human α-actinin2 phospho-mimetic mutant expression and purification, co-precipitation assays for F-actin with α-actinin2 (a) full-length phospho-mutants and (b) ABD phospho-mutants, gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), statistical analysis and graph illustrating.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Good theoretical understanding of chemistry and biology. Experience with statistical software and data analysis. Skilled in critical thinking. Willing to and motivated to learn new techniques. 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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