Alex Sobko, PhD

Cell Biologist with EMBO-sponsored postdoctoral training in US. Research experience in Israel, US, Canada. Trying to understand the mechanisms of intracellular and extracellular cell signaling and communication, functions of multi-protein signaling complexes, protein-protein interactions and post-translational protein modifications (PTMs), using genetically tractable eukaryotic models, (ex., Dicty) and other conventional genetics models up to humans. Especially interested to investigate the identities and activities of the enzymes catalyzing certain PTMs at signaling proteins (Tyrosine Phosphorylation, SUMOylation, Ubiquitination). Discovered and characterized the first founding member of SUMO-targeted Ubiquitin Ligase (StUBL) family of proteins. Recently got interested in applying Genome Editing and Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) approaches to the problems of cell biology. I would like to study the biological functions of PTMs, how specific mutations and Sequence Polymorphisms (SNPs) affect PTMs, composition of multi-protein signaling complexes, localization and activities.I apply tools of molecular genetics and cell biology to address these questions.