Dr. Marek Kucka

Molecular endocrinology research of cellular signaling pathways, gene expression, exocytosis and hormone secretion in anterior pituitary cells at the Section on Cellular Signaling, NICHD.

Identification and characterization of steroid metabolites and steroid metabolizing enzymes in intestine and other tissues. • Identified, recombinantly expressed and affinity column purified a novel chicken steroid dehydrogenase enzymes, performed 3D model predictions, catalytic site analysis; • Performed gene expression analysis, PCR, RNA extraction, plasmid preparation, transfection and over-expression, enzyme activity assays.

Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre: Performed flow cytometry analysis and quantitative Real-time PCR with hands-on experience working with fish (Rainbow Trout). Isolation of fish blood leukocytes and Real-Time PCR analyses of cytokine gene expression.

Institute for Heart Research: Performed in vitro perfusion of rat heart, recorded epicardial electrograms, analyzed induction of heart fibrillation, ischemia and re-perfusion injury in diabetic rats; • Prepared cryostat sections of heart tissue for immunolabeling of gap-junction remodeling after fibrillation and ischemia

Identification and characterization of steroid metabolites and steroid metabolizing enzymes in chicken and rat intestine and other tissues.