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Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen
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Institution(s)
Research: Harvard Medical School, Center for Blood Research
Mentor: Anjana Rao, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology
Clinical: None
Transcription control in T-cells in Transcription factor NFAT: During gene expression a controlled transcription process is very important. In this process many different proteins are involved including so-called transcription factors. One of these transcription factors is the so-called "nuclear factor of activated T-cells" (NFAT) playing an important role during immune response. One question of my work was how phosphorylation status of NFAT changes the localization of this transcription factor (cytoplasm nucleus) and determines the transcription process therefore. Methods: Molecular- and cell-biological methods and techniques.
It was really a great time!!! I was very lucky concerning my lab. The members of my lab were all very nice and helpful to me. Usually I had to work long, but the work was interesting and I learnt many new techniques. Boston is a great city and it is a place where you can definitely have a lot of fun. I enjoyed going to theatres, concerts, (and CLUBS!) or just meeting some friends in a nice restaurant. Furthermore it was very convenient to know other BMEP-students spread around the whole country and in every big city. This gives you the opportunity to travel including free accommodation; otherwise financial aspects could be limiting.
At the beginning it was difficult for me to get American friends. It is easy to get other European friends, because the labs are packed with them and they are foreigners, too. Later on it was easier, maybe because I was more settled in. In Boston rent and entertainment are very expensive, so I could not neglect the financial side of life.
After a long time in Boston it is hard to say if there was a peak of humor. Nevertheless, the fact, that I was surprised by a big Galapagos lizard, while I was visiting a friend who had this exotic pet, is kind of amusing.
If you want to know what is going on in Boston you should grab the "stuff@night" magazine or use the website of the Boston Phoenix. My favourite restaurant was the "Bella Luna" (405 Center Street crossing Perkins Street, Jamaica Plain), where you can get the best pizza and pasta in New England. On Sundays there is Pizza-Buffet, for 5 bucks all you can eat including cool live music and psychic reading (for those who are interested in this). For housing also check out www.matchingroommates.com. I did not use it myself, but I think it could be helpful for arranging for a room while you are still in Germany.