Erika Deppenschmidt
erika.deppenschmidt@stonybrook.edu
B.S., Chemistry 2017
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Muscle stem cell regulation through dystroglycan-notch signaling axis
Dystroglycan is a critical protein within the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex where it serves as a transmembrane connection between the extracellular matrix and intracellular cytoskeleton. When there are mutations of any protein within the DGC there can be a multitude of different resulting muscular dystrophies. In mutations of dystroglycan, there is the presence of limb girdle muscular dystrophy and can often result in dystroglycanopathies. These dystroglycanopathies can impact many areas but of interest to me is the impact on muscle, brain and eye function. Previously, it had been reported that dystroglycan is not only localized to the membrane but that it can be translocated to the nucleus, where it's function remains widely unknown. Currently, I am working on understanding the underlying role of dystroglycan’s cellular localization to gain clearer insight as to what nuclear dystroglycan’s function is. I am utilizing different constructs to manipulate the localization of dystroglycan with hopes to determine if there is an influence in stem cell maintenance and activation dependent on the dystroglycan’s cellular localization.
Recent Publications:
Monell Chemical Senses Center Research Symposium (poster presentation) - August 2011
Monell Chemical Senses Center Research Symposium (poster presentation) - August 2012
Contribution towards Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Poster - August 2016
Notre Dame of Maryland University Research Day (poster presentation) - April 2017
Awards:
Chemistry Academic Achievement Award at Notre Dame of Maryland University (2016)
American Chemical Society Student Award (2017)
Memberships:
Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemistry Honors Society (Spring 2016)
President during 2016-2017
Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society (Spring 2016)
Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Honor Society (Fall 2016)
Kappa Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society (Spring 2017)
Beta Beta Beta National Biology Honor Society (Spring 2017)