Education:

2009-2011

Post-doctoral training - Princeton University, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton, NJ

2007-2009

Post-doctoral training - University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Department of Craniofacial Biology, Aurora, Colorado

2007

Ph.D., Developmental Genetics, New York University, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York, New York

2005

M.S., Biology, New York University, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York, New York

2002

B.A., Biology, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey

Research Interests:

Undoubtedly, one of the most profound observations of developmental biology is that each embryo begins as a single cell and has within it all the information necessary to create a complete and functional body plan. Throughout my scientific career I have studied various aspects regarding the dynamics of embryonic development and have utilized multiple model systems and approaches to answer my questions. Neurons are highly polarized cells, with specialized processes for reception and transmission of signals. Although the development of neuronal polarity is essential for neuronal function, its basis is poorly understood. However, it is well established that mechanisms that generate asymmetric protein distributions are essential for such cellular polarity at both the morphological and functional levels. Protein asymmetries can be created through the local control of protein synthesis, involving the transport of translationally silent mRNAs and local activation of these mRNAs at the target destination. In neurons, mRNA localization and translational repression are used to change the protein composition of various regions of the cell, allowing for distinct axonal and dendritic environments that are equipped for their various cellular tasks. My research plan involves characterizing the role of post-transcriptional gene regulation in establishing and maintaining neural circuitry. Post-transcriptional mechanisms such as mRNA localization and local protein translation play an integral role in neuronal morphogenesis and establishing neural connections. The ultimate goal of my work is to increase our understanding of the roles these mechanisms play in neurodegenerative disorders and congenital birth defects affecting the nervous system.

Selected Publications:

1. Olesnicky, E.C., Hernandez-Lagunas, L. and Artinger, K.B. Prdm1a regulates sox10 and islet1 in the development of the neural crest and Rohon-Beard sensory neurons. Genesis: The Journal of Genetics and Development. 2010 November 48(11):656-66.
2. Birkholz, D.A., Olesnicky Killian, E.C. and Artinger, K.B. prdm1a is necessary for posterior pharyngeal arch development in zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics. 2009 October 238: 2575-2587.
3. Olesnicky Killian, E.C., Birkholz, D.A. and Artinger, K.B. A role for chemokine signaling in neural crest cell migration and craniofacial development. Developmental Biology. 2009 September 333:161-172.
4. Olesnicky, E. C. & Desplan,C. Distinct mechanisms for mRNA localization during embryonic axis specification in the wasp Nasonia. Developmental Biology. 2007 June 306(1):134-142.
5. Olesnicky, E. C., Brent, A. E.,Tonnes, L., Walker, M., Pultz, M. A., Leaf, D. and Desplan, C. A caudal mRNA gradient controls posterior development in the wasp Nasonia. Development. 2006 133:3973-3982.
6. Olesnicky, E.C., Bhogal, B., Gavis, E.R. Combinatorial use of translational co-factors for cell type specific regulation during neuronal morphogenesis in Drosophila. Developmental Biology. 2012. 365:208-218.

Killian's publications through PubMed