Robert Krencik

E-mail: krencik@wisc.edu

Research Project:

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are used as a model system in the Zhang lab to study the pathways involved during early neurodevelopment and to generate cell type specific neural tissues. We have recently devised protocols for efficient generation of spinal motoneurons, and midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which can be used for numerous in vitro and in vivo experimentations. My own research will focus on methods of deriving region specific and functional astrocytes from ES cells. In addition, these cells are being manipulated to express a mutated form of the SOD1 gene, one genetic cause of ALS, to analyze early biochemical pathways involved in human neurodegeneration. These cells may also be used to screen therapeutic compounds to prevent or ameliorate disease progression.

Abstracts and Publications:

• Bao, X., W. Cai, H. Deng, W. Zhang, R. Krencik, J. Girton, J. Johansen, and K.M. Johansen. 2008. The COOH-terminal domain of the JIL-1 histone H3S10 kinase interacts with histone H3 and is required for correct targeting to chromatin. J. Biol Chem. 283:32741-50. [PDF]
• Krencik, R., Z. Zhang, and S.C. Zhang. 2008. Regional specific astrocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr.
• Krencik, R. and S.C. Zhang. 2006. Stem cell neural differentiation: A model for chemical biology. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 10: 592-597. [PDF]
• Bao, X., W. Zhang, R. Krencik, H. Deng, Y. Wang, J. Girton, J. Johansen, and K.M. Johansen. 2005. The JIL-1 kinase interacts with lamin Dm0 and regulates nuclear lamina morphology of Drosophila nurse cells. J. Cell Sci. 118: 5079-5087. [PDF]
• Tian, N., R. Krencik, Y. Ding, L. Chen, X. Zhuang, and U.J. Kang. 2005. Redox-dependent molecular modification and activation of chaperone function of DJ-1. Soc. Neurosci. Meeting Abstr.
• Kweon, G.R., J.D. Marks, R. Krencik, E.H. Leung, P.T. Schumacker, K. Hyland, and U.J. Kang. 2004. Distinct mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by chronic complex I inhibition in dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic cells. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 51783-51792. [PDF]
• Chen, L., B. Cagniard, R. Krencik, Y. Ding, S.H. Choi, Q. Chang, P.M. Carvey, Z. Ling, U.J. Kang, and X. Zhuang. 2004. Neurochemical, pathological and behavioral characterization of DJ-1 deficient mice as a model of Parkinson’s disease. Soc. Neurosci. Meeting Abstr.
• Zhang, W., M.J. Blacketer, R. Krencik, X. Bao, S. Lerach, L. Huang, J. Girton, J. Johansen, and K.M. Johansen. 2003. Genetic and phenotypic analysis of alleles of the chromosomal JIL-1 kinase in drosophila reveals a functional requirement at multiple developmental stages. Annual Drosophila Res. Conf. Abstr.