Summary


I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, and work in Dr. Christine Bear's lab group in the Programme of Molecular Structure & Function at The Hospital for Sick Children.

I am interested in understanding the structure-function relationship of membrane proteins associated with human diseases, and have contributed to the working knowledge of the chloride/proton transporter ClC-5 (CLCN5, Dent's disease), as well as several mammalian ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) proteins, namely Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) and the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR/ABCC7). I am passionate about elucidating the molecular basis of human diseases associated with protein misfolding, and in particular Cystic Fibrosis disease, which is caused by mutations in CFTR. Additionally, I am interested in developing novel biochemical assays to assist in the discovery of small molecule modulators for this and other protein folding disorders.

Education

University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)

Ph.D. Candidate, Biochemistry (2010 - present)

Queen's University (Kingston, ON)

M.Sc. Pharmacology & Toxicology (2009)

University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)

Hon.B.Sc. Toxicology (2007)

Current Position

Ph.D. Candidate (January 2010 - present)

Biochemistry, University of Toronto
Programme of Molecular Structure & Function, The Hospital for Sick Children

Supervised by Dr. Christine E. Bear

  • Investigating the roles of intracellular loop helical extensions in the conformational maturation and gating of the CFTR chloride channel; mutations in CFTR cause Cystic Fibrosis disease.
  • Acquired proficiency in fluorescence-based efflux assays, limited proteolysis methods, and sulfhydryl labeling/cross-linking approaches.

    • Previous Positions

    Graduate Student (M.Sc. Thesis) September 2007 – September 2009

    Pharmacology & Toxicology, Queen’s University
    Division of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Queen’s Cancer Research Institute

    Supervised by Dr. Susan P.C. Cole

  • Identified amino acids critical for protein expression and function in multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1).
  • Acquired proficiency in site-directed mutagenesis, transfections, membrane vesicle preparation, and immunoblot techniques.

    • Honour’s Thesis (Undergraduate) Academic year 2006-2007

    Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto
    Transfusion Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital

    Supervised by Dr. John W. Semple

  • Investigated the effects of inhibitors on the phagocytosis of opsonized human platelets, relevant to autoimmune thrombocytopenia disease.
  • Acquired proficiency in flow cytometry and tissue culture techniques.

    • Research Assistant September 2005 - September 2007

    Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto

    Supervised by Dr. Ulrich Tepass

  • Employed cloning strategies to synthesize fluorescent fusion proteins.
  • Planned and performed genetic crosses to create stable mutant Drosophila lines.
  • Acquired proficiency in PCR, cloning, and cuticle preparation methods.

    • Laboratory Assistant Academic years 2005-2006 & 2006-2007

    Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto

    Supervised by Dr. Dorothea Godt

  • Facilitated lab maintenance by performing such activities as autoclaving experimental apparatus, racking tips and washing glassware.
  • Trained new students in laboratory protocols and experimental procedures.

    • Certifications

    Teaching Fundamentals Certificate September 2011 - February 2012

    Centre for Teaching Support and Innovation, University of Toronto

    Introduction to effective teaching strategies and techniques.

  • Practiced techniques for managing in-class discussions.
  • Identified different learning styles, and tailored lessons to accommodate student diversity.
  • Practiced strategies for handling difficult students.

    • Awards & Honours


    Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2013-2015) ($15000/year)

    University of Toronto & Province of Ontario

    Dr. Joe A. Connolly Memorial Award (2014-2015) ($8400/year)

    Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

    Hilda and William Courtney Clayton Paediatric Research Award (2014-2015) ($4100/year)

    Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

    Peterborough K.M. Hunter Graduate Studentship (2013-2014) ($15000/year)

    Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

    Dr. Goran Enhorning Award in Pulmonary Research (2012-2014) ($1600/year)

    Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

    Conference Grant (2012) ($1210)

    School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto

    Travel Award (2012) ($1000)

    European Cystic Fibrosis Society

    ICS Travel Award (2011) ($1225)

    Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

    Conference Grant (2011) ($500)

    School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto

    Queen’s Graduate Award (2007-2009) ($8000/year)

    School of Graduate Studies, Queen’s University

    Eldon Boyd Fellowship (2007-2009) ($11000/year)

    Pharmacology & Toxicology, Queen’s University

    Travel Award (2008) ($300)

    Society of Toxicology of Canada

    Queen Elizabeth Aiming for the Top Scholarship (2003) ($200)

    Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

    Academic Excellence Award (2003) ($200)

    Toronto Dominion Bank

    Cardinal Carter Award (2003)

    St. Mary C.S.S.

    Chemistry Award (2003)

    St. Mary C.S.S.

    Publications


    S. Pasyk, S. Molinski, S. Ahmadi, M. Ramjeesingh, L.J. Huan, S. Chin, K. Du, H. Yeger, P. Taylor, M. Moran and C.E. Bear. Major cystic fibrosis mutant exhibits defective phosphorylation in the amino terminal region of the regulatory (R) domain (2014). Proteomics (In revision) (Ph.D. work).

    P.D.W. Eckford, M. Ramjeesingh, S. Molinski, S. Pasyk, F. Dekkers, C. Li, S. Ahmadi, W. Ip, T.E. Chung, K. Du, H. Yeger, J. Beekman, T. Gonska and C.E. Bear. VX-809 and Related Corrector Compounds Exhibit Secondary Activity Stabilizing Active F508del-CFTR after Its Partial Rescue to the Cell Surface (2014). Chemistry & Biology 21(5): 666-678. (Ph.D. work).

    S. Molinski, T. Gonska, L.J. Huan, B. Baskin, I.A. Janahi, P.N. Ray and C.E. Bear. Genetic, cell biological and clinical interrogation of the CFTR mutation c.3700 A>G (p.Ile1234Val) informs strategies for future medical intervention (2014). Genetics in Medicine doi: 10.1038/gim.2014.4 (Ph.D. work).

    C. D'Antonio, S. Molinski, S. Ahmadi, L. Wellhauser, L.J. Huan and C.E. Bear. Conformational defects underlie proteosomal degradation of Dent's Disease causing mutants of ClC-5 (2013). Biochemical Journal 452(3): 391-400. (Ph.D. work).

    S. Molinski, P.D.W. Eckford, S. Pasyk, S. Ahmadi, S. Chin and C.E. Bear. Functional rescue of F508del-CFTR using small molecule correctors (2012). Frontiers in Pharmacology 3: 160. (Ph.D. work).

    S. Pasyk, S. Molinski, W. Yu, P.D.W. Eckford, and C.E. Bear. Identification and Validation of Hits from High Throughput Screens for CFTR Modulators (2012). Current Pharmaceutical Design: New Developments in Pharmaceutical Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis 18(5): 628-641. (Ph.D. work).

    A.J. Slot, S.V. Molinski, and S.P.C. Cole. Mammalian multidrug-resistance proteins (MRPs) (2011). Essays in Biochemistry 50: 179-207. (M.Sc. work).

    R. Aslam, M. Kim, E.R. Speck, A.C. Seetanah, S. Molinski, J. Freedman, and J.W. Semple. Platelet and Erythrocyte Phagocytosis Kinetics are Differentially Controlled by Phosphatase Activity Within Mononuclear Cells (2007). Transfusion 47: 2161-2168. (Hon.B.Sc. work).

    Patents


    S. Molinski, M. Zhang and C. Bear. “Pharmaceutical Composition for Treating Diseases Associated with Misfolded Proteins”. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 13/351,921. June 25, 2012. (Ph.D. work).

    Theses


    S. Molinski. Functional Analysis of an Alpha-Helical Region in the Human Multidrug and Organic Anion Transporter MRP1. Queen’s University. September, 2009. (M.Sc. work).

    S. Molinski. The Effects of Metabolic Inhibitors on the Phagocytosis of Opsonized Platelets. University of Toronto. April, 2007. (Hon.B.Sc. work).

    Manuscripts in Preparation


    S. Molinski and S.P.C. Cole. Functional Analysis of an a-Helical Region Proximal to Transmembrane Helix 17 in the Multidrug and Organic Anion Transporter Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1). (M.Sc. work).

    Invited Talks

    37th Annual European Cystic Fibrosis Society Conference
    June 11-14, 2014

    Gothenburg, Sweden

    S. Molinski, T. Gonska, L.J. Huan, B. Baskin, I.A. Janahi, P.N. Ray and C.E. Bear. Characterization of the CFTR mutation c.3700 A>G informs strategies for future medical intervention. (Ph.D. work).

    10th Annual European Cystic Fibrosis Basic Science Conference
    March 20-23, 2013

    Malaga, Spain

    S. Molinski and C.E. Bear. ICL1 Facilitates Conformational Maturation of CFTR Through an Interdomain Interface with NBD1. (Ph.D. work).

    9th Annual European Cystic Fibrosis Basic Science Conference
    March 28 - April 1, 2012

    Sainte-Maxime, France

    S. Molinski, L.J. Huan, and C.E. Bear. Structure-Function Analysis of Interhelical Interfaces Comprised of the Intracellular Loops of CFTR. (Ph.D. work).

    5th Annual North American ABC Genetic Workshop
    September 24-26, 2008

    Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, USA

    S. Molinski, G. Conseil, R.G. Deeley, and S.P.C. Cole. Functional Analysis of Three Acidic Residues in the Cytoplasmic a-Helical Region COOH-Proximal to TM17 in the Multidrug Transporter MRP1 (ABCC1). (M.Sc. work).

    Abstracts (International)

    25th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
    November 3-5, 2011

    Anaheim Convention Centre, Anaheim, California, USA

    S. Molinski*, L.J. Huan, and C.E. Bear. Investigating the Roles of the Intracellular Loop Helical Extensions in the Conformational Maturation and Gating of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Poster. (Ph.D. work). *, presenter.

    Abstracts (National)

    40th Annual Society of Toxicology of Canada Symposium
    November 30-December 2, 2008

    Delta Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, Canada

    S. Molinski*, G. Conseil, and S.P.C. Cole. Functional Analysis of an a-Helical Region Proximal to Transmembrane Helix 17 in Multidrug Resistance Protein 1. Poster. (M.Sc. work).

    Abstracts (Provincial)

    3rd Annual Queen’s National Undergraduate Conference on Medicine
    November 17, 2007

    Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    S. Molinski* and J.W. Semple. Effects of Signal Transduction Inhibitors on the Phagocytosis of Opsonized Platelets. Poster. (Hon.B.Sc. work).

    Abstracts (Institutional)

    Dept. Biochemistry (University of Toronto) Research Day
    May 17, 2011

    Old Mill Inn, Toronto, ON, Canada

    S. Molinski*, L.J. Huan, and C.E. Bear. Investigating the Roles of the Intracellular Loops in the Maturation and Gating of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Poster. (Ph.D. work).

    12th Annual Meeting for Health Science Research Trainees
    June 2, 2009

    Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    S. Molinski*, G. Conseil, R.G. Deeley, and S.P.C. Cole. Functional Analysis of an a-Helical Region in the Multidrug and Organic Anion Transporter MRP1. Poster. (M.Sc. work).

    Teaching Experience

    Teaching Assistant September 2010 - present

    Biochemistry, University of Toronto

    Biochemistry I: Proteins, Lipids and Metabolism (BCH210H)

  • Invigilated and graded midterm and final examinations for an undergraduate course.

    • Teaching Assistant September 2012 - present

    Biochemistry, University of Toronto

    Introduction to Biochemistry (BCH242Y)

  • Instructed undergraduates during laboratory sessions, managed an online discussion forum, graded quizzes and lab reports.

    • Teaching Assistant November 2012 - present

    Biochemistry, University of Toronto

    Biochemistry II: Nucleic Acids and Biological Information Flow (BCH311H)

  • Invigilated midterm and final examinations for an undergraduate course.

    • Teaching Assistant September 2013 - present

    Biochemistry, University of Toronto

    Laboratory Course in Biochemical Techniques (BCH370H)

  • Instructed undergraduates during laboratory sessions, as well as graded quizzes, lab reports, assignments and examinations.

    • Teaching Assistant January 2008 - April 2009

    Pharmacology & Toxicology, Queen’s University

    Principles of General Pharmacology I & II (PHAR340 & PHAR450)

  • Instructed undergraduates and medical students during laboratory sessions and tutorials.
  • Graded lab reports, as well as midterm and final examinations.

    • Works Acknowledged In


    P.D.W. Eckford, C. Li, M. Ramjeesingh and C.E. Bear. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator VX-770 (ivacaftor) opens the defective channel gate of mutant CFTR in a phosphorylation-dependent but ATP-independent manner (2012). J Biol Chem 287(44): 36639-49.
  • Provided assistance with interpretation of results for this study.

    • W. Yu, P. Kim Chiaw and C.E. Bear. Probing conformational rescue induced by a chemical corrector of F508del-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutant (2011). J Biol Chem 286(28): 24714-25.
  • Provided assistance and advice for this study.

    • K. Maeno, A. Nakajima, G. Conseil, A. Rothnie, R.G. Deeley and S.P.C. Cole. Molecular basis for reduced estrone sulfate transport and altered modulator sensitivity of transmembrane helix (TM) 6 and TM17 mutants of multidrug resistance protein 1 (ABCC1) (2009). Drug Metab Dispos 37(7): 1411-1420.
  • Provided technical assistance and advice for this study.

    • Students Mentored

    Jamie Hu May 2014 - August 2014

    Undergraduate, McMaster University

    Project title: Identification of small molecule correctors of CFTR misfolding mutants

    Ellen Li May 2011 - August 2013

    Gr. 12, Marc Garneau CI, Toronto - 1st/2nd year undergraduate, McMaster University

    Project title: Identifying CFTR modulators using a virtual screening approach

    Marshall Zhang September 2010 - August 2012

    Gr. 11-12, Bayview SS, Richmond Hill

    Project title: Determining a potential basis for mechanisms of action of small molecules in the rescue of F508del-CFTR

    Damian Klaumbauer June 2011 - December 2011

    Gr. 10, Lorne Park SS, Mississauga

    Project title: Identifying the binding site(s) of F508del-CFTR chemical correctors using in silico approaches

    Stephanie Chin May 2011 - July 2011

    4th year undergraduate, University of Toronto

    Project title: Investigating the role of disease-causing mutations in ICL3 of the CFTR chloride channel

    Other Work Experience

    Credit Returns Facilitator May - September 2004, May - September 2005

    Timex Canada, Markham, ON

  • Responsible for processing hard copies of credit return documents into an electronic database.
  • Inspected, processed, and packaged merchandise for shipment to retailers within Canada and the United States.

    • Chemistry Tutor Academic year 2004-2005

    The Zone Tutors, Scarborough, ON

  • Tutored first-year University students biweekly in physical and organic chemistry.
  • Interacted with parents by attending to their concerns, and informed them on the policies of the tutoring organization.

    • Automotive Mechanic’s Assistant May - Sept. 2002, May - Sept. 2003

    CTV Auto Service, Thornhill, ON

  • Used problem solving skills to determine causes of automotive malfunction, as well as assisted mechanics with minor automotive repairs.
  • Communicated directly with customers by setting up appointments and preparing documents such as receipts.

    • Baseball Instructor May - September 2001, May - September 2002

    Duel Sports Baseball Camp, Aurora, ON

  • Coordinated practices and drills for players, which employed teamwork skills while stressing the fundamentals of baseball.
  • Responsible for providing daily progress reports for players.

    • Community Service


    Guest Speaker and Panellist (Scientific Research)

    University of Toronto Next Steps Conference (2013 & 2014)

    Motivational Speaker

    Shinerama (Cystic Fibrosis Canada) (2012-present)

    Lecturer

    Biochemistry Undergraduate Summer Research Enrichment Program (2012-present)

    Graduate student member on the Vice-Provost Search Committee

    Queen’s University (2010)

    Undergraduate student representative

    Victoria College, University of Toronto (2004-2006)

    Volunteer with Students Against Hunger program

    Victoria College, University of Toronto (2003-2006)

    Volunteer teacher’s assistant, Vic Reach mentorship program (Victoria College, U of T)

    Lawrence Heights Middle School (North York, ON) (2004-2005)

    Volunteer

    Toronto Raptors Foundation (2004-2005)

    Extracurricular Activities


  • Member of the Biochemistry (University of Toronto) intramural volleyball team (2010-present).
  • Member of the Thornhill Reds Baseball Club (1999-2010).
  • Member of the Pathology & Molecular Medicine (Queen’s University) softball team (2007-2009).
  • Member of the Richmond Hill Phoenix Baseball Club (2001-2003).

    • Professional Memberships


  • European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS), since 2014.
  • Canadian Society for Life Science Research (CSLSR), since 2011.
  • Canadian Society of Molecular BioSciences (CSMB), since 2011.
  • The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), since 2011.
  • Society of Toxicology of Canada (STC), since 2007.