Jonathon Ditlev

Cross-appointed to Cell Biology

Dr. Ditlev earned his BS in Biology from Calvin College in 2003. Following graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the Laboratory of Dr. Bin Tean Teh at the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, MI. In 2012, he earned his PhD at the University of Connecticut Health Center under the advisorship of Dr. Bruce Mayer and Dr. Les Loew. Dr. Ditlev was a Ruth L. Kirschstein post-doctoral fellow at UT Southwestern Medical Center under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Rosen. He joined SickKids Research Institute in 2019. 

Research

Liquid-liquid phase separation has emerged as an key mechanism that regulates cellular organization. Biomolecular condensates, or ‘membrane-less organelles’, concentrate specific proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules without an encapsulating membrane. The Ditlev Lab studies the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in organizing neuronal and immunological signaling pathways at the membrane of the cell. Ditlev's team uses a combination of biochemical reconstitution and cell biology to understand how the composition of biomolecular condensates dictates the function of the condensate. They are specifically interested in understanding the role that biomolecular condensates play in local actin polymerization, ion flux through membranes, and local RNA translation as well as understanding how the intrinsic biophysical properties of condensates determine the ability of condensates to associate with or repel other condensates on membranes.

Education and experience

• 1999–2003: BS, Biology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
• 2004–2012 PhD, Biomedical Science, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
• 2013–2019 Post-doctoral Fellowship, Laboratory of Dr. Michael K. Rosen, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dallas, TX, USA

Achievements

• 2014–2017: NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award  

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