|
|
Richard Kahn. Biochemistry.
Phone: 404-727-3561
Email: rkahn@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: My lab is primarily interested in cell regulation by GTP binding proteins. We employ a wide array of techiques, including protein purification, enzyme assays, protein structure determination (x-ray crystallography and NMR techniques), immunocytochemistry (primarily fluorescence based in mammalian cells), molecular biology, and protein expression studies in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells.
Student Requirements: Previous courses in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics are all pluses but none are required. Previous experience in a research lab also helpful but not required.
Techniques used in this lab: see above; some combination of those listed
|
Vincent Yang. Digestive Diseases.
Phone: 727-5638
Email: vyang@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: The focus of our research interest is on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal epithelial cells. In particular, our group has concentrated on the roles played by a number of Kruppel-like transcription factors in regulating these two important biological processes in the gut epithelium. One factor, called Kruppel-like factor 4 or KLF4, is a negative regulator of proliferation that mediates the functions of two important tumor suppressors, APC and p53. The other, called KLF5, is pro-proliferative and mediates the activities of important proto-oncoproteins including RAS and WNT. Our hypothesis that the two KLFs function in the larger network of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes to regulate intestinal epithelial proliferation and differentiation. The knowledge derived from these studies may impact on the mechanism of gut development and tumorigenesis.
Student Requirements: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Ghaleb, A.M., Nandan, M.O., Chanchevalap, S., Dalton, W.B., Hisamuddin, I. M., and Yang, V.W. (2005) Kruppel-like factors 4 and 5: the yin and yang regulators of cellular proliferation. Cell Research 15, 92-96.
(2) Nandan, M.O., Chanchevalap, S., Dalton, W. B., and Yang, V.W. (2005)Kruppel-like factor 5 promotes mitosis by activating the cyclin B1/Cdc2 complex during oncogenic Ras-mediated transformation. FEBS Letters 579, 4757-4762.
(3) Yoon, H.S., Ghaleb, A.M., Nandan, M.O., Hisamuddin, I.M., Dalton, W.B., and Yang, V.W. (2005) Kruppel-like 4 prevents centrosome amplification following g irradiation-induced DNA damage. Oncogene 24, 4017-4025.
(4) Ouko, L., Ziegler, T. R., Gu, L. H., Eisenberg, L. M., and Yang, V. W. (2004) Wnt11 signaling promotes proliferation, transformation and migration of IEC6 intestinal epithelial cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279, 26707-26715.
(5) Hisamuddin, I.M., Wehbi, M., Schmotzer. B., Easley, K., Hylind, L., Giardiello, F.M., and Yang, V.W. (2005) Genetic polymorphisms of flavin monooxygenase 3 in sulindac-induced regression of colorectal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 14, 2366-2369.
Techniques used in this lab: Cell culture, PCR, Northern and Western blot, immunohistochemistry, transfection, DNA plasmid work
|
Rachelle Spell. Biology.
Phone: 404-727-5828
Email: rachelle.spell@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: Th student will perform site-directed mutagenesis to genes involved in the regulation of recombination in the model system of budding yeast.
Student Requirements: Background in introductory biology, genetics
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab:
|
Judith Fridovich-Keil. Human Genetics.
Phone: 404-727-3924
Email: jfridov@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Studies of normal galactose metabolism and the impact of impaired galactose metabolism on patients with transferase- or epimerase-deficiency galactosemia. Projects range from genetic and biochemical studies in yeast to mammalian cell studies to work with patient cells and samples. Our goals are to understand the mechanism and implications of normal galactose metabolism in eukaryotes, as well as the pathophysiology of galactosemia. Our ultimate goal is to devise novel and improved treatments for patients with this family of metabolic disorders.
Student Requirements: Applicants should be self-motivated students seriously considering a career in biological or biomedical research. Student must have at least some (classroom or laboratory) prior exposure to genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Openo, KK, JM Schulz, CA Vargas, CS Orton, MP Epstein, RE Schnur, F Scaglia, GT Berry, GS Gottesman, C Ficicioglu, AE Slonim, RJ Schroer, C Yu, V Rangel, J Keenan, K Lamance, and JL Fridovich-Keil. Epimerase-deficiency galactosemia is not a binary condition. Am J Hum Gen. In press 10/2005.
(2) Schulz, JM, KL Ross, K Malmstrom, M. Krieger, and JL Fridovich-Keil (2005). Mediators of galactose sensitivity in UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase impaired mammalian cells. J. Biol. Chem. 280(14):13493-502.
(3) Wasilenko, J., M.E. Lucas, J.B. Thoden, H.M. Holden, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2005). Functional characterization of the K257R and G319E hGALE alleles found in patients with ostensibly peripheral epimerase deficiency galactosemia. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism 84(1):32-8.
(4) Henderson, J.M., A. Watson, R. Sanders, J.B. Thoden, H.M. Holden, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2004) Determinants of Function and Substrate Specificity in Human UDP-Galactose 4-Epimerase. J Biol Chem 279(31):32796-803.
(5) Mendelsohn, B.A., C.A. Vargas, A-M. Li, A. Watson, K. Riehman, and J.L. Fridovich-Keil (2003). Genetic and biochemical interactions between SCP160 and EAP1 in yeast. Nucleic Acids Research. 31(20):5838-47
Techniques used in this lab: modern molecular biology, recombinant DNA, yeast genetic and biochemical manipulations, enzyme assays
Additional Comments: Flower in the Crannied Wall
by Lord Alfred Tennyson
(1809-1892)
Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower -but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.
|
June Scott. Microbiology.
Phone: 404-727-0402
Email: scott@Microbio.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Regulation of gene expression in Streptococcus pyogenes
Additional Project Information: Mechanism of attachment of proteins to the surface of Streptococcus pyogenes
Student Requirements: Some knowledge of molecular biology from coursework; some lab experience using micropipettes
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) See http://www.microbiology.emory.edu/scott/index.htm
Techniques used in this lab:
Additional Comments: We have had undergraduates in the lab for many years. Several have co-authored papers. Those going to grad school find their experience in our lab helps them get accepted by the school of their choice and receive fellowships.
|
Paul Doetsch. Biochemistry.
Phone: 404-727-0409
Email: medpwd@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Project would address some aspects of the interconnections between DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance systems in the management of DNA damage using a simple eukaryotic model system (yeast) in order to understand this process in higher organisms (i.e. humans) and its relationship to the development of cancer. Techniques would include genetic, biochmical and molecular biological experimental strategies.
Additional Project Information: We are also using the yeast model system and its genetic and biochemical dissectability to elucidate the mechanisms of action of anticancer drugs and to use isogenic strains of yeast as a potential rapid, inexpensive drug screening tool.
Student Requirements: General science background in biology or chemistry. Undergraduate genetics would be very useful but not absolute requirement.. Undergraduate biochemistry would be useful but not required.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Evert BA, Salmon TB, Song B, Liu JJ, Siede W, Doetsch PW. (2004) Spontaneous DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elicits Phenotypic Properties Similar to Cancer Cells. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 22585-22594.
(2) Beljanski V, Marzilli L, Doetsch PW. (2004) DNA Damage Processing Pathways Involved in the Eukaryotic Cellular Response to Anticancer DNA Crosslinking Agents. Mol. Pharm. 65:1496-1506
(3) Doudican NA, Song B, Shadel GS, Doetsch PW. (2005) Oxidative DNA Damage Causes Mitochondrial Genetic Instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol. Cell Biol. 25: 5196-5204.
(4) Salmon TB, Evert BA, Song B, Doetsch PW. (2004) Biological Consequences of Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nucleic Acids Res. 32: 3712-3723.
(5) O'Rourke T, Doudican NA, Zhang H, Eaton JS, Doetsch PW, Shadel GS. (2005) Differential Involvement of the Related DNA Helicases Piflp and Rrm3p in mt DNA Point Mutagenesis and Stability. Gene 354: 86-92.
Techniques used in this lab: Yeast genetic manipulatiions including strain construction, mutagenesis and recombination assays, and biochemical techniques such as protein purificatiion and Western blot analysis. Cell biological techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and cell sorting and analysis are also likely to be used.
|
iain Shepherd. Biology.
Phone: 404-727-2632
Email: ishephe@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Investigating the in vivo function of zebrafish orthologues of known Hirschsprung disease causing genes.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest most complicated subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and is completely derived from neural crest stem cells (NCSC). My lab is interested in determining what genes are involved in the specification of the NCSC that form the ENS. We are also interested in determining what molecules are involved patterning the migration of NCSC in the intestine and if these same molecules are involved in patterning the axonal projections of the differentiated ENS neurons in the intestine. These studies are of clinical importance due to pediatric conditions that perturb the normal development of the ENS such as Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR).
Taking advantage of the zebrafish model system we are investigating how known HSCR linked genes, such as Sip1, cause their ENS phenotypes. We have previously shown that the neurotrophic factor GDNF and its receptor complex are absolutely required for normal ENS development in zebrafish as in mouse and human. Using similar techniques we are investigating the function of other known HSCR genes in zebrafish ENS development. These studies are investigating the many unanswered questions as how these known HSCR genes actually cause their ENS phenotypes when mutated.
A student undertaking this type of project would typically carry out a detailed expression analysis of a HSCR associated gene by RT-PCR and wholemount in situ hybridization. This part of the project would involve a significant amount of microscope work. A student would also be involved in perturbing the gene's function in vivo by microinjection of different molecular reagents.
Additional Project Information: Identification and characterization of different zebrafish enteric nervous system (ENS) neuronal subtypes.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest most complicated subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and is completely derived from neural crest stem cells (NCSC). My lab is interested in determining what genes are involved in the specification of the NCSC that form the ENS. We are also interested in determining what molecules are involved patterning the migration of NCSC in the intestine and if these same molecules are involved in patterning the axonal projections of the differentiated ENS neurons in the intestine. These studies are of clinical importance due to pediatric conditions that perturb the normal development of the ENS such as Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR).
To aid in the analysis of zebrafish ENS mutant we are interested in identifying different ENS neuronal subtypes. A summer student on this project would screen antibodies to identify ones that recognize subsets of zebrafish ENS neurons. After identifying zebrafish cross-reacting antibodies a student would undertake a detail characterization of the spatial and temporal expression pattern of these markers in the developing ENS. The project will involve significant amounts of microscope work.
Student Requirements: Studenst should be Juniors or Seniors. Students need to have completed a genetics course. Preference will be given to those that have taken a Developmental BIology course.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Jacy Pietsch, Brett Jakaitis, Derek Stensby, Sarah Dohle, William Talbot, David W. Raible, and Iain T. Shepherd
(2) Shepherd, I. T., Pietsch, J., Elworthy, S., Kelsh, R. N. and Raible, D. W. (2004). Roles for GFR{alpha}1 receptors in zebrafish enteric nervous system development. Development 131, 241-249.
(3) Shepherd, I. T., Beattie, C. E. and Raible, D. W. (2001). Functional analysis of zebrafish GDNF. Dev Biol 231, 420-35.
(4) Elworthy, S., Pinto, J. P., Pettifer, A., Cancela, M. L. and Kelsh, R. N. (2005). Phox2b function in the enteric nervous system is conserved in zebrafish and is sox10-dependent. Mech Dev 122, 659-69
(5) Amiel, J. and Lyonnet, S. (2001). Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes, and genetics: a review. J Med Genet 38, 729-39.
Techniques used in this lab:
|
Donna Maney. NBB/Psychology.
Phone: office: 7-7470
Email: dmaney@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Study #1: We are interested in the neurogenomics of social behavior, and are currently working with a model in which variation in aggression and parenting behavior segregates with a structural rearrangement of chromosome 2. In collaboration with researchers in Human Genetics, we are in the process of mapping this rearrangement and identifying candidate genes we believe contribute toward aggression and parenting. This project involves quantitative real-time PCR, laser capture microdissection, and in situ hybridization to quantify expression of candidate genes.
Additional Project Information: Study #2: We are interested behavioral neuroendocrinology, particularly how hormones mediate plasticity in the brain. One of the best ways to study brain plasticity is to look at seasonal animals, such as hamsters or songbirds, which change their behavior and brain morphology dramatically according to season and hormone levels. In the spring, when estrogen levels are high, females respond to male courtship cues by initiating courtship--but when estrogen levels are low in the fall, they don't. We are interested in how estrogen acts in the brain to cause such a big change in behavior. We are working with female songbirds that are treated with either estrogen or placebo and quantifying their behavioral and neuronal responses to auditory cues.
Student Requirements: If doing a wet lab project, completion of a chemistry lab is required (knowledge of pH, molarity, experience with balances and glasswashing). If doing image analysis only, then experience with programs such as Excel and Photoshop is helpful but not required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Lake, J. I., Lange, H. S., OBrien, S., Sanford, S. E., and Maney, D. L. (2008). Activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis differs between behavioral phenotypes in female white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). General and Comparative Endocrinology, in press.
(2) Maney, D. L., Goode, C. T., Lake, J. I., Lange, H. L., and OBrien, S. (2007). Rapid neuroendocrine responses to auditory courtship signals. Endocrinology 148: 5614-5623.
(3) LeBlanc, M. M., Goode, C. T., MacDougall-Shackleton, E. A., and Maney, D. L. (2007). Estradiol modulates brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups and projections to the auditory forebrain in a female songbird. Brain Research 1171: 93-103.
(4) Maney, D. L., Cho, E., and Goode, C. T. (2006). Estrogen dependent selectivity of genomic responses to birdsong. European Journal of Neuroscience 23:1523-1529.
(5) Maney, D. L., Erwin, K. L., and Goode, C. T. (2005). Neuroendocrine correlates of behavioral polymorphism in white-throated sparrows. Hormones & Behavior 48:196-206.
Techniques used in this lab: Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, autoradiography, real-time PCR, image analysis, behavioral quantification.
Additional Comments: Please note that the deadline for a summer research internship has passed for 2009. I am interested in hearing from 2009-2010 applicants to the SIRE program, or from students interested in pursuing research for credit (Psychology, Biology, or NBB 499) during Spring 2009.
|
Subhabrata Sanyal. Cell Biology.
Phone: 404-727-3758
Email: ssanya2@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: The fundamental goal of the laboratory is to understand molecular and cellular changes that underlie learning and memory. We use the fruit fly, Drosophila as a model system to investigate signaling networks that operate in neurons during long-term neural plasticity. Essentially, long-term changes require synthesis of new proteins either through translation of pre-existing mRNA at synaptic sites or through activation of transcription. We have established that conserved signaling cascades such as those mediated by cAMP, PKA and MAPK operate in our model system to cause long-term change. These signaling cascades finally impinge on transcription factors, such as AP1 and CREB to drive expression of plasticity genes . Among several broad questions in the field that interest us are studying signaling cross-talk during plasticity and the identification and functional validation of target genes. A unifying aim is to ascertain how these genes regulate learning and memory in intact organisms, thus uncovering conserved principles of learning across species.
The project involves a screen to isolate targets of AP1 activation in neurons using a powerful forward genetic approach. We will utilize the fact that expression of a dominant negative Fos transgene in the eye causes rough and reduced adult eyes. That this phenotype is due to perturbation of endogenous AP1 activity is shown by rescuing this phenotype by co-expressing wild type AP1. We plan to use this background in a classical modifier screen by assaying a collection of mutant lines in this background. A downstream effector or an upstream activator can potentially alter the eye phenotype observed in Fbz animals. This is a powerful yet easy screen and transposon tagging makes gene identification simple and fast. Finally, since there is an observable AP1 phenotype at the neuromuscular synapse, future target validation will be straightforward.
Student Requirements: Juniors and Seniors only, course in genetics favored.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Sanyal S, Sandstrom DJ, Hoeffer CA, Ramaswami M.
AP-1 functions upstream of CREB to control synaptic plasticity in Drosophila.
Nature. 2002 Apr 25;416(6883):870-4.
(2) Hoeffer CA, Sanyal S, Ramaswami M.
Acute induction of conserved synaptic signaling pathways in Drosophila
melanogaster.
J Neurosci. 2003 Jul 16;23(15):6362-72. Erratum in: J Neurosci. 2003 Aug
27;23(21):7966.
(3) Sanyal S, Narayanan R, Consoulas C, Ramaswami M.
Evidence for cell autonomous AP1 function in regulation of Drosophila
motor-neuron plasticity.
BMC Neurosci. 2003 Sep 11;4:20.
(4) Sanyal S, Consoulas C, Kuromi H, Basole A, Mukai L, Kidokoro Y, Krishnan KS,
Ramaswami M.
Analysis of conditional paralytic mutants in Drosophila sarco-endoplasmic
reticulum calcium ATPase reveals novel mechanisms for regulating membrane
excitability.
Genetics. 2005 Feb;169(2):737-50. Epub 2004 Nov 1.
Techniques used in this lab: Fly genetics, molecular biology (cloning, RNA in situ etc.), immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging
|
David Pallas. Biochemistry/WCI.
Phone: 404-727-5620
Email: dpallas@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: PP2A is an important phosphatase involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, of apoptosis, and of neuronal function. It has been implicated in both cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. An example of a project an undergraduate could carry out would be to investigate the mechanism of regulation of PP2A by methylation, phosphorylation, etc. Approaches could include shRNA knockdown of enzymes that regulate PP2A, cell biological approaches using time-lapse microscopy, immunological and biochemical monotoring of PP2A's modification and activity, and a variety of other possible genetic, cell biological, or biochemical approaches.
Student Requirements: Juniors and seniors only, unless there are exceptional circumstances where the student has taken a variety of college level biochemistry and related courses.
Techniques used in this lab:
|
Stephanie Sherman. Human Genetics.
Phone: 404-727-5862
Email: ssherman@genetics.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: The student would be involved in a larger project related to understanding the relationship between a specific gene (FMR1) and its phenotype consequence. The project would involve some basic wet lab work and biostatistics.
Additional Project Information: The student would be involved in a larger project related to identifying genes and/or environmental factors involved in Down syndrome associated heart defects. The project would involve some basic wet lab work and biostatistics.
Student Requirements: An interview will be required. Transcripts will be reviewed. An essay on the expectations and goals of the research experience will be required.
Techniques used in this lab:
|
Danny Reines. Biochemistry.
Phone: 4047273361
Email: dreines@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: We are working with yeast to understand a new gene regulatory circuit that controls transcription.
Student Requirements: lab courses or prior work in a lab would help,
biology/chemistry coursework useful for conceptual background
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Kopcewicz KA, O'Rourke TW, Reines D.
Free in PMC
Metabolic regulation of IMD2 transcription and an unusual DNA element that generates short transcripts.
Mol Cell Biol. 2007 Apr;27(8):2821-9. Epub 2007 Feb 12.
(2) McPhillips CC, Hyle JW, Reines D.
Free in PMC
Detection of the mycophenolate-inhibited form of IMP dehydrogenase in vivo.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Aug 17;101(33):12171-6
(3) Smith KT, Coffee B, Reines D.
Free Full Text
Occupancy and synergistic activation of the FMR1 promoter by Nrf-1 and Sp1 in vivo.
Hum Mol Genet. 2004 Aug 1;13(15):1611-21. Epub 2004 Jun 2.
(4) Shaw RJ, Bonawitz ND, Reines D.
Free Full Text
Use of an in vivo reporter assay to test for transcriptional and translational fidelity in yeast.
J Biol Chem. 2002 Jul 5;277(27):24420-6. Epub 2002 May 2.
(5) Shaw RJ, Wilson JL, Smith KT, Reines D.
Free Full Text
Regulation of an IMP dehydrogenase gene and its overexpression in drug-sensitive transcription elongation mutants of yeast.
J Biol Chem. 2001 Aug 31;276(35):32905-16. Epub 2001 Jul 5.
Techniques used in this lab: Northern blotting, recombinant DNA assembly, cell transformation, introducing DNA into the genome via homologus recombination, PCR and RT-PCR, primer extension end mapping and others.
|
Steven Nilsen. Biology.
Phone: 770-784-4678
Email: spnilse@emory.edu
Institution: Oxford College of Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 4
Project Description: "Investigations into the role of recently evolved morphological features in sexual selection"
As with most animals, sexual selection in Drosophila goes on through multiple contests. Males must successfully court females. Females can reject males based on the quality of their courtship songs and other nuances of the courtship ritual. Males also compete for access to females by defending territories that are presumed to attract fecund females. Males compete using innate patterns of aggression with varying levels of intensity and winners are thought to gain better access to available females. Thus both courtship and territorial behaviors are potential sources for sexual selection.
A recently evolved morphological characteristic in Drosophila males is the sex comb. Only two sub-groups show this feature, which is a row of modified bristles at the third or second and third tarsal segments of the male forelimbs. As the name suggests, the sex combs are thought to be used during copulation. However, preliminary findings show that species in the same sub groups that have sex combs also display aggressive behaviors not yet seen outside of those sub groups. This implicated a role for sex combs in aggression as well as the presumed role for sex combs in courtship has yet to be tested.
In collaboration with Artyom Kopp, who has characterized the evolution of the sex combs and implicated their importance to courtship, students will work with me to study how sex combs are used in copulation and aggressive behavior. We will analyze these behaviors using a variety of species that show different sex comb morphologies. Morphological variance will be compared with quantitative behavioral indexes designed to correlate the development of sex combs with with either altered aggression, courtship or both.
Additional Project Information: "Investigating the role of the gene fruitless in feeding behavior."
The gene fruitless codes for a transcription factor in the sex determination cascade of Drosophila, which is specifically expressed in a dozen neural sub-populations of male flies. These neurons are thought to collectively masculinize behavioral patterns. Thus far, courtship behavior and aggressive behavior are shown to be under the control of fruitless. However, feeding behavior, which is also sexual dimoprhic has not yet been shown to interact with fruitless.
Interested students can expand upon preliminary findings on feeding in fruitless mutants that are supportive of an involvement for fruitless in feeding. Students would use the recently developed CAFE protocol to measure feeding and ask weather the lifespans of control and experimental cohorts.
Investigating the rate of adaptation to altered living conditions in innate social behavioral patterns
Inbred strain of Dorosphila have been inbred for approximately 80 years under very dense culturing conditions. The population density of these cultures and living conditions do not mimic wild habitat. Thus, cultured Drosophila offer an excellent opportunity to investigate adaptation to new environmental parameters.
Interested students will make detailed behavioral comparisons between Drosophila recently isolated from the wild and Drosophila cultured for long periods of time. Aggressive behavior, because of its pattern complexity and sensitivity to socialization, will serve as an excellent marker for adaptation. New comparisons will expand existing unpublished data for publication.
Student Requirements: Students at any level whom have taken Bio141 (introductory biology) and are enrolled in or have taken Bio142 (advanced topics in genetics and molecular biology) will be at a significant advantage. Students with coursework in neuroscience, brain and behavior (NBB) will be at an additional advantage. No previous lab experience is required.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Nilsen SP, Chan Y-B, Huber R, and Kravitz EA (2004) Gender-selective patterns of aggressive behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101(33):12342-12347.
(2) Vrontou E., Nilsen SP, Demir E, Kravitz EA, Dickson E (2006) fruitless splicing determines sex-specific patterns of aggression in Drosophila. Nature Neuro. 9:14691471
(3) Chen S, Lee AY, Bowens NM, Huber R, Kravitz EA. (2002) Fighting fruit flies: a model system for the study of aggression. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002;99:56645668.
(4) Yurkovic A, Wang O, Basu AC, Kravitz EA (2006) Learning and memory associated with aggression in Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 103(46):17519-24
(5) Barmina O, Kopp A. (2007) Sex-specific expression of a HOX gene associated with rapid morphological evolution. Dev Biol. 311(2):277-86
Techniques used in this lab: Drosophila culturing
Drosophila anatomical characterization
Behavioral assays with Drosophila
aggression
courtship
feeding
Drosophila lifespan analysis
Behavior analysis
Additional Comments: I will eventually have a web page, but development of one is currently of low priority.
|
EUGENE DEMCHUK. Division of Toxicology.
Phone: 770-488-3327
Email: edemchuk@cdc.gov
Institution: CDC/ATSDR
Location: Off-campus (personal vehicle required, carpool possible but not guaranteed)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common developmental disability in industrial nations. ASD is thought to result from gene-environment interactions. Despite research progress in identifying candidate genes associated with ASD, no clear etiology or causative marker has been found. If and when a genetic predisposition is identified, the next research question will be: What environmental trigger is responsible for the development or manifestation of the clinical phenotype? To address this question we develop a rapid-screening computational toxicology methodology which can be applied to large numbers of environmental pollutants (ligands) and a known or suspected biological target for autism. Starting with a model database of hypothesized chemical triggers and a set of critical-pathway genes, we screen the chemicals against known genetic variants using state-of-the-art molecular docking techniques. Top scored gene/chemical combinations potentially offer an educated choice for further in-depth analysis of gene-environment interactions using laboratory and/or epidemiological methods.
Additional Project Information: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Computational Toxicology and Method Development Laboratory implements the full range of methods in support of ATSDR mission to protect human populations from exposure to environmental contaminants. These include benchmark dose, chemical-specific adjustment factor, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, and modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures. Computational toxicology methods are used as an integrated systematic approach in the development of ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels to be used as health guidance values to protect populations exposed to toxic chemicals at hazardous waste sites. These methods are also used in the development of ATSDR Toxicological Profiles, to support environmental health consultations and prioritization of environmental chemical hazards, when experimental information is insufficient, and to improve study design, when filling the priority data needs as mandated by the Congress. Also, the Laboratory is engaged in the development of response strategies to new emerging chemical threats. We develop methods for assessing toxicological effects of potentially hazardous chemicals from their chemical structure alone. A need for analysis of this type is especially imminent during the times of emergencies, whether it is an accidental chemical release, major natural disaster, or terrorist threat in all situations when time is a critical element of public health response.
Student Requirements: chemistry, toxicology and/or physiology, statistics, biochemistry, basic understanding of principles in physics, basic math
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Demchuk, E.; Ruiz, P.; Wilson, J.D.; Scinicariello, F.; Pohl, H.R.; Fay, M.; Mumtaz, M.; Hansen, H.; De Rosa, C.T. Computational toxicology methods in public health practice . Toxicol. Mech. Method. 2008, 18, 119135.
(2) Snyder, J.A.; Demchuk, E.; McCanlies E.C.; Schuler, C.R.; Kreiss, K.; Frye, B.; Ensey, J.; Stanton, M.; Weston, A. Impact of negatively charged patches on the surface of MHC class II antigen-presenting proteins on risk of chronic beryllium disease . J. R. Soc. Int. 2008, 5, 749758.
(3) Demchuk, E.; Albin, B.C.; Fay, M.; Garrett, R.M.; Hansen, H. Structure-activity analysis of chemical health guidance values . Toxicologist (Suppl. to Toxicol. Sci.) 2006, 90, 186.
(4) Demchuk, E.; Yucesoy, B.; Johnson, V.J.; Weston, A.; Germolec, D.; De Rosa, C.T.; Luster, M.I. A statistical model to assess genetic susceptibility as a risk factor in multifactorial diseases: Lessons from occupational asthma . Environ. Health Persp. 2007, 115, 231234.
(5) Hnizdo, V.; Darian, E.; Fedorowicz, A.; Demchuk, E.; Li, S.; Singh, H. Nearest-neighbor nonparametric method for estimating the configurational entropy of complex molecules . J. Comp. Chem. 2007, 28, 655668.
Techniques used in this lab: Students may learn various computational toxicology techniques, including benchmark dose modeling, chemical-specific adjustment factor modeling, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, (quantitative) structure-activity relationship -- (Q)SAR modeling, genetic-susceptibility- and meta-analysis modeling, modeling the toxicity of chemical mixtures and chemical-chemical interactions, molecular docking, protein homology structure modeling, and other.
Additional Comments: A brief description of the ATSDR Computational Toxicology lab can be found at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/dtem/programs/comptox/index.html
|
William Kelly. Biology.
Phone: 7-6461
Email: bkelly@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Meiosis is what defines sexual reproduction and contributes to genetic diversity as well as generates the haploid gametes. Another role of meiosis is genome surveillance and protections: significant differences between the genomes are not tolerated and can lead to sterility, as is seen in cross-species hybrids. We have identified a process involved in this surveillance, called meiotic silencing, which recognizes improperly aligned or matched chromosomes and represses expression of genes from these regions. We are using the nematode C. elegans to determine the underlying mechanisms of this process.
Student Requirements: Completed undergraduate intro biology course as a minimum, some exposure to genetics
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Whittle CM, McClinic KN, Ercan S, Zhang X, Green RD, Kelly WG, Lieb JD. 2008. The genomic distribution and function of histone variant HTZ-1 during C. elegans embryogenesis. PLoS Genet. 4(9):e1000187.
(2) Checchi, P.M., and W. G. Kelly. 2006. emb-4 is a Conserved Gene Required for Germline-Specific Chromatin Remodeling during Caenorhabditis elegans Embryogenesis. Genetics 174:1895-1906.
(3) Bean, C.J., Schaner, C.E., and W.G. Kelly. 2004. "Meiotic Pairing and Imprinted X Chromatin Assembly in C. elegans". Nature Genet., 36(1)100-5.
(4) Schaner, C.E., Deshpande, G., Schedl, P., and Kelly, W.G. 2003. A conserved chromatin architecture marks and maintains the restricted germ cell lineage in worms and flies. Dev. Cell 5:1-20.
Techniques used in this lab: bacterial cloning, PCR/RT-PCR, microscopy, immunofluorescence, animal culture, other molecular techniques
|
Gregg Orloff. none.
Phone: 404-727-0308
Email: gorloff@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: CancerQuest (http://www.cancerquest.org) is an award-winning cancer education project designed to educate and empower cancer patients, caregivers, students and the general public.
We produce content, videos, animations, games, posters and other educational tools.
Students, depending on their interest and skills, could be involved in all aspects of the program including researching, science writing, video creating and editing, graphics, programming, etc.
Student Requirements: Some Biology background and an interest in education/outreach. Computer skills are not necessary but the student must have the desire to learn new programs.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Breast Cancer: A Patient's Journey (DVD)
(2) COMPASS: Breast Cancer Edition (DVD)
(3) Gastrostomy Tubes (DVD)
Techniques used in this lab: Science writing, video editing, Flash, HTML (some), Web programming (if interested).
|
|
