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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.
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Samuel Dudley. Medicine/Cardiology.
Phone: 404-329-4626
Email: sdudley@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Investigating the role of oxidative stress on sudden death risk using mice, pigs, or humans.
Additional Project Information: Investigating a new hypothesis about the role of oxidative stress in causing diastolic heart failure in mice or humans.
Student Requirements: No previous experience is required. A facility with biology, chemistry, and physics is desirable.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) DUDLEY, Jr., S.C., N.E. HOCH, L.A. McCANN, C.HONEYCUTT, L.DIAMANDOPOULOS, T. FUKAI, D.G. HARRISON, S.I. DIKALOV, J. LANGBERG. Atrial Fibrillation Increases Production of Superoxide by the Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendage: Role of the NADPH and Xanthine Oxidases. (2005). Circulation vol. 112, 1266-1273.
(2) 14. XIAO, H.D., S. FUCHS, D.J. CAMPBELL, W. LEWIS, S.C. DUDLEY, Jr., V.S. KASI, B.D. HOIT, G. KESHELAVA, H. ZHAO, M.R. CAMPECCHI, K.E. BERNSTEIN. Mice with cardiac Restricted Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) have Atrial Enlargement, Cardiac Arrhythmia and Sudden Death. 2004. Am. J. Pathol. 165:1019-1032.
Techniques used in this lab: Electrophysiology, animal handling and breeding, proteomics, molecular biology, electrocardiography (ECG), electron spin resonance, human trials.
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Arthur English. Cell Biology.
Phone: 404-727-6250
Email: art@cellbio.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: After peripheral nerve injury, axons are capable of regeneration but restoration of function is universally poor. This is often blamed on a progressive loss of the ability of cells in the distal stumps of injured nerves to promote regeneration. We have discovered that electrical stimulation or exercise will stimulate the growth of regenerating axons in peripheral nerves in a manner that does not depend on cells in their environment. Using transgenic mice we will investigate whether these methods can be used to promote axon regeneration when the repair of the damaged nerve is delayed.
Additional Project Information: Electrical stimulation and treadmill exercise has been shown to increase the growth of regenerating axons. It is speculated that these methods exert their effects by enhancing activity in spinal neural networks. Using electrophysiological recordings from intact rats, we will study the magnitude of simple spinal reflexes after electrical stimulation or/and treadmill exercise.
Student Requirements: The most successful students are those who are rising seniors. Younger students who are rising juniors who are especailly highly motivated also work well. Background in biology and chamistry is a must.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Groves, ML., McKeon, R., Werner, E., Nagarsheth, M., Meador, W., English, A.W., Axon regeneration in peripheral nerves is enhanced by proteoglycan degradation. Exp. Neurol. 195: 278-292, 2005.
(2) English, A.W., Meador, W., Carrasco, D.I., Neurotrophin 4/5 is required for the early growth of regenerating axons in peripheral nerves. Eur J Neurosci, 21: 26242634, 2005.
(3) English, A.W., Enhancing axon regeneration in peripheral nerves also increases functionally inappropriate reinnervation of targets. J. Comp. Neurol. 490: 427-441, 2005.
(4) English, A.W., Schwartz, G., Meador, W., Sabatier, M.J., and Amanda Mulligan Electrical stimulation promotes peripheral axon regeneration by enhanced neuronal neurotrophin signaling. J. Neurobiol. In Press, 2007.
(5) Pol-Rodriguez, M.M., Schwartz, G. and English, Arthur W. Post-Translational Phosphorylation of the Slow/b Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform in Adult Rabbit Masseter Muscle. J. Mus. Res. Cell Motil. 22: 513-519, 2002.
Techniques used in this lab: survival surgery, confocal microscopy, electromyography
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Michael Koval. Pulmonary Medicine.
Phone: 404-712-2976
Email: mhkoval@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: We use a combination of molecular, cell biology and physiological techniques to study how cells regulate intercellular communication pathways and roles for these pathways in health and disease. Research in my lab falls into three major categories: 1) Trafficking and assembly of membrane proteins at cell junctions, 2) Roles for intercellular communication in lung function and injury, 3) Interplay between cell adhesion and endocytosis
Additional Project Information: For more information and references please see: http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~mhkoval/
Student Requirements: Completion of first year chemistry preferred. Also, an interest in biomedical research and the ability to work independently are encouraged. Students are required to participate in general laboratory maintenance in addition to work on their project.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Daugherty, B.L., et al., Regulation of heterotypic claudin compatibility.
J Biol Chem. 282:30005-30013. (2007).
(2) Patel A.S., et al. Paracrine stimulation of surfactant secretion by extracellular ATP in response to mechanical deformation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 289:L489-96. (2005).
(3) Daugherty, B.L., et al., Developmental regulation of claudin localization by fetal alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 287:L1266-73 (2004).
(4) Abraham V., et al. Heterocellular gap junctional communication between alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 280:L1085-93 (2001).
(5) Abraham V., et al. Phenotypic control of gap junctional communication by cultured alveolar epithelial cells. Am J Physiol. 276:L825-34 (1999).
Techniques used in this lab: Molecular biological approaches to create chimeric and mutant junction proteins to identify sorting and assembly motifs, Development of cultured cell models which mimic in vivo cell-cell interactions using established cell lines and primary lung epithelial cells, Quantitative fluorescence microscopy to examine protein expression, membrane trafficking and cell-cell communication
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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.
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William Lewis. Pathology.
Phone: 404-712-9005
Email: wlewis@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 3
Project Description: The project would be focused on determining mitochondrial toxicity associated with NRTI antiretroviral therapy used to treat HIV/AIDS. Using transgenic cardiac-targeted murine models, outcomes are assessed using various molecular tools, including Real-time PCR, sequencing, Southern Analysis, gene copy determination, and Western Blotting. Results from 2x2 animal studies will help determine mechanisms of mitochondrial (mt) DNA depletion and NRTI toxicity.
Student Requirements: It is expected that the student has a basic understanding of biological systems and some experience handling pipettor transfer of microliter volumes with some precision. A level of maturity and interest in the research field is also expected.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Lewis et al, AIDS, 2006, 20:675-684
(2) Lewis et al, Lab Invest, 2005, 85:182-192
Techniques used in this lab: Students will develop proficiency in standard molecular biological techniques including isolation of DNA from tissues, set up of PCR reactions, Western blots, and/or analysis of data.
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Li Xiong. Math & Computer Science.
Phone: 404-778-0758
Email: lxiong@mathcs.emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Evaluation of De-identification Methods - Current information technology enables many organizations to collect, store, and use various types of information about individuals in large repositories. Such a wealth of information provides enormous opportunities for data analysis but also raises serious concerns about the privacy of individuals. For example, individually identifiable health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Privacy preserving data publishing deals with release of anonymized views of personal information for analysis while preserving privacy of individuals. The project will evaluate a number de-identification methods for medical text document in terms of their accuracy, efficiency and implications on data utility.
Student Requirements: Experience with computer science and programming (e.g. CS170) and database systems and information management (e.g. CS447).
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) L. Xiong, K. Boronda, C. Flowers, M. Graiser. De-identification of Medical Text. Technical Report TR-2007-012-A. Emory University Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. 2007
Techniques used in this lab: Computer programming, data collection and analysis
Additional Comments: Please feel free to contact me if you are interested or have any questions.
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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.
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Timothy Johnson. Urology.
Phone: 404-217-6419
Email: tvjohn2@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University SOM
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 4
Project Description: Literacy has become a prerequisite for patient care due to the increased utilization of written screening tools in response to decreased time devoted to personal interaction between patients and doctors. However, low literacy plagues about 90 million Americans. As many as 21% of Americans are estimated to be illiterate and another 27% have impaired literacy skills, an impediment that greatly affects patients health care. Patients with decreased literacy particularly experience difficulty with written screening tools, since the majority are written at the 10th reading level or higher while the average American reads at an 8th or 9th grade level.
Urology and other medical specialties utilize screening tools and symptom scores to identify at-risk patients, provide counseling about invasive treatments, and chart symptom progression for many diseases. In the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the most commonly used screening tool is the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The IPSS, designed to be self-administered by patients, is so relied upon that the American Urological Association places the IPSS in its management algorithm for BPH behind only history and physical.
However, our initial research suggests that at most only one-third of patients properly understand the IPSS. This misunderstanding is driven by patients education level, reading level, and even depression state. Our most recent study suggests that depressed patients report significantly higher IPSS scores than non-depressed patients. However, it is unclear from this initial study whether depressed patients have truly more severe BPH symptoms, or misrepresent symptoms similar to nondepressed patients. Undergraduates will participate in a crucial follow-up study to discern these possibilities. Students will interview patients, administer the IPSS and depression surveys, test patients objective BPH symptoms, and follow patient management throughout the summer.
Additional Project Information: Literacy has become a prerequisite for patient care due to the increased utilization of written screening tools in response to decreased time devoted to personal interaction between patients and doctors. However, low literacy plagues about 90 million Americans. As many as 21% of Americans are estimated to be illiterate and another 27% have impaired literacy skills, an impediment that greatly affects patients health care. Patients with decreased literacy particularly experience difficulty with written screening tools, since the majority are written at the 10th reading level or higher while the average American reads at an 8th or 9th grade level.
Urology and other medical specialties utilize screening tools and symptom scores to identify at-risk patients, provide counseling about invasive treatments, and chart symptom progression for many diseases. In the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the most commonly used screening tool is the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The IPSS, designed to be self-administered by patients, is so relied upon that the American Urological Association places the IPSS in its management algorithm for BPH behind only history and physical.
However, our initial research suggests that at most only one-third of patients properly understand the IPSS. This misunderstanding is driven by patients education level and reading level. We recently designed a novel electronic version of the IPSS. Preliminary data suggest that this computerized version eliminates patient misunderstanding of the IPSS, eliminating potential problems in patient care associated with patient education and reading level. Undergraduate students will help patients use the electronic-IPSS in a larger, broader student intended for publication in a major urological journal.
Student Requirements: None. Students of all levels are welcome.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Johnson TV, Goodman M, Master VA (2007) The efficacy of written screening tools in inner-city hospitals: Literacy-based limitations on patient access to appropriate care. J Urol. 178: 623-9.
(2) Johnson TV, Abbasi AA, Ehrlich SS, Kleris SS, Chirumamilla SL, Schoenberg ED, Owen-Smith A, Goodman M, Master VA (2007) The impact of misunderstanding individual questions of the IPSS. J Urol. In press.
(3) Johnson TV, Abbasi AA, Ehrlich SS, Kleris SS, Chirumamilla SL, Schoenberg ED, Owen-Smith A, Raison CL, Master VA (2007) The impact of depression on the perception of voiding symptoms. Eur Urol. [submitted]
(4) Johnson TV, Abbasi AA, Ehrlich SS, Kleris SS, Chirumamilla SL, Schoenberg ED, Owen-Smith A, Raison CL, Master VA (2007) CAN WE COUNT ON WRITTEN SYMPTOM SCORES? THE IMPACT OF NUMERACY ON THE IPSS.J Urol. [submitted]
(5) Johnson TV, Abbasi AA, Ehrlich SS, Kleris SS, Chirumamilla SL, Schoenberg ED, Owen-Smith A, Raison CL, Master VA (2007) A novel electronic version of the International Prostate Symptom Score. J Urol. [submitted]
Techniques used in this lab: Students will learn the most important skill in medicine: the art of taking a history. Students will also gain confidence in patient interaction while learn common and important urological measurements of BPH. Finally, students will be allowed to scrub into surgery where they will observe surgical techniques.
Additional Comments: Our research aims to address problems of critical importance through simple solutions. While cloning a gene may be exciting, equally important is mitigating the impact of depression or literacy on patient care. This research also happens to be 'soft-fail' research, meaning that even unintended results tend to be publishable. Students will have the opportunity to learn not only clinical techniques, but also the art of publishing scientific data during their summer.
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Gary Bassell. Cell Biology/Neurology.
Phone: 404-727-3772
Email: gbassel@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: The objective of the project is to use cell and molecular biological methods to investigate defects in the development of nerve cells in a mouse model of an inherited neurological disease. The student will learn methods in: nerve tissue processing, nerve cell culture, immunocytochemistry and DNA/RNA analysis. At the end of the project, it is expected that the student will have analyzed for a possible impairments in the protein and mRNA composition of specific nerve and synapse populations. Throughout the project, the student will receive training in the required methods from a PhD neuroscientist. The student will also have opportunities to interact with graduate and undergraduate students.
Student Requirements: rising juniors and seniors only
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Zhang et al. 2001. Neurotrophin induced transport. Neuron. 31.261-275.
(2) Zhang et al. 2003. Active transport of SMN. Journal of Neuroscience. 23. 6627-6637.
(3) Antar et al. 2004. Metabotropic glutamate receptor activation. Journal of Neuroscience.24.2648-2655
(4) Bassell and Kelic. 2004. Binding proteins for mRNA localization. Curr Opin Neurobiol.14.574-581.
(5) Antar and Bassell. 2003. Sunrise at the Synapse. Neuron. 37.555-558.
Techniques used in this lab: nerve tissue processing, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, PCR, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy
Additional Comments: Dr. Bassell has a long standing history of mentorship in undergraduate research.
You will learn a lot and also have fun in the process!
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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
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Thomas Ziegler. Medicine.
Phone: 404-727-7351
Email: tzieg01@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability:
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: The protocol is entitled The Role of Vitamin D and Micronutrient Status in Regulating the Immune Response to Tuberculosis: A Pilot Study. The study is a prospectively designed cross sectional pilot analysis of micronutrient status (glutamine, retinol, vitamin D, selenium, zinc) and levels of plasma, sputum, and saliva markers of immune function in patients (N=60) presenting to respiratory isolation at Grady Memorial Hospital (GMH) for rule out of active TB. Study subjects must be HIV positive (n=15) and HIV negative (n=15) patients with newly diagnosed laboratory confirmed pulmonary TB, and control subjects will be HIV negative (n=15) and HIV positive (n=15) patients admitted to GMH with respiratory symptoms, but who rule out of active pulmonary TB (rule-out controls).
Additional Project Information: We have a number of clinical research projects ongoing relevant to clinical nutrition support, including a Phase III study of glutamine supplementation in critical illness, nutritional and micronutrient status in patients with cystic fibrosis and the like. We also perform animal and cell studies relevant to nutrient effects on redox and growth control.
Student Requirements: Pre-med with an excellent GPA. Prior research experience is preferred.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: How to perform clinical investigations, interacting with human research subjects, blood and tissue lab processing, ELISA assays, assessment of nutritional status and body composition and other methods, clinical research design and ethics
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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).
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Yoland Smith. Yerkes Primate Center.
Phone: 404-727-7519
Email: ysmit01@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: From Synaptic Connections of the Basal Ganglia to Therapeutic Strategies in Parkinson's Disease. The main research interest of my laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and characterize changes in the synaptic plasticity of the basal ganglia in normal and pathological conditions. To achieve these goals, we have developed a collaborative, interdisciplinary research program that uses in vitro and in vivo anatomical, electrophysiological, pharmacological and brain imaging approaches to study the functional organization of the basal ganglia in normal nonhuman primates and in nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease. This work is complemented with behavioral studies of novel surgical and pharmacologic therapies for Parkinson's disease in nonhuman primates.
Student Requirements: Any student with a satisfactory biological science background (some chemistry, biology, maths etc...) and strong motivation to learn about NS and biomedical research in general should enjoy a stay in my lab
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Villalba R, H Lee and Y Smith (2009) Dopaminergic denervation and spine loss in the striatum of MPTP-treated monkeys. Exp. Neurol 215: 220-227, PMID: 18977221.
(2) Mitrano, D, C. Arnold and Y Smith (2008) A comparative analysis of the subcellular and subsynaptic localization of group I mGluRs in the nucleus accumbens of normal and cocaine-treated rats. Neuroscience 154: 653-666, PMID: 18479833.
(3) Kliem, MA, NT Maidment, LC Ackerson, Y Smith and T Wichmann (2007) Activation of nigral and pallidal dopamine D1 receptors modulates basal ganglia outflow in monkeys. J Neurophysiol 98: 1489-1500.
(4) Poisik, OV, Y. Smith and PJ Conn (2007) D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors regulate signaling properties of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the rat globus pallidus. Eur J Neurosci 26: 852-862.
(5) Raju DV, TH Ahern, DJ Shah, TM Wright, DG Standaert, RA Hall, Y Smith (2008) Differential synaptic plasticity of the corticostriatal and thalamostriatal systems in MPTP-treated monkey model of Parkinsons Disease. Eur J Neuroscience 27: 1647-1658. PMID: 18428632.
Techniques used in this lab: Electron microscopy immunocytochemistry (immunogold, immunoperoxidase, inmmunofluorescence), Confocal microscopy, Tract-tracing techniques, In vitro patch clamp recording in brain slices, In vivo recording in awake monkeys, Microdialysis in monkeys, PET Brain Imaging, Behavioral pharmacotherapy for drug testing in parkinsonian monkeys.
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