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Periasamy Selvaraj. Pathology.
Phone: (404) 727-5929
Email: pselvar@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Development of cancer vaccines using protein transfer.
Tumors modified by transfecting genes for immunostimulatory molecules such as B7 and cytokines are now considered as a potential therapeutic tumor vaccine. However, transfection is not always efficient and can be difficult with many cell types, especially freshly isolated tumor cells from patients. Moreover, transfection of genes requires the introduction of vectors of viral origin which is not desirable for human therapeutic purposes. Studies have shown that purified GPI-anchored cell surface proteins can be spontaneously incorporated into membranes by incubating the proteins with the cells or cell membranes (Protein Transfer). This unique property can be used to reconstitute cell surface expression receptors on cell membranes without the use of gene transfection. Using recombinant techniques, we have developed many immunostimulatory molecules including B7-1, IL-2, and IL-12 as GPI-anchored form. Currently we are working on mouse models of cancer to determine the efficacy of vaccine prepared using protein transfer technology. In the long-term the knowledge obtained from this study could be used to develop an effective cancer vaccine to treat cancer patients.
Additional Project Information: Structure and function on Fc receptors. Fc receptors for IgG (FcgR) are involved in phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and removal of immune complexes from blood circulation. FcgR III (CD16) is expressed in macrophages, granulocytes and NK cells. CD16 on granulocytes is phosphatidyl inositol glycan (GPI) anchored whereas the CD16 expressed on NK cells and macrophages is polypeptide anchored. These two membrane anchor isoforms of CD16 differ in triggering signals for tumor cell cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. Further structure-function studies will be carried out on membrane isoforms of CD16. We have also identified that the avidity state of FcgRII is regulated by cell activation. Future studies will focus on the defining the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of affinity of FcgRII molecule expressed on human neutrophils.
Student Requirements: Chemistry
Sophomore, Juniors, Seniors
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Cimino, AM, Kim, AC, and P. SELVARAJ. Cancer Vaccine Development: Protein Transfer of Membrane-anchored Cytokines and Immunostimulatory Molecules. Immunol Res. 2004; 29:231-40
(2) Bumgarner, GW, Zampell, JC., Nagarajan, S, Poloso, NJ., Dorn, AS, D'Souza MJ, and P. SELVARAJ. Modified cell ELISA to determine the solubilization of cell surface proteins: Applications in GPI-anchored protein purification. J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods 2005; 64:99-109.
(3) SELVARAJ P, Fifadara NH, Cimino A, and Wang G. Functional Regulation of Human Neutrophil Fc gamma Receptors. Immunol Res. 2004 29:219-30
(4) Poloso NJ, Nagarajan S, Mejia-Oneta JM, SELVARAJ P. GPI-anchoring of GM-CSF results in active membrane-bound and partially shed cytokine. Mol Immunol. 2002; 38:803-16.
(5) Nagarajan S, Fifadara N, and P. SELVARAJ. Signal specific activation and regulation of human neutrophil Fc gamma receptors. J. Immunol 2005; 174: 5423-32.
Techniques used in this lab:
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Jorg Goronzy. Lowance Center.
Phone: 404-7277325
Email: jgoronz@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: We are using gene expression arraying of naive and memory T cell responses to identify genes of interest that may be causatively involved in declining immune responses with age. Changes in gene expression is confirmed in population-based studies and functional implications of the over- or underexpression is studied in in vitro assays.
Student Requirements: Background in immunology would be advantageous.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) J Immunol. 2005 Jun 1;174(11):7446-52.
The influence of age on T cell generation and TCR diversity.
Naylor K, Li G, Vallejo AN, Lee WW, Koetz K, Bryl E, Witkowski J, Fulbright J, Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ.
(2) J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 280, Issue 25, 24277-24285, June 24, 2005
Distinct Transcriptional Control Mechanisms of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors in Natural Killer (NK) and in T Cells*
Jing Xu, Abbe N. Vallejo?, Yong Jiang?, Cornelia M. Weyand{ddagger}, and Jorg J. Goronzy{ddagger}
(3) Uncoupling of T Cell Effector Functions by Inhibitory Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors
Running Head: Inhibitory KIRs and T cells
Gabriella Henel1, 2 (a,b,c,d)
Karnail Singh1 (b,c)
Dapeng Cui1 (b,c)
Sergey Pryshchep1 (b)
Won-Woo Lee1 (b)
Cornelia M. Weyand1 (a,c)
Jorg J. Goronzy1 (a,c,d)
Blood 2006, epub ahead of publication
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Vin Tangpricha. Medicine.
Phone: 404-727-7254
Email: vtangpr@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Translational Vitamin D and Osteoporosis Research. Please visit www.tangpricha.com for up to date laboratory activities.
Additional Project Information: 1) Vitamin D and hypertension. This is a clinical study to evaluate whether vitamin D improves blood pressure in a randomized control trial This study is funded by the Atlanta Research and Education Foundation.
2) Vitamin D deficiency in Cystic Fibrosis- Multiple areas are available for research involving vitamin D status and cystic fibrosis patients. This has been funded by the UV Foundation.
3) Role of T-cells in Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis. This is a major trial to evaulate whether T-cells cause osteoporosis. This trial has received 5 years of funding from the National Institutes of Health. Many opportunities are available at the bench and in the General Clinical Research Clinic (GCRC)
Student Requirements: Students should have a strong foundation in human physiology. Successful students will be highly self motivated and open to learning new scientific methods.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Tangpricha V. et al. 2004. Tanning is associated with optimal vitamin D status and higher bone density. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. December 80(6) 1645-9
(2) Tangpricha V. et al. 2002. Vitamin D insufficiency among Free Living Adults. June 2002 112(8) 659-62.
(3) Tangpricha V. et al. 2003. Fortification of orange juice with vitamin D. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. June 77(6):1478-83.
Techniques used in this lab: Clinical Trials, Basic Molecular Biology, Flow Cytometry and basic immunology, basic statistics
Additional Comments: I'm interested in clinical and basic science research involving vitamin D, calcium and osteoporosis.
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Katherine Boss-Williams. Psychiatry.
Phone: 404 712-9771
Email: kwilli4@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: A student will may perform but is not limited to, stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, immunohistochemistry, histology, drug administration and implantation of minipumps. Also, may conduct behavioral and/or pharmacological experiments using small rodents as subjects. These may include, but are not limited to, testing rats on the Morris Water Maze, the Elevated Plus Maze, monitoring ambulation via a computer-assisted program. The operation of electrical equipment, PCs experimental apparatus, animal handling, testing of subjects, recording of results, and graphing and analyzing data.
Student Requirements: Extremely well organized is a must
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab: stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, immunohistochemistry, histology, drug administration and implantation of minipumps, testing rats on the Morris Water Maze, the Elevated Plus Maze, monitoring ambulation via a computer-assisted program, animal handling, recording of results, graphing and analyzing data.
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Jaap de Roode. Biology.
Phone: 4047272340
Email: jderood@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Our lab works on the evolution and ecology of parasites, using parasites of monarch butterflies and rodent malaria as model systems. Projects will involve carrying out experiments with parasites of monarch butterflies, and include maintenance of larvae, adult butterflies and larval food plants.
Student Requirements: No particular experience is required, as long as the student has a keen interest in the research we do, and is meticulous and careful; we maintain sterile techniques to which the student has to conform.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) De Roode, J. C., Pansini, R., Cheesman, S.J., Helinski, M.E.H., Huijben, S. Wargo, A.R., Bell, A.S., Chan, B.H.K., Walliker, D. & Read, A.F. 2005. Virulence and competitive ability in genetically diverse malaria infections. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 102, 7624-7628.
(2) " De Roode, J.C., Gold, L.R. & Altizer, S.A. (2007) Virulence determinants in a natural butterfly-parasite system. Parasitology 134(5): 657-668.
(3) " De Roode, J.C., Pedersen, A.B., Hunter, M.D. & Altizer, S. (2008) Host plant species affects virulence in monarch butterfly parasites. Journal of Animal Ecology 77, 120-126.
Techniques used in this lab:
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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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Byeongwoon Song. Pediatrics.
Phone: 404-727-1746
Email: bsong4@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: We are interested in the cellular functions and potential antiviral activities of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins.
The TRIM proteins contain a RING finger domain, one or two B-box domains, and coiled coil domain, and the RBCC structure is followed by a variety of C-terminal domains. The RING domain of many TRIM has been shown to have E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, whereas the B box and coiled coil domains may be involved in protein-protein interactions and homo/heterodimerization.
Some TRIM proteins were shown to be involved in a variety of cellular functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, development, oncogenesis, and apoptosis, but the functions of most TRIM proteins are not well understood. It has been reported that several TRIM proteins are up-regulated by type I interferons (IFN) suggesting potential innate immune functions, and it was shown that some TRIM proteins have an antiviral activity.
Using various biochemical and cell biology tools, we will determine the cellular functions and potential antiviral activities of TRIM family proteins.
Student Requirements: Junior or senior with Biochemistry or Molecular Biology coursework completed or in progress.
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) 13. Song B, Javanbakht H, Perron M, Park DH, Stremlau M and Sodroski J. Retrovirus restriction by TRIM5a variants from Old World and New World primates. J. Virol 2005; 79:3930-3937.
(2) 17. Stremlau M, Perron M, Lee M, Yuan L, Song B, Javanbakht H, Diaz-Griffero F, Anderson DJ, Sundquist WI, and Sodroski J. Specific recognition and accelerated uncoating of retroviral capsids by the TRIM5a restriction factor. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2006; 103:5514-5519.
(3) 19. Si Z, Vandegraaff N, Ohuigin C, Song B, Yuan W, Xu C, Perron M, Li X, Marasco WA, Engelman A, Dean M and Sodroski J. Evolution of a cytoplasmic tripartite motif (TRIM) protein in cows that restricts retroviral infection. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2006; 103:7454-7459
Techniques used in this lab: Plasmid DNA isolation, Cloning, Cell culture, Transfection, Western blotting, Immunoprecipitation, Immunostaining, ELISA, and Flow cytometry
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