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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
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Lou Ann Brown. Pediatrics.
Phone: 404-727-5739
Email: lbrow03@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Background: Alcohol abuse has significantly increased in women of childbearing age resulting in a large population of premature infants with fetal alcohol exposure. Alcohol-induced oxidant stress and damage is best described in the developing brain, however, all developing organ systems are exposed to alcohol-induced oxidative stress. We have shown that maternal alcohol abuse increased the risk of early onset sepsis in the very low birth weight premature neonate. In utero exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines increases the risk of adverse outcomes in the premature newborn such as chronic lung disease and sepsis. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) results from chronic intrauterine exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines that primes the fetal lung so that minimally injurious postnatal events provoke an exuberant pulmonary inflammatory response and potentiates lung injury.
In adults, chronic alcohol abuse depletes the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), induces chronic oxidant stress and a chronic pro-inflammatory state. This subsequently results in an exaggerated response to a second hit such as sepsis or trauma. As observed in adults, we do not believe that fetal alcohol exposure alone causes BPD. Rather, we postulate that alcohol-induced fetal GSH depletion results in a chronic pro-inflammatory state that places the very premature lung at a greater risk for injury when a second hit occurs. In animal models of in utero alcohol exposure, we are exploring fetal lung GSH depletion, chronic oxidant stress and a chronic pro-inflammatory state that subsequently delays lung maturation and increases the risk of lung injury when there is premature delivery. Furthermore, we propose that GSH precursors will attenuate that injury when given after delivery.
Student Requirements: Juniors and seniors only
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) T.W. Gauthier, X.D. Ping, F.L. Harris, M. Wong, H. Elbahesh, and L.A.S. Brown. Fetal alcohol exposure impairs alveolar macrophage functions via decreased glutathione availability. Pediatr. Res. 57: 76-81 (2005).
(2) L.A.S. Brown, F.L. Harris, X.-D. Ping and T.W. Gauthier. Chronic ethanol ingestion and the risk of acute lung injury: a role for glutathione availability? Alcohol 33: 191-197 (2004).
(3) M.H. Manar, M.R. Brown, T.W. Gauthier, and L.A.S. Brown. Association of glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GST-P1) polymorphisms with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. J. Perinatol. 24: 30-35 (2004).
(4) A. Pelaez, R.I. Bechara, P.C. Joshi, L.A.S. Brown and D.M. Guidot. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor treatment improves alveolar epithelial barrier function in alcoholic rat lung. Am. J. Physiol. (Lung Cell Mol. Physiol.) 286: L106-L111 (2004).
Techniques used in this lab: Fluorescent microscopy; confocal microscopy; real time PCR; western blot analysis
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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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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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Roy Sutliff. Medicine.
Phone: 404-321-6111 X7053
Email: rsutlif@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Research in my laboratory focuses on characterizing cardiovascular pathophysiology in gene-altered mouse models. The area that is most heavily studied is the cardiovascular effects of AIDS and AIDS therapeutics. Projects involving everything from whole animal physiology to isolated tissue studies to cellular preparations are readily available in this area and are adaptable to any time period.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global health crisis. Therapeutic agents such as AZT and protease inhibitors have been used to treat HIV-I and have greatly increased survival of these patients. Unfortunately, with this increased survival patients are developing cardiovascular complications that result from either prolonged exposure to the HIV-I virus or toxicity to the AIDS therapeutics. Our laboratory is using noninfectious transgenic mouse models of AIDS to study the cardiovascular pathophysiology of HIV-I proteins and AIDS therapeutics and the underlying mechanisms mediating these cardiovascular perturbations.
Student Requirements: Projects can be tailored to the level of proficiency of the student.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab:
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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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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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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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