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Steve Potter. Biomedical Engineering.
Phone: 404 385-2989
Email: steve.potter@bme.gatech.edu
Institution: Georgia Tech-Emory
Location: Off-campus (but accessible via shuttle, e.g., Grady or VA Hospitals)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: See http://neuro.gatech.edu for ideas about projects in our lab.
Student Requirements: Depends on project. All backgrounds considered.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) See http://neuro.gatech.edu/groups/potter/publications.html
Techniques used in this lab: Depends on project, but may include optical microscopy, multi-electrode electrophysiology, cell culture, computer programming, mechanical design, and others.
Additional Comments: http://neuro.gatech.edu/groups/potter/people.html
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Hyunsuk Shim. Winship Cancer Institute.
Phone: 404-778-4564
Email: hyunsuk_shim@emory.org
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: The chemokine receptor, CXCR4 is one of critical factors for cancer metastasis by interacting with its ligand, stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1). SDF-1 is expressed in destinations of breast cancer metastasis, including lymph node, lung, liver, and bone marrow. CXCR4 expression is low in normal breast tissues and high in malignant tumors. We developed novel CXCR4 antagonists, which inhibit CXCR4/SDF-1 mediated invasion with high specificity. The long-term outcome that we hope to achieve is the identification of a small molecule that will attenuate tumor metastasis in-vivo while demonstrating a sufficient pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile to merit advancement into human, clinical evaluation. We will also study the specificity or cross-reactivity of our compounds against other chemokine receptors. These potent inhibitors of CXCR4 allow us to study the role of CXCR4 in cancer metastasis and other diseases.
Student Requirements: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Liang, Z, Wu, T., Yu, X, Lou, H., Nie, S., and Shim, H. (2004) Inhibition of breast cancer metastasis via CXCR4 antagonists. Cancer Research, 64, 4302-4308.
(2) Liang, Z, Yoon, Y, Votaw, J., Goodman, M., William, L, and Shim, H. (2005) Silencing of CXCR4 blocks breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Research, 65, 967-71.
(3) Koh, A.M., Demiralp, B., Neiva, K., Hooten, J., Nohutcu, R.M., Shim, H., Datta, N.S., Taichman, R.S., McCauley, L.K. (2005) Cells of the osteoclast lineage as mediators of the anabolic actions of parathyroid hormone in bone. Endocrinology, 146(11), 1-13.
(4) Yun, C.C., Sun, H., Wang, D., Rusovici, R., Castleberry, A., Hall, R.A., and Shim, H. (2005) Cellular signaling by LPA2 in colonic epithelial cells is mediated through its interaction with NHERF2. Am. J. Physiology (Cell Physiology), 289 (1), C2-11.
Techniques used in this lab: cloning, cell culture, drug discovery, western blot analysis, HPLC,RT-PCR, etc
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Heather Kimmel. Yerkes.
Phone: 404-727-8581
Email: Heather.Kimmel@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: Students will use behavioral, neurochemical, and imaging techniques to investigate the mechanism of drugs of abuse in nonhuman primates. Our research goals are two-fold: one is to determine how cocaine exerts its effects and the second is to develop effective medications for treating cocaine abusers.
Student Requirements: Basic biology, chemistry, and psychology courses would be essential. Coursework in psychopharmacology, experimental psychology, and biochemistry would also be extremely helpful. Prior experience in working in a laboratory is not required, but would be helpful.
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Howell LL, Carroll FI, Goodman MM, Votaw JR, Kimmel HL (2007) Effects of combined dopamine and serotonin transporter inhibitors on cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 320(2): 757-765
(2) Howell LL, Wilcox KM, Lindsey KP, and Kimmel HL. (2006) Olanzapine-induced suppression of cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys. Neuropsychopharmacology 31:585-593.
(3) Kimmel HL, Ginsburg BC, Howell LL. Changes in extracellular dopamine during cocaine self-administration in squirrel monkeys.
Synapse. 2005 Jun 1;56(3):129-34.
(4) Ginsburg BC, Kimmel HL, Carroll FI, Goodman MM, Howell LL. Interaction of cocaine and dopamine transporter inhibitors on behavior and neurochemistry in monkeys. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2005 Mar;80(3):481-91
(5) Kimmel HL, OConnor JA, Carroll FI, and Howell LL (2007) Pharmacokinetic considerations of the pharmacokinetic and reinforcing effects of cocaine analogs in squirrel monkeys. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 86(1): 45-54. (DOI:10.1016/j.pbb.2006.12.006)
Techniques used in this lab: Students will learn operant conditioning techniques, such as drug self-administration, which allows us to determine how drugs and environmental changes alter established behaviors. They will also learn in vivo microdialysis, a technique for sampling neurochemicals in a small region of the brain. Neuroimaging techniques (PET and MRI) are also used to determine how drugs reach the brain and how those drugs interact with proteins of interest.
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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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Jeff Boatright. Ophthalmology.
Phone: 404 778-4113
Email: jboatri@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 0
Project Description: Dr. Boatright is a graduate of Brown University (Sc.B. in Neural Sciences and Experimental Psychology) and Emory University (Ph.D. in Pharmacology and the Neurosciences Training Program). He joined the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology in 1999, conducting research on the regulation of retinal gene expression funded by an independent R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute (NIH NEI). This research expanded into using endogenous DNA repair mechanisms treat genetic mutations that lead to blindness, work also funded by an independent NEI R01. In a separate project, Dr. Boatright uses in vivo pharmacological approaches to explore the effects of atypical, endogenous compounds on animal models of retinal degeneration and glaucoma. This work is funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH NCCAM), and a Merit Award from the Veterans Administration.
Additional Project Information: Dr. Boatright is founding and current Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Vision, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the dissemination of research results in molecular biology, cell biology, and the genetics of the visual system. The journal is rated second in a field of 14 competing journals and is routinely used as an Open Access exemplar by the National Library of Medicine and The National Institutes of Health Library. The journal is supported by Knights Templar and through initiatives generated in the Department of Ophthalmology.
Student Requirements: We can start from scratch.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Techniques used in this lab:
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Kathy Griendling. Medicine.
Phone: 404-727-3364
Email: kgriend@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 2
Project Description: Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate the function of vascular smooth muscle cells, the cells responsible for contraction of the vessel wall and thus regulation of blood pressure. ROS mediate smooth muscle cell differentiation, migration and proliferation, in part by regulating signaling molecules compartmentalized within the cell. We use both cell culture and animal models to test the role of ROS in vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis, and diabetic vasculopathy.
Student Requirements: Basic biology and chemistry necessary. Biochemistry strongly suggested.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Dikalova A, Lassegue B, Clempus R, Cheng G, McCoy J, Dikalov S, San Martin A, Lyle A, Weber DS, Weiss D, Taylor WR, Schmidt HHHW, Owens GK, Lambeth JD, Griendling KK. Nox1 overexpression potentiates angiotensin II-induced hypertension and vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy in transgenic mice. Circulation 2005;96:269-271.
(2) Taniyama Y, Hitomi H, Shah A, Alexander RW, Griendling KK. Mechanisms of reactive oxygen species-dependent downregulation of IRS-1 by angiotensin II. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2005;25:1142-1147.
(3) Weber DS, Rocic P, Mellis AM, Laude K, Lyle AN, Harrison DG, Griendling KK. Angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy is potentiated in mice overexpressing p22phox in vascular smooth muscle. Am J PhysiolHeart & Circ Physiol 2005; 288:H37-42.
(4) Taniyama Y, Ushio-Fukai M, Rocic P, Kingsley MJ, Hitomi H, Pfahnl C, Weber DS, Alexander RW, Griendling KK. Role of p38MAPK and MAPKAPK-2 in angiotensin II-induced Akt activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol-Cell Physiology 2004;287:C494-499.
(5) Clempus RE, Sorescu D, Dikalova AE, Pounkova L, Jo P, Lass¿gue B, Griendling KK. Nox4 is required for maintenance of the differentiated vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2007;27:42-48.
Techniques used in this lab: cell culture
Western analysis
PCR
Blood pressure measurement
Histology
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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.
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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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Nael McCarty. Pediatrics.
Phone: 727-3654
Email: namccar@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Our lab has identified a peptide toxin inhibitor of CFTR, the chloride channel protein defective in Cystic Fibrosis. The summer project would entail the production of mutant forms of this toxin, which we call GaTx1, and performance of electrophysiological experiments to test the efficacy of inhibition by the mutant toxins. Students will learn: molecular biology, recombinant protein production, electrophysiology.
Student Requirements: Rising junior at least, having completed basic biology courses and had some wet lab experience.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) 25) Fuller, M.D., C.H. Thompson, Z.-R. Zhang, C. Freeman, B. Sarkadi, G. Szakacs, D. McMaster, R.J. French, J. Pohl, J. Kubanek, and N.A. McCarty (2007) State-dependent inhibition of CFTR chloride channels by a novel peptide toxin. J. Biol. Chem. 282:37545-37555.
(2) 23) Fuller, M.D., Z.-R. Zhang, G. Cui, and N.A. McCarty (2005) The block of CFTR by scorpion venom is state-dependent. Biophys. J. 89: 3960-3975.
(3) 22) Thompson, C.H., D.M. Fields, Olivetti, P.R., M.D. Fuller, Z.-R. Zhang, and N.A. McCarty (2005) Inhibition of ClC-2 Cl- channels by a peptide component of scorpion venom. J. Membr. Biol. 208: 65-76.
(4) 1) Thompson, C.H., P.R. Olivetti, M.D. Fuller, C.S. Freeman, D. McMaster, R.F. French, J. Pohl, J. Kubanek, and N.A. McCarty. Isolation of a peptide toxin inhibitor of ClC-2 voltage-gated chloride channels. (submitted)
Techniques used in this lab: Molecular biology (mutagenesis, sequencing, plasmid manipulation); recombinant protein production (biochemistry, HPLC); electrophysiology (patch-clamp)
Additional Comments: News release on this project: http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/reshor/rh-ws08/venom.pdf
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Gretchen Neigh. Psychiatry & Behav Sci.
Phone: 404-727-9022
Email: gmccand@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Approximately 20% of the geriatric population manifests a neurobehavioral syndrome that is believed to be of vascular origin and consists of mild cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety. One possible cause for this syndrome is multiple minute strokes throughout the brain. Because of the inherent limitations of human research, my lab is using a rat model to determine if experimentally-induced multiple minute ischemic lesions produce behavioral changes similar to those documented in the geriatric human population. Data to date have demonstrated that induction of these lesions produces anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in young adult rats. The available project involves comparing behavioral outcomes between young adult and aged adult rats. In addition, the student would begin to analyze the differences in brain damage that occur from these lesions in a young versus an aged rat.
Student Requirements: The student should be familiar with working in a laboratory and have experience working with animals.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Neigh, G.N., Kofler, J., Meyers, J.L., Traystman, R.J., Bergdall, V., La Perle, K., DeVries, A.C.
(2004) Cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases anxiety-like behavior and
decreases social interaction. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism 24:372-382.
Neigh, G.N., Kofler, J., Meyers, J.L., Traystman, R.J., Bergdall, V., La Perle, K., DeVries, A.C.
(2004) Cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases anxiety-like behavior and
decreases social interaction. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism 24:372-382.
(2) Neigh, G.N., Glasper, E., Kofler, J., Traystman, R.J., Mervis, R., Bachstatter, A.,
DeVries, A.C. (2004) Cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation selectively
alters formation of spatial memory and abates dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal cells.
European Journal of Neuroscience 20:1865-1872.
(3) Neigh, G.N., Glasper, E.R., Zhang, N., Plotsky, P.M., Nemeroff, C.B., DeVries, A.C. (In prep)
Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases CRF R1 receptor binding and alter
HPA axis responsivity.
Techniques used in this lab: behavioral testing - elevated plus maze, anhedonia, open field
histology - tissue preparation, cutting, staining
stereology - systematic assessment of tissue damage
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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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