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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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Chris Yun. Medicine.
Phone: 404-712-2865
Email: ccyun@emory.edu
Institution: Emory
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Spring,Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator with diverse biological properties. The effects of LPA are mediated by the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), LPA1, LPA2 and LPA3. We have recently found that LPA2 is over-expressed in several types of cancers, suggesting that LPA2 receptor facilitates tumorigenesis. The aim of this study is to understand the role of LPA2 in colon cancer progression. Student will work on bench learning state of art molecular biologic and physiologic techniques.
Additional Project Information: Mammalian Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 is the major contributor to Na and fluid homeostasis in intestine and kidney. The aim of this study is to understand the regulation of NHE3 by hormones and growth factors. Student will work on bench learning state of art molecular biological and physiological techniques.
Student Requirements: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Yun, C. C., Lamprecht, G., Forster, D.V. and Sidor, A. (1998) NHE3 kinase A regulatory protein E3KARP binds the epithelial brush border Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 and the cytoskeletal protein ezrin J. Biol. Chem. 273, 25856-25863, 1998.
(2) Yun, C.C., Sun, H., Wang,, W., Rusovici, R., Castleberry, A., Hall, R, and Shim, H. (2005) The LPA2 receptor mediates mitogenic signals in human colon cancer cells Am J. Physiol-Cell. 289:C2-C11
(3) Wang, D., Sun, H., Lang, F., and Yun, C.C. (2005) Activation of NHE3 by dexamethasone requires phosphorylation of NHE3 at S663 by SGK1. Am J. Physiol-Cell. 289: C802-810.
Techniques used in this lab: PCR, cloning, Western blot, cell culture
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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
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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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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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Monnie Wasse. Medicine.
Phone: 404-727-1598
Email: hwasse@emory.edu
Institution: Emory University
Location: On Campus (Emory main campus)
Availability: Summer,Fall
Lab Positions: 1
Project Description: Clinical, Patient-oriented research on the effect of Vitamin D on vascular biology in end-stage renal disease patients. The current novel study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether vitamin D improves hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. This study is funded by a University Research Grant.
Additional Project Information: 1) Differences in Thrombophilia and Inflammatatory markers among patients with thrombosed and dysfunctional dialysis vascular access. This study has received 5 years of funding from the National Institutes of Health. 2) The Cardiovascular Effects of Arteriovenous Fistulas in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients. This study has received 4 years of funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Student Requirements: Student should be very self-motivated,patient-oriented, and have a strong background in human physiology.
Accepts 1st year students? Y
Accepts 2nd year students? Y
Suggested Reading (References):
(1) Wasse et al. Arteriovenous Fistula Use is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality Compared with Catheter Use among ESRD Patients, Semin Dial, 2008 Sept-Oct: 21 (5): 483-89
(2) Wasse et al. Predictors of Central Venous Catheter Use at Initiation of Hemodialysis, Semin. Dial, Jul-Aug: 21 (4): 346-51
(3) Badero, Salifu, Wasse, Work. Frequency of Swing-Segment Stenosis in Referred Dialysis Patients with Angiographically Documented Lesions. , Am. J Kidney Dis, 2008 Jan; 51 (1): 93-8.
(4) Wasse et al. Predictors of Delayed Transition from Central Venous Catheter Use to Permanent Vascular Access Among ESRD Patients, Am. J Kidney Dis, 2007 Feb; 49 (2): 276-283
Techniques used in this lab: Clinical trials, observational studies, basic physiology, basic statistics
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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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