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<div>Summer UROP project availble on the cell biology of Fragile X
Syndrome with a biology graduate student. Please contact
Bridget Dolan bdolan@mit.edu.</div>
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<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Susumu Tonegawa Lab, Biology and BCS
Departments</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>Abnormal Cellular Architecture in
Neurons from a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>PROJECT DESCRIPTION</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Fragile X Syndrome is the most common
cause of inherited mental retardation and autism. This syndrome is
caused by the transcriptional silencing of the gene fragile X mental
retardation 1 (FMR1). The protein produced by this gene, called FMRP,
regulates the shape and function of subcellular compartments of brain
cells called dendritic spines. Since spines are believed to underlie
memory and learning, the abnormal spines observed in Fragile X mice
and humans may cause the mental retardation and autistic symptoms
associated with this disease.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>In the Tonegawa lab we have discovered
that inhibiting the function of an actin cytoskeleton remodeling
protein called PAK can rescue the abnormal spine morphology observed
in Fragile X neurons. While this is an exciting discovery, the
mechanism by which this rescue occurs is unclear. We are searching for
a curious undergraduate student to help uncover this mechanism. An
understanding of the basic biology of the PAK:FMRP interaction is an
essential early step on the road to the development of a PAK-based
treatment for this disease. A UROP project is available that will use
cell culture, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy to
visualize these proteins in normal vs. fragile X neurons. While the
project will focus on the cell biology of the disease, the student
will have the option of working with mice (animal handling,
genotyping, and brain dissection).</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>PREREQUISITES</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Enthusiastic, self-motivated and
dependable students with a background in college level biology or
cellular neuroscience are encouraged to apply. Research experience -
either in lab courses or through internships - is strongly
recommended. Students must be hard-working and commit to 10 weeks of
full time research over the summer. Ideal candidates will also have an
interest in continuing research during the school year.</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Please send a resume listing any relevant
course work or research experience, names of references, and brief
statement of interest to graduate student Bridget Dolan: <a
href="mailto:BDolan@mit.edu">BDolan@mit.edu</a>.</blockquote>
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