[Bioundgrd] Fwd: UROP Postion at Whitehead: contact mekhail@mit.edu

[Kathleen Long]

>
>Project Description:  We are using Green 
>Fluorescent Protein fused to RNA binding 
>proteins to track and analyze RNA and micro-RNA 
>within cells.  We do this by genetically 
>engineering these fusion proteins, observing 
>them under a variety of microscopy techniques, 
>(such as confocal and cellomics scanner), and 
>then using a micro-array to determine the 
>identity of the RNA and micro-RNA.  Micro-RNA is 
>a very recent discovery, and is a cellular 
>method of gene suppression.  We will also be 
>experimenting with novel micro-array methods to 
>combine with a custom wireless sensor that is 
>being designed. We are making a unique version 
>of a customized micro-array reader using 
>wireless imaging technology to allow sensors to 
>be directly integrated into fluidic and in-vivo 
>environments for detection of biological 
>phenomena.  This project will allow the 
>integration of visual information with 
>micro-array data to explore the characteristics 
>of microRNA, as well as the effect of drugs etc 
>on gene suppression.
>
>What you will do:  Take over the genetic 
>engineering of the GFP-RNA fusion proteins which 
>is underway.  Learn to use confocal microscopy 
>to track the in-vivo location of the RNA and 
>micro-RNA.  Once the in-vivo characteristics are 
>established, micro-array experiments will be 
>done to identify which RNA and micro-RNAs are 
>active.  We will then use these micro-RNA GFP 
>fusions to investigate new ways to image 
>micro-arrays with our wireless sensor platform.
>
>Time Commitment:
>
>Fall 2004:  Come in to learn techniques 
>(cloning, tissue culture, etc).  Likely ~ 5 
>hrs/week.
>IAP 2005:  Preferably last ½ of IAP.
>Spring 2005 - Spring 2006 (including summer): 
>Full UROP (i.e. ~ 10 hrs/week, more time is 
>always better).  UROPS that stay over a long 
>period (i.e. 1 year generally get more out of it 
>in terms of research, getting to know your 
>advisor, and being more productive than those 
>staying for only a semester), so I would prefer 
>the intention to stay through spring 2006.
>
>Experience:
>
>Lab experience or lab class would be good to 
>have.  Prefer someone who has done biological 
>work before, ie cloning, tissue culture etc., 
>but if you are motivated that is the primary 
>characteristic and the rest can be learned.
>
>Please email me ASAP.  If you want to get some 
>credit for this semester, we have to complete 
>the paperwork by Thursday.  Please include a 
>resume if you have one, and a list of relevant 
>classes and grades.  Please contact me with any 
>questions at Mekhail at mit.edu
>
>
>About myself:
>
>I am an MD/Ph.D. student working on wireless 
>biological sensors in combination with genetic 
>engineering for detection of biological 
>phenomena.  You will be working at the Whitehead 
>Institute with me and Prof. Paul Matsudaira. 
>You will also have access to the MIT Bioimaging 
>center at 500 Tech square.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Mekhail
>
>
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