[bioundgrd] Summer UROP project available

[Janice Chang]

Summer UROP project availble on the cell biology of Fragile X 
Syndrome with a biology graduate student.   Please contact Bridget 
Dolan bdolan at mit.edu.

>
>Susumu Tonegawa Lab, Biology and BCS Departments
>Abnormal Cellular Architecture in Neurons from a Mouse Model of 
>Fragile X Syndrome
>PROJECT DESCRIPTION
>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.
>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).
>PREREQUISITES
>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.
>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: 
><mailto:BDolan at mit.edu>BDolan at mit.edu.
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