| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | |
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1 | Timestamp | Email Address | Name (First, Last) | Research Concentration (select all that apply) | Link to your lab page or bio (if applicable) | Rotation Project Name | Rotation Project Description | Student Slots Available (GEMS First Year) | ||||||
2 | 8/9/2023 10:38:45 | coloff@uic.edu | Coloff, Jonathan | Cancer Biology | www.colofflab.com | Serine metabolism in breast cancer | We have discovered that luminal/ER+ breast tumors are auxotrophic for serine, and we are currently working on methods of targeting serine auxotrophy as potential cancer therapies. These methods include dietary serine starvation, enzymatic serine depletion, and inhibition of serine uptake. We are also investigating how cancer cells respond to serine starvation and are currently investigating links between serine metabolism and RNA splicing. | 2 | ||||||
3 | 8/9/2023 9:12:26 | horiguch@uic.edu | Kaori, Yamada | Cancer Biology, Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://ykaori07.wixsite.com/yamada | Regulating signaling via regulating molecular trafficking | Endothelial permeability, angiogenesis, mesenchymal transition are regulated by signaling molecules that are dynamically translocating in the cells upon stimulation of the cells. By regulating such trafficking of important molecules, we will develop the strategy to cure eye diseases. | 1 | ||||||
4 | 8/9/2023 11:07:55 | anaba@uic.edu | Alexandra Naba | Cancer Biology, Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://nabalab.uic.edu | Exploring the roles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in development, health, and cancer metastasis | Please visit our website for a descriptions of projects available: https://sites.google.com/a/uic.edu/nabalab/research. | Yes | ||||||
5 | 8/9/2023 11:09:17 | vkgadi@uic.edu | VK Gadi | Cancer Biology, Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | Gadi Lab - NK cell immunotherapy for Breast Cancer | Optimize HER2 low breast cancer model in vitro and in vivo. | 1 | |||||||
6 | 8/14/2023 9:32:28 | evb@uic.edu | Elizaveta, Benevolenskaya | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) | http://bcmg.com.uic.edu/faculty/benevolenskaya_elizaveta.html | Studying new mechanisms of drug resistance using single cell RNA sequencing | Roles of histone demethylase KDM5A in pRB-mediated differentiation | 2 | ||||||
7 | 8/14/2023 11:39:39 | mfrolov@uic.edu | Max Frolov | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) | The role of Hippo and RB tumor suppressor pathways in control of cell proliferation and differentiation | 1) To begin exploring the mechanisms of E2F/Rb-dependent activation of metabolic genes during adult skeletal muscle development. The expression of metabolic genes is activated by E2F/Rb in differentiating muscle but not in proliferating adult muscle precursors. The goal of the project is to understand the mechanistic basis of these differences. Approaches used: genetics, genomics and biochemistry. 2) Role of Homothorax (Hth) in Hippo pathway in the eye progenitor cells. The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway controls organ size by regulating the transcriptional co-activator Yki (YAP). Sd is the best known DNA-binding factor that recruits Yki to target genes. Recent data generated in the lab suggest that, in eye progenitor cells Yki is recruited by a different DNA-binding factor called Homothorax (Hth). The goal of this project is to evaluate this hypothesis using single cell genomics, bioinformatics, genetics and cell biology approaches. | two | |||||||
8 | 8/16/2023 16:30:48 | nakamut@uic.edu | Toru Nakamura | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) | https://bcmg.com.uic.edu/faculty/nakamura_toru.html | Regulation of telomere maintenance. | Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the end of linear chromosomes, essential for stable maintenance of eukaryotic genomes. Telomerase, a specialized reverse transcriptase complex, utilizes its RNA subunit as a template to add GT-rich repeat sequences to counteract loss of telomeric DNA during DNA replication, caused by the inability of replicative DNA polymerases to fully replicate ends of linear DNA. Telomeric repeats are bound by the evolutionarily conserved shelterin and CST complexes that are essential for telomerase recruitment and protection of telomeres against DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoint factors. Studies have identified numerous mutations in telomerase, shelterin and CST proteins that are responsible for various inherited human diseases, including dyskeratosis congenita, aplastic anemia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and Coats plus syndrome. Genomic instabilities caused by telomere dysfunction can also lead to formation of tumors, while sustained uncontrolled growth by tumor cells requires that they retain the ability to maintain telomeres, either by telomerase or by recombination-based ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) mechanisms. Thus, studies that provide mechanistic insights into telomere maintenance regulation are expected to have major implications for human health. The long-term goal of this research project is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that allow eukaryotic cells to stably maintain telomeres. We utilize fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model to study telomere regulation since proteins involved in telomere maintenance as well as various factors involved in DNA damage responses are well-characterized and show a high degree of structural and functional conservation to mammalian cells. Fission yeast provides unique advantages to uncover mechanistic details of telomere regulation, due to its ease of growth and amenability to genetic, biochemical, and cytological studies. Furthermore, the ability to bypass the need for a functional telomere maintenance mechanism by circularizing all three chromosomes provides flexibility, not available in any other organism, in manipulating telomere related genes without being hindered by cell lethality. We currently have two possible GEMS student rotation projects for the 23-24 school year. The first project will be based on the characterization of a novel RPA (Replication Protein A) mutant that fails to maintain telomeres and survive by circularizing chromosomes in fission yeast, even though telomerase is robustly recruited to telomeres in this mutant. The second project will be characterizing various mutants that affect the transcription of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) known as TERRA and cause telomere elongation. If interested, please also visit our lab website (nakamura.lab.uic.edu) to see what types of papers we have published. Currently, we are also very much interested in students who would also be interested in expanding our research into the mammalian system in the future to take advantage of insights we have gained from studying fission yeast telomere regulation. | 1 | ||||||
9 | 8/9/2023 12:27:28 | kuchay@uic.edu | Shafi Kuchay | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://www.kuchaylab.org/all-publications | Understanding the role of aberrant protein turnover at cellular membranes in health and disease. | We employ interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., Proteomics, CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing, cell and mouse genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology) to investigate the role of membrane bound E3-ubiquitin ligases, enzymes that mark protein targets with ubiquitin polymers, to induce their complete degradation via ubiquitin proteasome system. We are interested in molecular mechanisms, developing new tools and assays for the membrane compartment specific E3-ligases to leverage our expertise for the targeted- protein degradation of disease-causing deregulated protein targets. | Yes | ||||||
10 | 8/9/2023 19:03:05 | jalees@uic.edu | Jalees Rehman | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM), Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII), Neurobiology | https://bcmg.com.uic.edu/faculty/rehman_jalees.html | Project 1: Development of human stem cell derived organoids to model lung disease Project 2: The role of inflammation and infection in promoting Alzheimer's Disease Project 3: Maternal-fetal inheritance of inflammatory stress | Project 1: Working with stem cell derived progenitor cells of the lung epithelium, lung fibroblasts and lung vascular cells to create an organoid platform in which disease mechanisms can be studied. For the rotation, the primary goal will be for students to learn how to generate the organoids and assess the maturation of differentiated cells. Depending on the interest level and time, we can also subject the organoids to stressors and assess whether disease responses can be observed. A senior scientist will assist and guide the student to learn stem cell culture, differentiation and organoid assembly. Project 2: Do repeated inflammatory stressors and bacterial or viral infections promote neurodegenerative disorders? Students will work with a neurobiologist in our lab and expose mice carrying human Alzheimer's disease mutations to stressors such as bacterial toxins or viral nucleic acid mimics and quantify how such stressors impact the blood brain barrier, premature senescence in certain brain areas and impair regeneration. Project 3: How does inflammatory stress during pregnancy get transmitted to the next generation. Students will work with an immunologist to expose pregnant mice to bacterial toxins or viral stressors and then assess changes in the immune system, bone marrow and vasculature of the progeny. The assessment will focus on using flow cytometry to quantify changes in the hematopoietic and vascular lineages, as well as isolate cell populations for molecular studies. | 2 | ||||||
11 | 8/9/2023 10:12:34 | sorousht@uic.edu | Soroush, Tahmasebi | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://tahmasebilab.com/ | Role of protein synthesis in endothelial cell regeneration | Using mouse model, we will assess, how change in protein synthesis (mRNA translation) will impact vascular development and regeneration. | Yes | ||||||
12 | 8/19/2023 7:55:53 | kvp@uic.edu | Kostandin Pajcini | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://thepajcinilab.com/ | The role of cathelicidins (NGP, CRAMP, ect) in hematopoietic stem cell function | In our recent published study (Shao L et al PNAS 2023) we discovered that fetal stem cells express the highest levels of NGP cathelicidin during their expansion and maturation in the murine fetal liver. This is surprising because the fetal microenvironment is believed to be sterile thus not requiring any antimicrobial activity. Our hypothesis is that NGP and other family cathelicidins such as CRAMP are repurposed during development to provide a proliferation stimulation signal to fetal liver HSCs. The goal of the project is to use loss of function studies to validate the role of NGP in the fetal liver while to use purified protein to test the effect of NGP on cultured fetal, adult and aged HSCs. We will also characterize the natural levels of NGP in the adult bone marrow HSCs during different stages of aging and compare them to splenic neutrophils. | 1 | ||||||
13 | 8/19/2023 8:36:14 | kvp@uic.edu | Kostandin Pajcini | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | thepajcinilab.com | Specifications and priming of common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow niche | Notch1 signaling is critical for the development of T-cells in the thymus, however recent work from our lab and others shows that early blood progenitors are being primed toward thymic homing as early common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow niche. We hypothesize that Notch2 is activated in bone marrow niche and turns on the RNA methyltransferase Nsun5. Nsun5 is an enzyme that stabilizes protein production and we want to investigate how and if Nsun5 "bulks up" the small progenitor cells and turns on homing factors that allow them to specify and prime toward a T-cell fate and home to the thymus for maturation. Loss of function Nsun5 mouse models will be combined with in vitro knockdown of Nsun5 in T-cell lines and characterization of protein production and transcriptomic analysis of target gene expression combined with proteomic mass spec analysis. This study will greatly improve our understanding of how to generate more thymic seeding cell for improved adaptive immune response. | 1 | ||||||
14 | 8/9/2023 12:24:52 | suelleno@uic.edu | Suellen Darc Oliveira | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | https://vascularimmunobiology.com | Gut-Lung microbial Axis in Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease | The student will investigate the mechanisms of Gut-Lung microbial Axis for development of pulmonary arterial hypertension under the supervision of the PI/Advisor (Dr. Oliveira). | 1 slot available | ||||||
15 | 8/25/2023 21:08:29 | veiga@uic.edu | Almudena, Veiga-Lopez | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/veiga-lopez-laboratory/ | Impact of emerging flame retardants on ovarian cell function | Environmental chemical exposures can impact human health. Flame retardants are one type of chemicals that are applied to materials to prevent burning or slow the spread of fire. Flame retardants are applied to many types of products, including furnishings (seating foams and coverings, mattresses, and carpets), electronics and electrical devices (computers, phones, televisions, and household appliances), and building and construction materials (coatings for electrical wires and cables, polystyrene foams, and polyurethane insulation such as spray foams). The goal of this project is to understand the impact of emerging (new class) flame retardants on ovarian cellular function. The approach of this work includes the use of cell culture, liver cell imaging, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and gene/protein expression evaluation. | 2 (1 per rotation) | ||||||
16 | 8/9/2023 18:59:08 | hong2004@uic.edu | Liang Hong | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://sites.google.com/view/hong-lab-uic/ | Cardiovascular diseases and ion channel research | Identification of new signaling pathways underlying the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, and investigation of ion channels important for the electrophysiology of excitable cells. | 1 or 2 | ||||||
17 | 8/24/2023 16:52:13 | hong2004@uic.edu | Liang Hong | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://sites.google.com/view/hong-lab-uic | Cardiovascular diseases and ion channel research | Identification of new signaling pathways underlying the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, and investigation of ion channels important for the electrophysiology of excitable cells. | 1 or 2 | ||||||
18 | 8/29/2023 9:46:10 | levitan@uic.edu | Irena Levitan | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/medicine/pulmonary-critical-care-sleep-allergy/research/levitan-lab/ | Vascular Aging | The project focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of accelerated vascular aging by obesity and hypercholesterolemia. It includes cellular molecular work using molecular biology and imaging techniques, animal (mouse) models and possibly work with human subjects | one | ||||||
19 | 8/9/2023 9:00:45 | falonzo@uic.edu | Francis Alonzo | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://alonzolab.wixsite.com/alonzolab | Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis | We have several projects in the lab focused on understanding how Staphylococcus aureus adjusts from a lifestyle as a transient commensal to a virulent pathogen through metabolic adaptation and evasion of host immune defenses. Our research uses bacterial genetics, biochemistry, immunology, and cell biology to define how virulence factors modulate immune cell function. In addition, we investigate the effect of nutritional restriction within host tissues on Staphylococcus aureus viability. Rotation projects center on these themes. | Several slots available | ||||||
20 | 8/9/2023 10:25:11 | lijun@uic.edu | Lijun Rong | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://ronglabmates.wixsite.com/ronglab | Mechanisms of viral entry and replication, development of antivirals | Research in Rong lab is focused on elucidating the entry and replication mechanisms of several emerging or re-emerging viral pathogens and on developing potential antiviral therapeutics. | all three rotations | ||||||
21 | 8/9/2023 10:37:32 | mclach@uic.edu | Alan McLachlan | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | http://microbiology.uic.edu/mclachlan.html | Relationships between hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) | (1) Liver lobule zonation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and β-catenin mediated hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis. (2) Developmental regulation of HBV biosynthesis by Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) methylcytosine dioxygenases. (3) Role of hepatocyte phenotypes across the liver lobule in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) heterogeneity. (4) Modulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA stability and splicing by HDAC5 regulates viral biosynthesis. (5) Therapeutics for Eliminating Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA. | 1-3 | ||||||
22 | 8/9/2023 11:31:05 | jbehnsen@uic.edu | Judith Behnsen | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://jbehnsen.wixsite.com/behnsenlab | How does the commensal yeast Candida albicans worsen the outcome of infection with the gut pathogen Salmonella? | Our project on Salmonella/Candida interactions will be funded by a 5-year R01 grant, so we are looking for PhD students to tackle this fascinating cross-kingdom interaction. Rotation projects will therefore be centered around elucidating how these microbes interact. For example: 1) Elucidate if enhancement of Salmonella virulence is restricted to Candida albicans or if other yeast species can elicit the same phenotype (methods: co-cultures, cell culture invasion assays, qRT-PCR, and microscopy) 2) Use a mutant in a Salmonella toxic effector protein to test if it is involved in interacting with Candida albicans (methods: co-cultures, qRT-PCR, ELISA, preparing samples for metabolomic analysis) | at least 1 | ||||||
23 | 8/9/2023 17:11:41 | nfreitag@uic.edu | Nancy Freitag | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://freitag.lab.uic.edu | Exploring the bacterial arsenal that promotes survival within mammalian cells | Rotation projects available focus on understanding several different aspects of how the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes adapts to life within a mammalian cell. Areas of investigation include (1) how bacteria acquire essential nutrients (such as iron) within infected cells, (2) bacterial pheromones that enable Listeria to escape macrophage phagosomes, and (3) how Listeria gains access to placental and fetal cells during pregnancy. Additional projects focus on lung infections caused by the nosocomial bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, a drug resistant microbe often found in hospital settings. The availability of specific projects will be determined by both student interest and available expertise for mentoring during the rotation period. | One | ||||||
24 | 8/15/2023 15:34:50 | ldpalmer@uic.edu | Lauren Palmer | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/palmer-lab/home?authuser=0 | Project 1: Genetic transposition and adaptation to antimicrobials in Acinetobacter baumannii Project 2: Amino acid catabolism and gut colonization by Acinetobacter baumannii | Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterial pathogen that is a significant cause of healthcare associated infections. A. baumannii is of particular concern due to its high rates of multidrug resistance (MDR). Work in the Palmer laboratory in UIC Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology focuses on understanding how A. baumannii has evolved to cause MDR infections and persist in the healthcare environment, including in the gut of patients. We are particularly focused on how nutrients and stresses affect the A. baumannii-host interface. In Project 1 we study how transposable genetic elements specific to A. baumannii alter its genetic potential and antimicrobial resistance. In Project 2 we study how A. baumannii senses the metabolic environment of the gut to grow with amino acids as carbon and nitrogen sources and compete with resident microbes. | Rotation 1, 2, or 3 | ||||||
25 | 8/16/2023 17:26:51 | dmacduff@uic.edu | Donna MacDuff | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/macduff/home | Regulating sensing of viral infection and the anti-viral immune response | Interferons are critical early mediators of the immune response to viral infections. They activate infected cells and neighboring cells to block viral replication and spread, and trigger an inflammatory response. Too much interferon, however, can cause severe inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases, so their production is tightly regulated. Interferons can be transcriptionally induced after viral RNAs in the cytosol are detected by MDA5, an RNA sensor that activates a signal transduction pathway in the cell. Our lab has identified a protein called HOIL1 that is required for MDA5 to be activated and induce interferon during viral infection. HOIL1 is also needed in vivo (in mice) to limit viral replication. HOIL1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and we have found that HOIL1’s ubiquitin ligase activity is also required. Current and future experiments are aimed at identifying proteins that interact with and are ubiquitinated by HOIL1 during viral infection, and determining how they control the activation of MDA5 and the production of interferon. Potential rotation projects include: 1). Test whether HOIL1 interacts with MDA5 or known regulators of MDA5 2). Test whether HOIL1 ubiquitinates MDA5 or known regulators of MDA5 3). Identify new HOIL1-interacting proteins and test their requirement for interferon induction. 4) Test whether HOIL1 alters post-translational modifications on MDA5 (i.e.phosphorylation, ubiquitination) | 1 per rotation | ||||||
26 | 8/25/2023 9:23:48 | shahrara@uic.edu | Shiva Shahrara | Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/medicine/rheumatology/research/labs/shiva-shahrara-research/ | Uncovering the immunometabolism in rheumatoid arthritis | Intriguingly, we are examining the inflammatory & metabolic profiles of RA circulating blood and synovial tissue macrophages in response to an identified endogenous factor to delineate if blockade of hypermetabolic activity will reverse the inflammatory phenotype by RNA-sequencing and CyTOF. We are also uncovering the impact of the identified synovial fluid endogenous factor on endothelial cell metabolic reprogramming and their cross-regulation with RA macrophages by carbon isotype labeling for tracing glucose, analyzing the structure and function of mitochondria, and real-time ATP quantification of joint cells. Last, we will utilize RA synovial tissues in 2D or 3D culture format as well as arthritis preclinical models to determine the effectiveness of blocking the metabolic intermediates activated by the identified endogenous factor compared to RA biotherapies through phenotyping the metabolic and oxidative signatures. | We have several slots available. | ||||||
27 | 8/14/2023 11:27:45 | nava@uic.edu | Nava, Segev | Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) | https://bcmg.com.uic.edu/faculty/segev_nava.html | Project 1: The role of Rab1 GTPase in membrane traffic coordination and neurological disease Project 2: Aberrant Processing Bodies (PBs) accumulation and clearance in a neurodevelopmental disorder | In both projects we use cutting-edge molecular genetics, biochemistry and microscopy technologies in yeast and human cells, to study cell biological questions related to human disease. In Project 1, we study the effect of depletion of Rab1 GTPase or its TRAPP activator on secretion, Golgi morphology and autophagy, all of which are associated with neurological disorders. In Project 2, we study the effect of mutations associated with neurodevelopment in human patients on the formation of aberrant PBs and explore cellular pathways that can clear them. | All 3 rotations | ||||||
28 | 8/9/2023 11:29:07 | gmo@uic.edu | Gary, Mo | Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/garymolab/who/pi-biography | Visualizing cellular redox reactions | Inflammation is a frontier where drugs are increasingly being sought at the molecular level yet the pathway information often remains at the bulk-tissue level. The rotation student will examine the design and validity of a putative molecular biosensor for direct single cell fluorescent visualization of endogenous redox response during inflammation using microscopy. | 1-2 | ||||||
29 | 8/14/2023 9:25:19 | merrillb@uic.edu | Brad Merrill | Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://bcmg.com.uic.edu/faculty/merrill_brad.html | Synthetic Biology - CRISPR | The project is essential the construction of and testing/validation of a new synthetic biology tool using aspects of CRISPR systems to provide mammalian cells with a set of genetic instructions not encoded within their genomes. It will involve some molecular DNA cloning, design of new DNA sequences, and hopefully testing how well the new sequences function in cells. | 2 | ||||||
30 | 8/9/2023 20:59:26 | jpjin@uic.edu | J.-P. Jin | Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | Cardiac muscle and heart failure treatment | To investigate the effect of troponin-derived peptide reagents on cardiac muscle contractility for use in the treatment of heart failure | 1 | |||||||
31 | 8/15/2023 14:37:00 | star1@uic.edu | Amy Kenter | Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | Antibody genes are regulated in 3D nuclear space | We will analyze the impact on a newly characterized enhancer on Igh locus conformation in 3D and the functional impact on Ig DNA rearrangements and recombination. We will also assess the possibility that this enhancer protects against chromosomal translocations leading to lymphoid cancers. | two spots | |||||||
32 | 8/11/2023 15:02:42 | sta@uic.edu | Simon Alford | Neurobiology | https://alford.lab.uic.edu | Synaptic function in aging and development | Understanding the role of synuclein and Abeta at synapses, acutely and during aging and palmitoylation and receptor function in development. We use sophisticated imaging (TIRF, Lattice Light Sheet) along with electrophysiological, cell biological and biochemical assays to investigate synaptic function in health and disease. This rotation project specifically seeks to understand synaptic Calcium signaling during aging and dementia. | 1 | ||||||
33 | 8/16/2023 9:01:08 | dlfeins@uic.edu | Douglas, Feinstein | Neurobiology | Astrocyte and Oligodendrocyte responses to inflammation | Primary astrocyte or oligodendrocyte cell cultures. Various stimuli, various inhibitors of activation. Read outs including cytokines ELISAs, qPCR, IHC. Use of siRNA to knockdown target genes of interesting. Possible analysis of mouse brain samples. Possible mitochondrial studies | Possible | |||||||
34 | 8/25/2023 12:40:28 | olazarov@uic.edu | Orly Lazarov | Neurobiology | https://lazarov.lab.uic.edu/ | neural stem cells in learning and memory impairments in Alzheimer's disease | examination of signaling pathways in neural stem cells that are altered in Alzheimer's disease mouse models | 2 | ||||||
35 | 8/30/2023 16:29:36 | lnonn@uic.edu | Larisa Nonn | Cancer Biology | https://nonnlab.pathology.uic.edu/ | High androgens prime for aggressive prostate cancer in African American men | We have observed that African-American men have higher concentrations of androgen in their prostates than their white counterparts. We have created multiple cell lines adapted to varied concentrations of androgens and completed RNAseq. The rotation project is to examine the phenotypes of these cells and validate differentially expressed genes. Techniques include cell culture, western blots, and working with the RRC core for immunohistochemistry. | 1 | ||||||
36 | 8/31/2023 15:12:12 | ak20@uic.edu | Andrius, Kazlauskas | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/ophthalmology-visual-sciences/research/research-programs/kazlauskas-lab/ | Investigating the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy | The overall goal of the rotation is to determine if the student and lab are a good match. The student is typically paired with a lab member to work together on the lab member’s research project. In the course of the rotation the student will learn new techniques, experience the lab environment and be provided with an opportunity to contribute to the lab’s research program. | Rotations are available for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rotation slots. | ||||||
37 | 9/11/2023 14:08:20 | stbrady@uic.edu | Brady, Scott | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM), Neurobiology | http://anatomy.uic.edu/faculty/index.html?fac=scotttbrady&cat=all | Drug discovery for Tau pathology | Evaluation of candidate compounds for targeting tau pathology using a combination of cell culture, imaging and screening | 1 | ||||||
38 | 10/17/2023 16:27:56 | junsun7@uic.edu | Jun Sun | Cancer Biology, Microbiology, Immunity and Inflammation (MII) | https://cancer.uillinois.edu/member/jun-sun-phd/ | Microbiome in infection and cancer | The project works on the host-microbiome interactions in inflammation, infection, and cancer. Students will have opportunities to pair with lab members and participate in our ongoing projects. | 1 | ||||||
39 | 11/3/2023 10:57:44 | ak20@uic.edu | Andrius Kazlauskas | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/ophthalmology-visual-sciences/research/research-programs/kazlauskas-lab/ | Resilience to diabetic retinopathy | The overall goal of the rotation is to determine if the student and lab are a good match. The student is typically paired with a lab member to work together on the lab member’s research project related to resilience to diabetic retinopathy. In the course of the rotation the student will learn new techniques, experience the lab environment and be provided with an opportunity to contribute to the lab’s research program | 2 | ||||||
40 | 11/21/2023 13:01:02 | jcordoba@uic.edu | Jose Cordoba-Chacon | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | https://cordoba.red.uic.edu/ | Liver pathophysiology in obese and insulin resistant models. | Learn different techniques to assess whole body physiology in mouse models and how to assess liver function and pathophysiology with different approaches. The experiments will be aligned with current NIH-funded projects (R01DK131038 and R03DK129419) studying the role of PPARgamma in liver disease. Additional ideas for rotation will include assessment of novel targets of PPARgamma in the progression of steatotic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma. Student will present data in our weekly lab meetings, and will be supervised by other members of the lab and Dr. Cordoba-Chacon. | 1 | ||||||
41 | 11/21/2023 13:06:13 | cabrams1@uic.edu | Charles Abrams | Neurobiology | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/neurology-rehabilitation/neurology-research-clinical-research-epidemiology/dr-charles-abrams-lab/ | Connexins in myelinating glia | 1. Mechanisms of pathogenesis in CMT1X. This project aims to unravel the cause of the connexin associated neuropathy CMT1X. The project utilizes animal models, metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and other cell biological techniques to understand why mice (and people) lacking functional connexin 32 develop progressive neurologic dysfunction. 2. Structure function relationships in disease causing variants of connexins. This project involves using patch clamp recordings, immuno-fluorescence microscopy and computational methods to understand why some naturally occurring variants in GJB1 and other connexins are disease causing and others are not. The project also includes the opportunity to participate in development of high throughput screening assays. | 1 | ||||||
42 | 2/21/2024 9:27:27 | mkhan268@uic.edu | Wasim Khan | Cancer Biology, Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | Role of the novel hexokinase, HKDC1 in liver disease progression. | Metabolic associated steatitic liver disease (MASLD) formerly known as nonalcoholic liver disease ranges from simple steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC ranks as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The recently identified hexokinase, Hexokinase Domain Containing 1 (HKDC1), plays a crucial role in MASLD development by influencing cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Despite its recognized importance, the precise mechanism through which HKDC1 modulates cell metabolism remains elusive. Our preliminary investigations, conducted across various cell and animal models, have unveiled novel insights, demonstrating that HKDC1 exerts its influence on glucose flux by interacting with mitochondria. This interaction, in turn, mediates the stability of YAP—an established driver of liver disease—and significantly impacts the progression of HCC. Our aim is to form a comprehensive research framework aimed at establishing the pivotal role of HKDC1 in MASLD progression. The outcomes of our study not only promise to enhance our understanding of HCC pathogenesis but also hold the potential to identify HKDC1 as a viable therapeutic target for MASLD including HCC. | 2 | |||||||
43 | 2/26/2024 15:47:11 | avlasits@uic.edu | Anna Vlasits | Neurobiology | vlasitslab.org | Modeling color-motion integration in the retina | The retina’s neurons are specialized for detecting and computing different types of visual information, such as specific wavelengths of light (color) and speeds of motion. It is an open question whether single neurons can detect multiple types of information, like both motion AND color, and if so, how neurons accomplish this. In this rotation projection, the student will extend an existing simulation of motion processing by retinal neurons into the color domain to study how color and motion are integrated with one another. | 1 | ||||||
44 | 3/7/2024 13:58:56 | jalilian@uic.edu | Elmira Jalilian | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM), Neurobiology | Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Secreted Factors as Therapeutic Applications in Corneal Diseases | Corneal diseases, exacerbated by conditions like diabetes mellitus, result in vision impairment due to nerve damage and decreased tear production. Current treatments are limited and often ineffective, necessitating innovative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted factors, particularly exosomes, show promise in tissue repair. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of MSCs and exosomes in corneal nerve regeneration, examining their effects in vitro and in vivo and elucidating underlying signaling pathways. The findings will advance the development of novel therapeutics for diabetic corneal neuropathy and potentially other conditions, addressing an urgent clinical need. | 3 | |||||||
45 | 3/7/2024 15:27:20 | jalilian@uic.edu | Elmira Jalilian | Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM), Neurobiology | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/ophthalmology-visual-sciences/opth-research/labs/jalilian-lab/ | Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Secreted Factors as Therapeutic Applications in Corneal Diseases | Corneal diseases, exacerbated by conditions like diabetes mellitus, result in vision impairment due to nerve damage and decreased tear production. Current treatments are limited and often ineffective, necessitating innovative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted factors, particularly exosomes, show promise in tissue repair. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of MSCs and exosomes in corneal nerve regeneration, examining their effects in vitro and in vivo and elucidating underlying signaling pathways. The findings will advance the development of novel therapeutics for diabetic corneal neuropathy and potentially other conditions, addressing an urgent clinical need. | 3 | ||||||
46 | 3/25/2024 5:35:08 | nakamut@uic.edu | Toru Nakamura | Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) | https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/bmg/profiles/nakamura-toru/ | Regulation of telomere maintenance. | Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures at the end of linear chromosomes, essential for stable maintenance of eukaryotic genomes. We currently have two possible GEMS student rotation projects. The first project will be based on the characterization of a novel RPA (Replication Protein A) mutant that fails to maintain telomeres and survive by circularizing chromosomes in fission yeast, even though telomerase is robustly recruited to telomeres in this mutant. The second project will be characterizing various mutants that affect the transcription of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) known as TERRA and cause telomere elongation. If interested, please also visit our lab website (nakamura.lab.uic.edu) to see what types of papers we have published. Currently, we are also very much interested in students who would also be interested in expanding our research into the mammalian system in the future to take advantage of insights we have gained from studying fission yeast telomere regulation. | 1-2 | ||||||
47 | 4/24/2024 10:11:41 | mcaule1@uic.edu | Mark McCauley | Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP), Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CBRM) | Protein Phosphatases and Cardiac Contractility | We study the intersection of heart contractile function and arrhythmias. | 3 | |||||||
48 | 4/24/2024 11:08:28 | mkhan268@uic.edu | Wasim Khan | Cancer Biology, Integrative and Translational Physiology (ITP) | Role of the novel Hexokinase, HKDC1 in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression. | Liver disease is a serious health concern affecting many people in the US. One common type is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which used to be called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It can range from a simple fat buildup in the liver to a more severe condition called metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to cirrhosis and be life-threatening. Unfortunately, being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing liver disease and liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, more research is needed to fully understand the connection between MASLD, HCC, and cancer incidence. Our research team is studying energy production from sugar and the role of Hexokinases (HKs). In cancer, the activity of these proteins can become irregular. About ten years ago, we discovered a new type of hexokinase called HKDC1. Our latest research shows that HKDC1 plays a role in the progression of both MASH and HCC. We also found that HKDC1 interacts with mitochondria, which is responsible for energy production in the cell. This interaction is believed to be significant in the advancement of these diseases. We think HKDC1 may be the reason why one disease can lead to the other. This proposal is about studying a potential new way to treat cancer. The goal is to find a way to target cancer cells in a different way than current treatments. This is important because it could lead to new treatments for people with cancer. | 2 | |||||||
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