Project Mentor

Dr. Rosa Guzzo
Neuroscience

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Research in the Guzzo lab is focused on understanding the role of epigenetic modifiers in the development and maintenance of cartilage. To address this question, we employ gain and loss of function studies in human pluripotent stem cells as well as animal models. Research projects in the lab will focus on evaluating the joint phenotype in developing and postnatal mice lacking the expression of a chromatin modifier in cartilage. These studies will employ histological and immunohistochemical staining of joint cartilage tissue from genetically altered mice. Additional mechanistic studies, involving quantitative gene expression analyses and molecular assays, will be used to determine whether small molecules can promote the differentiation of embryonic progenitors and human stem cells to the chondrogenic lineage.
Project Direction	Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that impairs the quality of life for millions and poses a substantial economic burden. OA results from breakdown of articular cartilage in synovial joints. In OA the shift from permanent joint cartilage to degeneration is transcriptionally regulated. Aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are believed to govern the transcriptional changes that lead to OA. On-going and future studies using surgical models of OA will focus on determining whether targeting of a histone methyltransferase can alter OA progression in mice.
Student Qualifications	– Interest in musculoskeletal biology. – Fundamental understanding of molecular biology and application of techniques. – Laboratory experience preferred.
Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Schedule Options	Flexible schedule. Ideally afternoon (12-4pm). No specific preference to day of week.
Project Continuation	Summer 2017 and/or Fall 2017
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, January 6, 2017.

This application requires a cover letter, an unofficial transcript, and a brief statement of research interests. You must also arrange to have at least one letter of recommendation sent to Dr. Guzzo by January 6th (see details below).