Project Mentor
Dr. Blanka Rogina
Genetics and Genome Sciences
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Indy (I’m not dead yet) encodes the fly homologue of a mammalian SLC13A5 plasma membrane citrate transporter. Decreased INDY expression in flies and its homologue in worms extend longevity. Reduced Indy gene activity has beneficial effects on energy balance in mice, worms, and flies. The goal of the research is to study the mechanism underlying beneficial effects of reduced INDY levels on intestinal stem cell (ISC) homeostasis. |
| Project Direction | Preserved intestinal stem cells homeostasis contributes to longer life of flies with reduced Indy levels. We are interested to examine how INDY reduction affects ISC response to different calorie content of the food. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | I will discuss the project with the student. Students will be supervised by me or my lab assistant. The students will attend weekly lab meeting where they will learn more about the aging studies. Student will also learn how to present the data, and present the result at the lab meeting at the end of the research. |
| Student Qualifications | Preferred experience:
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| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 8 – July 7, 2017 Schedule: To be determined with selected student; 9am-4pm is possible |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2017, Spring 2018 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 6-9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity using the form below. The application deadline is Friday, February 24, 2017.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for one faculty reference who will provide a letter of recommendation.