Project Mentor

Dr. Pedro Mendes
Department of Cell Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Iron Regulatory Proteins 1 and 2 (IRP1 and IRP2) are at the center of cellular iron regulation and though there is a wealth of experimental data surrounding these regulators and their targets, no quantitative models exist. The project will consist of developing a computational model of IRP regulation using published experimental data and the COPASI modeling software. The objective is to explore the quantitative nature of IRP regulation on their targets, particularly ferritin, the iron storage protein. The model will include the dynamics of 1) ferritin transcription, translation, and degradation, 2) the synthesis and degradation of IRP1/2, 3) IRP1/2 post-translational repression of ferritin synthesis, and 4) IRP1/2 inhibition by cytosolic iron. This project will allow the student to learn how to develop and use mathematical models of biological systems.
Project Direction	This project is part of a larger effort to understand the tight regulatory systems for ensuring iron levels are maintained with a certain range at both the cellular and whole body scale. Our research group has developed several models for iron regulation and this effort fits in that overall goal by providing a mechanistic model of cellular IRP regulation which can then be incorporated into more complex cellular models, both from our group or others. Other models are being developed in the group by graduate students and postdocs.
Mentorship and Supervision	I will be assisted by a team of two postdocs with a background in computing and mathematics and an MD PhD student who will help train the research assistant. Daily meetings will help keep the assistant on track with the research. Weekly oral presentations by the student to the research group will provide the means to monitor progress and provide formal feedback (in addition to the daily meetings).
Student Qualifications	Students with a background in biology and an interest in computational modeling of biological systems are preferred. Students should have a basic understanding of transcription and translation and would benefit from having previous experience reading through scientific literature.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-6pm (Schedule could be made flexible as long as same amount of time is kept)
Project Continuation	Fall 2022, Spring 2023
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-20. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.

This application requires a resume or CV and an unofficial transcript.