Project Mentor
Dr. Christopher Heinen
Department of Medicine
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Our laboratory studies the hereditary disease Lynch syndrome in which patients have a greatly increased risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations in one of the DNA mismatch repair genes. The current project aims to examine the effects of patient-derived missense variants on mismatch repair function in a human stem cell model. We are using CRISPR gene editing to create patient variants in the MSH6 mismatch repair gene found in patients suspected of having Lynch syndrome. |
| Project Direction | Understanding how these patient variants affect normal mismatch repair function will help to determine whether these are truly pathogenic mutations that are causing disease or harmless benign polymorphisms that are actually not contributing to any cancer phenotype. The work performed this summer is part of a larger project to catalog functional effects of a large number of mismatch repair gene variants. This information will then be used by clinicians around the world to better diagnose and manage cancer patients and their families. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will have multiple mentors within the Heinen lab team. First, the student will meet regularly with the PI to discuss the project and any questions. In addition to reviewing their progress, these meetings will allow for feedback from the PI. In addition, the student will work directly with the senior MD/PhD candidate who is overseeing all technical aspects of the project. Other members of the laboratory will also be available to answer questions and provide advice. Finally, the student will be expected to attend and present at weekly lab meetings. The Heinen lab has hosted multiple undergraduate students in the past and is a very supportive environment for young trainees. |
| Student Qualifications | – Interest in molecular biology and human genetics – Possible interest in attending graduate school to perform biomedical science research in the future |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 9am-6pm*
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| 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/HRP22-15. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
This application requires a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, and a brief statement of career interests. Reference information must be provided in the application.