Project Mentor

Dr. Xiaoyan Guo
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The student will have the opportunity to study the mitochondrial stress response signaling pathway in mammalian cells. Previous work from the lab has identified a novel pathway with OMA1-DELE1-HRI to relay mitochondrial dysfunction to the cytosol/nucleus. DELE1 is a messenger protein from dysfunctional mitochondria, which we still know little about. This summer project will focus on how DELE1 is imported to mitochondria using cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry approaches.
Project Direction	So far, little is know about DELE1 biology. Understanding how DELE1 is imported is the first step to understand DELE1 regulation including DELE1 turn over, and DELE1 export to the cytosol when mitochondrial function is compromised.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will work closely with a postdoc in the lab. I will teach the student conceptual knowledge during our one-on-one meetings, which will happen twice a week. During these meetings, we will discuss his or her progress, troubleshoot, make plans for next steps, and provide feedback.
Student Qualifications	Students with basic molecular, cell culture, or biochemistry experience are preferred.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: To be arranged within schedule parameters of M-F, 9am-6pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2023, Spring 2024
Academic Year Time Commitment	6-9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP23-16. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, GPA, science GPA, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.