Project Mentor
Dr. Arthur Gunzl
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | We work on a lethal parasite called Trypanosoma brucei which causes disease in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa (we work with a strain that is not infectious to humans). We are interested in the unusual gene expression mode of this parasite and currently focus on the cyclin-dependent kinase CRK9 whose activity is essential for pre-mRNA splicing in the parasite. More specifically, the kinase activity is required for activation of the spliceosome by phosphorylating its substrate, the splicing protein SF3B1, just prior to activation. We hypothesize that a special "RS" domain in the cyclin is required for recognizing SF3B1 within the precatalytic spliceosome. This project is to test this hypothesis. |
| Project Direction | Cyclin-dependent kinases belong to an enzyme class that is considered to be highly druggable. We showed previously that CRK9 is essential for trypanosome viability, verified the enzyme as a valid drug target in the mouse host, and demonstrated that it phosphorylates the splicing protein SF3B1. We currently analyze the functional significance of the enzyme's domain structure and strive to express a minimal enzyme complex in insect cells to enable the development of a high-throughput screening assay for testing inhibitors of this unusual kinase for future drug development. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | At the beginning of the internship, the student will meet with me one-on-one almost every day to learn the scientific background of the project. Subsequently, I will meet with him/her at least twice per week to discuss their progress. The student will also be assigned articles to read which we will discuss and which will reveal the student's progress in understanding the project. At the bench, the student will be mainly supervised by one of my experienced co-workers with input from others including myself when needed. In addition, they will participate in our weekly lab meetings, present their experimental results, and be encouraged to participate in our discussions. In addition, they will be required to maintain a detailed lab notebook and collect methods files in a dedicated folder. |
| Student Qualifications | General interest in Science and Research. Some background in Molecular Biology. Having handled a micropipette is a plus. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 18 to July 24, 2026 Schedule: M-F, 9am-6pm |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 3 6 9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU26-14. The application deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, GPA, a brief statement of research interests, and references.