HRP SU18-17: Research Opportunity with Dr. Blanka Rogina

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. Reduction in the Indy gene activity in flies and worms extends their longevity. Decreased INDY expression has beneficial effects on energy balance in worms, flies, mice, and rats. The emerging role of the midgut in healthy aging led us to investigate how INDY reduction in fly intestine influences intestinal stem cell (ISC) homeostasis. The goal of our research is to determine the mechanism underlying beneficial effects of reduced INDY levels on ISC homeostasis and gut integrity.
Project Direction We are interested to examine how INDY reduction affects physiology of the midgut, which preserves intestinal stem cells homeostasis. Of particular interest is to determine how Indy reduction affects ISC response to aging and different calorie content of the food.
Mentorship and Supervision will discuss the project with the student. Student will be supervised by me or other students in the laboratory. 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 possibly present the result at the lab meeting at the end of the research.
Student Qualifications Preferred experience:

  • – Students with previous experience in Drosophila research.
  • – Students with previous research experience.
  • – Completed genetics coursework.
Summer Schedule Options Research Dates: 9-10 full-time weeks to be scheduled between May 7 and August 24, 2018
Schedule: M-F. Students would be able to take shuttle (9am-4pm schedule) and adjust their time in the lab accordingly.
Project Continuation Fall 2018, Spring 2019
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, January 26, 2018.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, and a brief statement of career interests.