Project Mentor

Dr. Mayu Inaba-Oguro 
Department of Cell Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The project aims to define factors localize to adherens junction (AJ) in an age-dependent manner. Summer student project is to generate transgenic flies to express proteins localize to adherens junctions (E-Cadherin and β-catenin) fused to a peroxidase (ascorbic acid peroxidase; APEX). Using these transgenic flies, we can perform Proximity-Labeling Mass Spectrometry (MS) to identify proteins localize to AJs using Drosophila ovaries isolated from young and old flies.
Project Direction	Integrity of plasma membrane is a key mechanism for multicellular organisms to maintain adequate cell fates. Our recent study demonstrated that compromising adherens junctions (AJs) or supporting acetylated microtubules both cause repetitive plasma membrane rupture leading to an abnormal diffusion of cellular contents between germ cells and surrounding epithelia in Drosophila ovary. As this phenotype becomes more evident in aged animals, we will investigate the age-dependent changes in AJs that contribute to the plasma membrane rupture.
Mentorship and Supervision	Students who participate in this program will work on their independent project but closely with me and other members in the lab to obtain general laboratory skills and techniques specifically required for the project. In the case the student can make long term commitment, she/he is encouraged to finalize thesis project and publications in scientific journals if possible. I have weekly discussion with each member to discuss the progress and direction. I will be always available for experimental discussion as needed. Students are expected to present their progress in our lab meeting/department seminar, encouraged for fellowship application and presentation in national/international conferences.
Student Qualifications	Students who are interested in basic biomedical research and have taken general biology or related courses.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 10am-6:00pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2022, Spring 2023
Academic Year Time Commitment	3 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-16. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.

This application requires a resume or CV and a brief statement of research interests.