Project Mentor

Dr. Pedro Miura
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	This summer research opportunity would involve a mix of mammalian cell culture work, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing dataset analysis (short-read, long-read and single cell RNA-Seq). The Dnmt3a gene generates two alternative length 3’UTRs in mouse and human neurons. The student will investigate the biological role of the long 3’UTR Dnmt3a isoform by analyzing CRISPR-deletion ES cell lines differentiated into glutamatergic neurons.
Project Direction	Most human genes generate two or more mRNA isoforms that differ in their 3’UTR content. For many broadly expressed genes, a longer 3’UTR mRNA isoform is enriched in neurons. We are interested in how these longer 3’UTR isoforms impact gene function in neurons, and use a mix of model organisms and cell culture models to investigate this. For info about the lab see: www.post-transcriptional.com.
Mentorship and Supervision	Our group is currently small, consisting of me and a long-term lab member, Dr. Zhiping Zhang, who is an Assistant Professor in Residence. Thus, the student will have daily interactions and direct instruction from me and the Dr. Zhang. Our aim is to provide an opportunity for focused research where the student has a chance to make or participate in a scientific discovery. Weekly one-on-one progress meetings between PI and trainee will take place. A final presentation will be made by the student in a group lab meeting. Formal mid and end of term evaluations will be made by the PI.
Student Qualifications	The applicant should have interests in DNA, RNA, and gene regulation. Course work in Molecular Biology and/or computer programming/statistics is preferred. Undergraduate wet lab experience (Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry) is preferred.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2023 Schedule: Flexible full-time schedule.
Project Continuation	Fall 2023, Spring 2024
Academic Year Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP23-27. The application deadline is Monday, January 30, 2023.

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