Project Mentor

Dr. Arthur Gunzl
Department of Genetics & Genome Sciences

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Our research is on gene expression factors and mechanisms in the lethal human parasite and unicellular eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei (we work with a strain that is not infectious for humans). Trypanosomes use an obligatory trans splicing process that is not present in human cells to mature all pre-mRNAs. Trans splicing is carried out by the spliceosome and we are interested in discovering parasite-specific proteins that are important to this process. For example, we have characterized a unique kinase whose activity is indispensable for trans splicing. This project is to proteomically characterize the trypanosome U4/U5.U6 tri-snRNP and analyze all co-purified proteins and small nuclear RNAs.
Project Direction	Pre-mRNA processing (splicing and polyadenylation) is a validated drug target in trypanosomes. Therefore, identifying essential trypanosome-specific factors for these pathways can potentially lead to new chemotherapeutic therapies.
Mentorship and Supervision	Summer internship: – At the beginning, personal lectures (1-2 per week) about trypanosome biology and our line of research. – Participation in our weekly lab meetings including presentation of his/her results. – Open Door policy whenever I am around – The student will be paired with an experienced co-worker to learn wet lab techniques and experiments. The three of us will meticulously plan the experimental strategy for the student and interpret/troubleshoot experimental results. – The student will be required to maintain a detailed lab notebook about his/her work, and this will be monitored. – The student will need to read research articles that relate to his/her project and discuss them with us – The student will be encouraged to attend seminars at UConn Health
Student Qualifications	Biology Major Knowledge of Molecular Biology is essential Previous exposure to molecular techniques can be a plus
Summer Schedule Options	Mon-Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
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/HRP24-14. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Resume or CV, Statement of Qualifications, and GPA. Names and contact information (email addresses) for two references (faculty preferred) should be provided in the application.