Project Mentor

Dr. Mayu Inaba
Department of Cell Biology

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	The Möbius strip, also called the twisted cylinder, is a one-sided surface with no boundaries. Our lab recently identified Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -associated Möbius strips in various cell types. Summer HRP project is to isolate enzymes that localize in Mobius strips and contribute to formation/maintenance of membrane twists using proximity-labeling and mass-spec.
Project Direction	Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms a continuous membrane system that provides a major site of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. The mechanism by which ER forms interconnected multilayer stacked sheets is still poorly understood. We hypothesize that ER-Möbius strips may play an essential role in establishment of continuous ER networks. After the student identify enzyme (s) responsible for the formation/maintenance of membrane twists, he/she can generate mutant Drosophila lines to examine the function of these genes in vivo.
Mentorship and Supervision	PI and graduate student will provide hands-on training during summer. PI will meet with the student weekly for discussion. We also have a weekly Lab meeting where everyone in the lab presents data. Each student is required to present as well as provide comments on each other’s work.
Student Qualifications	Knowledge of Molecular & Cell Biology, Biophysics. Interested in biological structure/actuators.
Summer Schedule Options	Monday-Friday 9am through 6pm
Project Continuation	Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-15. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.

This application requires a Resume or CV, Cover Letter, Statement of Qualifications, Statement of Research Interests, and Statement of Career Interests.