Project Mentor
Dr. Yanlin Wang
Department of Medicine
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) afflicts more than 37 million Americans. The current therapeutic options for this progressive disorder are limited; therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Renal inflammation plays an important role in CKD, which is characterized by macrophage activation and polarization. However, the molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation and polarization are not well understood. The summer research project will include examining the role of PU.1, a transcription factor, in macrophage activation and polarization. This project is expected to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CKD. |
| Project Direction | We have studied the factors initiating and controlling macrophage activation and polarization during the development of CKD and have identified a critical role of PU.1 -NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in macrophage activation and polarization to further understand the pathogenesis of CKD. Molecular, cell, genetic, and pharmacological approaches will be used in this research project. Students can learn a wide range of biological techniques such as cell culture, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation, PCR, real time RT- CR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, histology, animal models of kidney disease. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | The student will be working and conducting experiments with the direct supervision of the research instructor in my laboratory. We will meet weekly to go over the goals of each set of experiments, the results and the outcome and future steps. I have an open door policy for my students. If necessary student can meet with me daily. |
| Student Qualifications | Student should have a basic understanding of biology. Hard working, highly-motivated, and interested in research of kidney disease. Minimum science GPA: 3.0 |
| Summer Schedule Options | Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm. Schedule could be made flexible. |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2024, Spring 2025 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 3 hours/week – 9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP24-38. The application deadline is Monday, January 29, 2024.
This application requires a resume or CV, Cover Letter, Minimum Science GPA 3.0, Statement of Qualifications, Statement of Research Interests, and Statement of Career Interests. References should be available upon request.