Project Mentor
Dr. Hideyuki Oguro
Department of Cell Biology
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | The Oguro laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the development, self-renewal, mobilization, and malignant transformation of blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using mutant mouse models, patient samples, and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Potential projects involve studying gene expression modifications in mouse HSCs or human iPSCs to explore the roles of candidate genes in HSC biology. This includes tasks such as plasmid constructions, lentiviral and/or transposon gene delivery, CRISPR-activation/interference of gene expression, and flow cytometric analysis of cultured mouse HSCs or human iPSCs. |
| Project Direction | Blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow and sustain the entire blood/immune system throughout life. They serve as the functional units of bone marrow transplantation. One of the goals in the Oguro laboratory is to generate more HSCs that can be used for transplantation from two sources: adult HSCs mobilized into the blood circulation from the bone marrow in vivo, and embryonic HSCs developed from human iPSCs in vitro. Our findings could pave the way for novel therapies aimed at diseases resulting from inadequate hematopoiesis or hematologic malignancies. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Students can schedule one-on-one meetings with me every other week, but I will be available for discussion anytime. Graduate students and technicians in our laboratory can provide hands-on training. |
| Student Qualifications | Completed or in-progress coursework related to biology. Interest in stem cell biology or cancer biology. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 19 to July 25, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm (flexible). |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2025, Spring 2026 |
| 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/HRPSU25-22. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, GPA minimum of 3.0 and science GPA minimum of 3.2, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests.