Project Mentor

Dr. Yanlin Wang
Department of Medicine

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by tubular epithelial cell injury and fibrosis of the kidney. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CKD are not fully understand. The summer research project will examine the role of TRIM28, a transcriptional and epigenetic factor, in tubular epithelial cell injury and regeneration. 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-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, histology, animal models of kidney disease.
Project Direction	Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem afflicting more than 37 million Americans. The current therapeutic options for this progressive disorder are limited; therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This project is expected to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of CKD and could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CKD.
Mentorship and Supervision	The student will be working and conducting experiments with the direct supervision of the postdoctoral researcher 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 students. If necessary, the student can meet with me daily to discuss the research project and experiments.
Student Qualifications	Student should have a basic understanding of biology. Hard working, highly-motivated, and interested in research of kidney disease. Minimum science GPA: 3.2
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 19 to July 25, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am through 5pm. Schedule could be made flexible.
Project Continuation	Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Academic Year Time Commitment	3, 6, or 9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU25-35. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, an unofficial transcript, GPA and science GPA minimum of 3.2, a brief statement of research interests, and a brief statement of career interests. References should be available upon request.