SROP Faculty Research Molecular Biology - Graduate College

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Molecular and Cellular Biology

UI graduate faculty research projects in Molecular Biology currently available to SROP scholars. This list does not represent all faculty interested in being mentors. Please check the Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty website for additional research interests.

Understanding How Epidermal Stem Cells Interact With Their Environment

Principal Investigator	Jackie R. Bickenbach, Associate Professor Department(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Anatomy and Cell Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	To determine change in protein expression in cultured epidermal stem cells exposed to cytokines. To determine signaling pathways in the epidermal stem cells.
Undergraduate Role	Isolate and grow cells from the skin in culture. Isolate RNA and protein from cultured cells. Perform RT-PCR and western blot analyses.
Minimum Qualifications	Biology/Science major
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-6719 (Email address) jackie-bickenbach@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Jackie Bickenbach

Molecular Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Activation

Principal Investigator	Gail Bishop, Professor Department(s): Microbiology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Internal Medicine College of Medicine
Research Description	Our lab studies how receptors, both of the adaptive and innate immune systems, send signals to lymphocytes. We are studying the TNF-R family of receptors, as well as a viral tumorigenic mimic of one of the receptors. We also examine how receptors cooperate in response to microbe signals or vaccines.
Undergraduate Role	To work with an experienced member of the lab on a reasonably circumscribed portion of one of the lab's ongoing projects. The student would have his/her own goals and objects, and would actively participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminars.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic courses in biology and chemistry.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-355-7945 (Email address) gail-bishop@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Gail Bishop

Justy, a Mouse Gene Required for B Cell Development

Principal Investigator	John Colgan, Assistant Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine
Research Description	Define the expression of the Justy protein by western Blot; define the biochemical function of the Justy protein and determine how the Justy mutation affects T cell responses.
Undergraduate Role	Assist in fulfilling objectives by collaborating with lab members working on this project. Gain experience in a research environment.
Minimum Qualifications	Working knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology concepts.
Contact Information	319-355-9561 john-colgan@uiowa.edu Professor John Colgan

Role of Vinculin in Tumor Cell Invasion and Metatasis

Principal Investigator	Kris DeMali, Professor Department(s): Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	TBA
Undergraduate Role	TBA
Minimum Qualifications	TBA
Contact Information	335-7882 kris-demali@uiowa.edu Professor Kris DeMali

Smooth Muscle

Principle Investigator	Sara England, Associate Professor Department(s): Molecular Physiology and Biophysics College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology
Assistant(s)	Adam Brainard
Objectives	To understand how potassium crosses the cell membrane in order to modulate how the uterus contracts and relaxes. This will lead to a greater understanding of uterine function and dysfunction during pregnancy.
Undergraduate Role	To work with a member of the laboratory on one of the current research projects ongoing in the laboratory. The student will be expected to learn multiple techniques and to produce publication quality results. The student will be expected to understand how this work contributes to the concept of the project.
Minimum Qualifications	Major in a biological or physical science, with at least a B average in this major. Strong work ethic.
Contact Information	319-335-7860 sarah-england@uiowa.edu Professor Sarah England

Mechanistic Enzymology

Principal Investigator	Amnon Kohen, Assistant Professor Department(s): Chemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Research Description	Studying Enzymes related to DNA biosynthesis, Cancer, and Antibiotics.
Undergraduate Role	Participation in an ongoing research project.
Minimum Qualifications	Chemistry/Biochemistry basic courses and some lab experience.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-0234 (Email address) amnon-kohen@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Amnon Kohen

Determining the Function of Cyclins G1 and G2 in Cell Cycle Control and Differentiation and the Consequences of their Dysregulation in Cancer Cells

Principal Investigator	Mary C. Horne, Assistant Professor Department(s): Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Biosciences Program College of Medicine
Assistants	Aruni Arachchige S. Don, Colleen Cowan
Research Description	My lab uses a combination of cell and molecular biology and protein biochemistry to study the role of cyclin G family members during cellular proliferation and differentiation in various model systems. these studies encompass several projects relevant to the fields of immunology, developmental neuroscience and cancer cell biology. Specifically we are interested in the function and mechanisms of action of cyclin G1 and G2 regulated complexes in: 1) Responses to B cell receptor signaling and tolerance induction in developing lymphocytes, 2) p53 tumor-suppressor pathway signaling, 3) Cell cycle arrest and differentiation of neurons in the developing cerebellum, 4) Cellular responses to environmental stress signals (hypoxia and oxidative stress), 5) Regulation of centrosomes and microtubules during cell division in breast and prostate cancer cells.
Undergraduate Role	Opportunity to work alongside graduate student and staff research assistant researchers as well as the PI in areas of biochemistry and cell and molecular biology. Summer students will have their own research project that fits with our research goals that can be carried out in a collaboration with the mentors.
Minimum Qualifications	Completion of sophomore year in college towards a Bachelor's degree in the sciences relevant to biomedical studies.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-8267 (Email address) mary-horne@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Mary Horne

CNS Myelination and Multiple Sclerosis

Principal Investigator	Minnetta V. Gardinier, Associate Professor Program(s): Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience College of Medicine
Research Description	Our research program focuses on studies of myelin membrane proteins and gaining a better understanding of how they are properly trafficked and targeted within oligodendrocytes to effect myelination of CNS neurons. Clinical relevance: multiple sclerosis, developmental neurobiology.
Undergraduate Role	Opportunity to work with graduate and postdoctoral researchers in areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry; you will have your own research project in collaboration with these mentors.
Minimum Qualifications	Completion of sophomore year in college towards a Bachelor's degree.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-6735 (Email address) m-gardinier@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Minnetta V. Gardinier

Gene/Environment Studies of disorders of Newborn Infants

Principal Investigator	Jeff Murray, Professor Department(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology Interdisciplinary Program(s): , Pediatrics, Genetics College of Medicine
Assistant(s)	Adela Mansilla, Melanie Devore, Kathy Frees
Research Description	To identify factors that cause birth defects or prematurity using tools of genetics, molecular biology and epidemiology.
Undergraduate Role	Students will investigate a specific gene, gene family or environmental risk for either cleft lip and palate or prematurity. They will have the chance to attend clinical rounds to see the patient side of the work we do and to learn basic science lab approaches to gene/environment discovery. They will be paired with a senior graduate student or MD postdoctoral fellow.
Minimum Qualifications	High school Biology
Contact Information	319-336-6897 jeff-murray@uiowa.edu Professor Jeff Murray

Therapeutics Targeting Hepatitis B Virus

Principal Investigator	Anton McCaffrey, Assistant Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine
Research Description	Develop gene therapeutics that target hepatitis B virus.
Undergraduate Role	Conduct in vitro and cell culture experiments to test nucleic acid based therapeutics.
Minimum Qualifications	Background in molecular biology and cell biology. Previous experience working in a laboratory is desirable.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-400-0385 (Email address) anton-mccaffrey@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Anton McCaffrey

Control of transcription by P-TEFb

Principal Investigator	David Price, Professor Department(s): Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	Overall, we use biochemical, molecular and cellular techniques to advance our understanding of the control of RNA polymerase II elongation and how that process influences RNA processing, HIV replication and cancer growth.
Undergraduate Role	Whatever is needed
Minimum Qualifications	Keen interest in research
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-7910 (Email address) david-price@uiowa.edu University website for Professor David Price

Physiological Genomics of Hypertension and Arteriosclerosis

Principal Investigator	Curt Sigmund, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	To gain an understanding of state-of-the-artr research methods for cardiovascular disease.
Undergraduate Role	To perform experiments in collaboration with graduate students and postdocs in the laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications	Basic biology but cell biology, molecular biology and physiology is also preferred.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-7604 (Email address) curt-sigmund@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Curt Sigmund

Protein Phosphatase 2A in Brain Function

Principal Investigator	Stefan Strack, AssociateProfessor Department(s): Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience College of Medicine
Research Description	Investigate mechanisms of signal transduction in the nervous system, with regards to brain development, learning and memory.
Undergraduate Role	Carry out molecular biology and cell biology experiments. Opportunity to work on independent project with disease relevance.
Minimum Qualifications	Junior/Senior, Biology/Biochemistry or similar major.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-384-4439 (Email address) stefan-strack@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Stefan Strack

Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

Principal Investigator	Lori L. Wallrath, Assistant Professor Department(s): Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, Genetics College of Medicine
Research Description	Determine the role chromatin structure plays in gene expression using the fruit fly, Diosophila, and breast cancer cells as model systems.
Undergraduate Role	Assist in experiments to understand how chromatin packaging influences gene expression.
Minimum Qualifications	General knowledge of biology. Classes in molecular biology and genetics helpful.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-335-7920 (Email address) lori-wallrath@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Lori L. Wallrath

Regulation of Sodium Transport in Kidney Collecting Duct and Lung

Principal Investigator	Christie P. Thomas, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology College of Medicine
Research Description	Understanding how sodium is transported from the tubular fluid (kidney) and the airway lumen (lung). This will lead to a better understanding of the path of physiology of high blood pressure and chronic lung diseases.
Undergraduate Role	Introducing fragments of genes into cultured cells and tracking responses from these sequences. Identifying and measuring RNA levels for sodium transport proteins in kidney and collecting duct.
Minimum Qualifications	Intent to major in biology or related field. Enthusiasm for biological research.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-356-2999 (Email address) christie-thomas@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Christie P. Thomas, M.D.

Immunopathogenesis of Infection With the Protozoan Parasite, Leishmania chagasi

Principal Investigator	Mary E. Wilson, Professor Department(s): Internal Medicine Interdisciplinary Program(s): Molecular Biology, Genetics, , Microbiology, and Immunology College of Medicine
Research Description	To study molecular factors governing expression of parasite antigens that interact with the mammalian immune system. To define the effects intracellular parasites on gene expression and functions of macrophages, the host cells in which leishmania reside. To study host genetic and immune factors determining the outcome of leishmania infection.
Undergraduate Role	Work with a senior member of the laboratory on one aspect of our research projects. The student will be expected to learn 1-2 biochemical or immunology techniques, and to produce publication quality results using this technique. He/she will be expected to understand the implication of this work in the context of the project.
Minimum Qualifications	Major in a biological science, with at least a B average in this major.
Contact Information	(Telephone) 319-356-3169 (Email address) mary-wilson@uiowa.edu University website for Professor Mary E. Wilson