Ligand Identification and Functional Analysis of the ADGRC Adhesion GPCR Family
Project Description
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a unique family of proteins crucial for cell communication and signaling, yet their specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Among these, CELSR2 is particularly interesting because they are present in both neurons and glial cells, playing vital roles in brain development and function. However, the exact roles of CELSR2 in these cells, and how they influence brain development, synaptic communication, and cognitive functions, remain largely unknown.
Our research aims to clarify the function of CELSR2 in the brain, specifically how these proteins impact interactions between neurons and glial cells, synaptic connections, and memory formation.
Our research aims to clarify the function of CELSR2 in the brain, specifically how these proteins impact interactions between neurons and glial cells, synaptic connections, and memory formation.
Supervisor
WANG, Jie
Quota
1
Course type
UROP1100
Applicant's Roles
The successful applicant will play a supporting role in the laboratory, contributing to various aspects of our research on CELSR2 and their impact on brain function. This will involve a blend of experimental work, data handling, and active participation in the lab environment.
Specific responsibilities may include:
1. Laboratory Support & Preparation: Assist with preparing reagents, solutions, media, and general maintenance of lab equipment and organization.
2. Molecular Biology Techniques: Support experiments involving DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or Western blotting to analyze CELSR2 expression and its downstream targets.
3. Microscopy Assistance: Aid in preparing samples for microscopy (e.g., immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy) to visualize CELSR2 localization, neuron-glia interactions, and synaptic structures.
4. Data Recording & Organization: Accurately record experimental data in laboratory notebooks and assist with digital data organization.
5. Literature Review: Conduct focused literature searches on specific topics related to Adhesion GPCRs, CELSR2, neuron-glia interactions, or synaptic biology, as guided by the research team.
6. Lab Meetings & Discussions: Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, present findings or relevant literature if opportunities arise, and engage in scientific discussions.
Specific responsibilities may include:
1. Laboratory Support & Preparation: Assist with preparing reagents, solutions, media, and general maintenance of lab equipment and organization.
2. Molecular Biology Techniques: Support experiments involving DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or Western blotting to analyze CELSR2 expression and its downstream targets.
3. Microscopy Assistance: Aid in preparing samples for microscopy (e.g., immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy) to visualize CELSR2 localization, neuron-glia interactions, and synaptic structures.
4. Data Recording & Organization: Accurately record experimental data in laboratory notebooks and assist with digital data organization.
5. Literature Review: Conduct focused literature searches on specific topics related to Adhesion GPCRs, CELSR2, neuron-glia interactions, or synaptic biology, as guided by the research team.
6. Lab Meetings & Discussions: Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, present findings or relevant literature if opportunities arise, and engage in scientific discussions.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
By the end of this research experience, the undergraduate applicant will be able to:
1. Understand Key Neurobiological Concepts: Develop a foundational understanding of Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically CELSR2, their proposed roles in cell communication, and their significance in brain development, synaptic function, and memory formation.
2. Master Fundamental Laboratory Skills: Gain practical proficiency in essential molecular and cell biology techniques, such as preparation of reagents, DNA/RNA handling, protein analysis (e.g., Western blot), and basic microscopy sample preparation.
3. Develop Scientific Data Literacy: Learn how to accurately record experimental data, organize results, and understand the importance of reproducibility and controls in experimental design.
4. Enhance Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Engage in discussions about experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation, fostering an analytical approach to scientific inquiry.
5. Improve Scientific Communication: Practice presenting scientific information clearly (verbally and potentially in writing), actively participate in lab discussions, and learn how to critically evaluate scientific literature.
6. Experience the Scientific Process: Gain firsthand experience with the iterative nature of scientific research, including hypothesis testing, experimental execution, data analysis, and the refinement of research questions.
7. Cultivate Professional Research Habits: Develop skills in laboratory safety, ethical conduct in research, time management, and collaborative teamwork within a research environment.
1. Understand Key Neurobiological Concepts: Develop a foundational understanding of Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically CELSR2, their proposed roles in cell communication, and their significance in brain development, synaptic function, and memory formation.
2. Master Fundamental Laboratory Skills: Gain practical proficiency in essential molecular and cell biology techniques, such as preparation of reagents, DNA/RNA handling, protein analysis (e.g., Western blot), and basic microscopy sample preparation.
3. Develop Scientific Data Literacy: Learn how to accurately record experimental data, organize results, and understand the importance of reproducibility and controls in experimental design.
4. Enhance Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Engage in discussions about experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation, fostering an analytical approach to scientific inquiry.
5. Improve Scientific Communication: Practice presenting scientific information clearly (verbally and potentially in writing), actively participate in lab discussions, and learn how to critically evaluate scientific literature.
6. Experience the Scientific Process: Gain firsthand experience with the iterative nature of scientific research, including hypothesis testing, experimental execution, data analysis, and the refinement of research questions.
7. Cultivate Professional Research Habits: Develop skills in laboratory safety, ethical conduct in research, time management, and collaborative teamwork within a research environment.
Complexity of the project
Moderate