ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL COMPUTING CENTER
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| Building/Room: |
0430 / 130B |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Advanced Biomedical Computing Center (ABCC) is a high performance, high capacity, scientific computing facility geared towards drug discovery in the field of biomedical research. It also provides state-of-the-art computing support and technology to the scientists of the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), other federal agencies, and extramural biomedical researchers.
Molecular modeling is a term that often collectively represents wide range of theoretical methods and techniques used for modeling molecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, small molecules etc.) and simulating their function. Molecular modeling is an imperative tool used along with experiments in various biomedical research projects. It is used in a wide range of areas including: Drug discovery, proteomics, structural bioinformatics and several other branches of biomedical sciences among others. With the recent improvements in computer hardware and software, molecular modeling simulations (a.k.a in-silico experiments) that were not even imaginable before have become a reality.
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| Training Plan: |
The qualified student will be involved in carrying out in silico experiments to simulate protein-drug interaction, protein-protein binding, protein dynamics thereby contributing
towards biomedical research.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Sarangan Ravichandran |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1991 |
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ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL COMPUTING CENTER
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| Building/Room: |
0430 / 130C |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Bioinformatics Group at ABCC has been working on several computational genomics projects to support NCI's intramural and extramural scientific operations.
One of the ongoing projects is a development of comprehensive database of mammalian genomic mutations based on sequence data available from public databases and ongoing re-sequencing initiatives. Working with our group on such project, will exposure a student to the different challenging opportunities in algorithms design, software development, data management and visualization. The choice of the particular focus project will depend on the student's interests and skills with ultimate goal to benefit our knowledge and understanding of human genomic DNa and role of the genomic variations in cancer and other diseases.
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| Training Plan: |
1. Introduction to the variety of the ABCC' Bioinformatics projects.
2. Selection of the focus area and background reading.
3. Determination of the Student's Project and identification of skills that needed to be acquired for its successful accomplishment.
4. Methods development and implementation.
5. Reviewing the results and preparing the report.
6. Presenting the results as a poster or an oral presentation at group meeting.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Natalia Volfovsky |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5705 |
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BIOPHARAMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0432 / 208 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Training in various aspects of fermentation, cell culture and protein characterization
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| Training Plan: |
Initial training followed by independent research on a defined problem
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Vinay Vyas |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1036 |
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BIOPHARAMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0432 / 208 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Training in biopharmaceutical research and process development, including lab techniques in molecular biology, fermentation and cell culture, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry.
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| Training Plan: |
Student will be first placed under basic lab skill training, such as gel electrophoresis, ELISA, cell counting, fermentation, and using of various lab equipment. The mentor will design one or more specific projects within the work scope of the lab for the student to complete. The student will design, prepare, and execute experiments under the mentor's supervision. The student will also be trained on scientific prosentation.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Yueqing Xie |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5511 |
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BIOPHARAMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0320 / room 5 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The goals would be subject to change based on the students to ability to meet goals and the success of the work in general. Currently, I envision the student working on the stability of a mixture of 2 pure proteins that have formed a complex. These proteins are being purified and conjoined to be evaluated as a vaccine (not a therapeutic) for certain cancers. The purification of 1 of the proteins is currently complete; we are working on the purification of the second. We should be finished with that purification development about the time the student would finish his/her training. The student will examine various buffer formulations and additives in regards to stability of the complex. The student will use many techniques and equipment in the lab, HPLC, spectrophotometers; learn to run SDS-PAGE gels as well as a Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
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| Training Plan: |
During the summer, the student will undergo the same training regimen that all new hires into the laboratory are training with. During this training the student will learn how to be a useful pair of hands to any laboratory. By the end of the training, the student will be able to operate a HPLC, run gels, pack and clean chromatography columns. The student will also be taught about laboratory safety and good laboratory practices.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Scott Jendrek |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6795 |
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BIOPHARAMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0320 / 109 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Biopharmaceutical Development Program (BDP) manufactures therapeutic materials for first-in-human clinical trials of innovative therapeutic concepts for the treatment or prevention of cancer and other diseases. Many new BDP projects are selected based on a semi-annual, competitive, proposal review process (RAID). To support these projects, the BDP has facilities for the production and testing biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, immunoconjugates, peptide and DNA vaccines, therapeutic viruses, and other biologicals. These biological therapeutics are produced under FDA guidelines for use in clinical trials in humans. More information on the GMP manufacture of biopharmaceuticals is available at http://wwwbdp.ncifcrf.gov/.
This internship will offer the inquisitive and motivated science/engineering student an intensive applied biotechnology laboratory training opportunity. The student working in the Early Process Sciences Department will participate in laboratory studies to develop large-scale, controlled purification methods for the manufacture of investigational new drugs being made by the BDP. As part of these studies, the student will first master practical laboratory skills for the design, set up and execution of experiments aimed at characterizing biological products using spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, and other analytical techniques. This work will be supplemented with directed-studies to understand the science foundations supporting the methods. The student will subsequently learn micro-to-large scale production techniques including chromatographic and membrane-based purification, computer process control, process scale-up, and introductory chemical synthesis. The student will co-operatively design and semi-autonomously execute a laboratory-study focused on a current area of biotechnology.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will be assigned directly to the Early Process Sciences Department (EPS) within the Biopharmaceutical Development Program (BDP). To provide the student with a valuable and enjoyable internship experience, in depth training will be provided. Training will progress incrementally from general-to-specific, practical-to-abstract, and simple-to-complex. Training will include:
Required lab safety training for new employees (OHS),
General laboratory-specific safety training (BDP),
Lab documentation, methods and instrumentation training by (EPS),
Continuing involvement in laboratory activities,
Participation in laboratory and project team meetings.
Directed-readings, tapes, videos and on-line resources will be provided to the student. These studies will convey concepts necessary for understanding laboratory activities. During the Students will have the opportunity to periodically interact with staff and students from a variety of BDP departments including quality control, quality assurance and manufacturing. Summer SIP appointment, the student will attend scientific lectures, training sessions and workshops on selected topics. This background will prepare the student for application of routine laboratory methods to solve common problems and successfully complete an outstanding student project.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
David Nellis |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6792 |
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CANCER AND INFLAMMATION PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0538 / 147 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The focus of our work is synthetic chemistry/drug design and discovery. The goal is the development of a new generation anti-cancer agents with enhanced anti-tumor activity and low general toxicity.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will learn cutting edge methods of rational drug design and will synthesize novel targeted anti-cancer compounds. The trainee will also use several biophysical methods to characterize the structure of the agents he/she generates and will perform biochemical assays to test biological properties of new compounds.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Nadezhda Tarasova |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5225 |
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GENE REGULATION CHROMOSOME BIOLOGY LABORATORY
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| Building/Room: |
0539 / 152 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The student will join the Genome Recombination and Regulation Section to investigate the mechanisms that govern the fidelity of transcription and the consequences of mutations that result in more error prone transcription. This section has identified rpb1 mutations that increase base substitutions during transcription as well as rpb1 mutations that increase transcriptional slippage on homopolymeric runs. Such mutants cause significant growth defects. We hypothesize that error prone transcription can lead to an error catastrophy resulting in elevated mutagenesis and genome rearrangement. Such geneome instability in higher eukaryotes could lead to neoplasia. Our goal is to broaden the isolation and characterization of mutants effecting the fidelity of transcription to include other subunits of RNA polymerase II.
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| Training Plan: |
The primary focus of this training period will be to learn yeast classical and molecular genetics to allow the student to run selections and screens to identify mutants with reduced fidelity of transcription. The initial focus will be on the second biggest subunit of RHA polymerase II, RPB2.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Alison Rattray |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6715 |
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GENE REGULATION CHROMOSOME BIOLOGY LABORATORY
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| Building/Room: |
0539 / 245 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our group is working on understanding mechanisms of transcription fidelity (accuracy). The difference in the free energies of Watson-Crick base pairs and incorrect base pairs cannot explain the low (1 in 20,000) level of errors that RNA polymerase makes while transcribing the DNA sequence into the RNA. We are trying to identify steps in the molecular mechanism of the nucleotidetriphosphate (NTP) incorporation into the RNA that serve as fidelity checkpoints. The student’s project will be focused on a systematic kinetic (time-course) characterization of NTP incorporation into the growing RNA. Wild type RNA polymerase II from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and RNA polymerase II fidelity mutants will be used for the analyses. Due to a high rate of NTP incorporation, the experiments will be performed using a rapid quench flow instrument, which allows us to detect events that occur in millisecond intervals. The data will be statistically analyzed, and the data points will be fit into exponential functions and used for computer modeling of the reaction mechanisms.
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| Training Plan: |
In the first two weeks, the student will learn how to prepare transcription elongation complex of RNA polymerase II from RNA and DNA oligonucleotides, perform transcription reaction, and analyze the RNA using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. At this point, the student will learn to do transcription time course within 10 seconds – 60 minutes intervals, using non-complementary substrates in the transcription reaction. S/he will be introduced to the methods of data quantification and mathematical analyses.
Next, the student will learn how to use the rapid quench flow instrument to analyze the correct NTP incorporation rates. The student is expected to generate a complete data set (two different quench reagents, 10 different concentrations of NTP substrate, 12 time points per time course done in triplicate) for at least one template position with the wild type and one mutant variant of RNA polymerase II. The methods of pre-steady-state data analyses and computer modeling using KinTekSim program will be introduced after the data set is completed.
During his/her work in the laboratory, the student will be given an opportunity to master general biochemical and molecular biology techniques (preparation of buffer solutions, enzymatic reactions, analyses of nucleic acids in agarose gels, determining concentration of proteins and nucleic acids, analyses of proteins in polyacrylamide SDS gels) and learn basics of chromatography. S/he will have an option to perform purification of yeast RNA polymerase II and/or purify nucleosidetriphosphates. Another optional development of the project may include comparison of performance of two different kinetic modeling programs (KinTekSim and Dynafit) in data analyses.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Maria Kireeva |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1799 |
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HIV DRUG RESISTANCE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 134 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The goal of this research project is to examine the mechanisms that different retroviruses have evolved to evade intrinsic cellular defenses. By examining the mechanisms of resistance, we will determine mechanisms of APOBEC packaging into retrovirus particles. Specifically, we will compare mechanisms used by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and simian retrovirus type 1 (SRV-1) to resist the antiviral actions of human APOBEC3G, rhesus macaque APOBEC3G, and mouse APOBEC3 restriction factors.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will be trained in recombinant DNA methodologies related to cloning genes in plasmid vectors, transfection of mammalian cells, and viral vector transduction. The student intern will assist in experiments to determine the packaging of APOBEC proteins into virus-like particles and in studies that will examine effects of APOBEC proteins in single-cycle infection assays. The student will gain experience in developing an experimental plan, executing the plan, and trouble-shooting potential problems and solving technical difficulties. The student will learn how to organize a clear record of their data and gain experience in presenting their work in lab meetings and at larger scientific gatherings.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
David Derse |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5611 |
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HIV DRUG RESISTANCE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 123 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Dr. KewalRamani's group seeks to translate basic research findings to develop model systems that more faithfully mimic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vivo. These model systems will be used to investigate questions on viral transmission, viral pathogenesis, and the contribution of the host immune system in these processes. Student interns are mentored by postdoctoral fellows within the group and gain expertise in basic molecular biology techniques. While live virus work is not possible under the student intern program, trainees contribute to active research projects and become skilled in plasmid subcloning, PCR amplification of nucleic acid, mammalian cell culture maintenance, cell line development, immunoblot analysis, and FACS analysis. Previous trainees at the SIP level or higher in the KewalRamani group have eventually gone on to doctoral research training programs, medical school, or assistant professorships.
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| Training Plan: |
Training plan on an HIV-related topic will be developed after assignment to a specific postdoctoral mentor within the group.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Vineet KewalRamani |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1249 |
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HIV DRUG RESISTANCE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 325 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The introduction of unnatural amino acids with novel functionality into recombinant proteins permits significantly greater precision in site-directed mutagenesis, and also provides novel insight into protein folding, enzyme mechanisms, protein:protein and protein:ligand interactions This approach, which we are presently using in the laboratory, takes advantage of genetically-modified Escherichia coli containing orthogonal tRNA/aminoacyl tRNA synthetase pairs to expand the genetic code through chemical biology by a process defined as translational suppression. Site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids containing 1) reactive sidechains, 2) photoreactive groups, 3) post translational modifications, 4) biophysical probes, and 5) redox-active groups is possible through this strategy. In preliminary work, we showed that replacing Tyr115 -> of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with the phelylalanine analog aminomethyl-Phe resulted in resistance to the nucleoside inhibitor 3TC, while replacing Tyr501 with benzoyl-Phe resulted in high level resistance to RNase H inhibitors recently identified at the NCI. The goal of this project will be to expand the unnatural amino acid strategy to allow site-specific insertion of fluorescent biomarkers to study HIV-1 RT by single molecule spectroscopy. The project will provide training in both molecular biology and biochemistry.
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| Training Plan: |
The goal of this project is to provide in-depth training in biochemistry and molecular biology at it relates to understanding protein structure and function. In addition, the student will be required to participate in bi-weekly laboratory meetings to review current literature as well as provide a progress report on his/her project. This latter responsibility is designed to improve the students communication skills within a larger scientific audience.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jason Rausch |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5405 |
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HIV DRUG RESISTANCE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 124 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The research in my lab focuses on understanding the molecular biology of HIV-1 replication, with particular emphasis on virus assembly and release. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify novel targets for the development of anti-HIV therapies that can be used to treat infected patients.
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| Training Plan: |
Students will learn a variety of techniques in the fields of molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, bioimaging, and virology. My lab offers a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Eric Freed |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6223 |
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HIV DRUG RESISTANCE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 324 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Study how HIV-1 or HIV-2 replicate
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| Training Plan: |
Study the mechanisms of HIV-1 replication including entry, reverse transcription, recombination, and virus assembly. We also study how host factors may block these events.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jianbo Chen |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1841 |
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HPV IMMUNOLOGY LABORATORY (CLINICAL SERVICES PROGR
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 120 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Upon completion of the internship program, the student will have gained a better understanding of the many aspects associated with conceptualizing a scientific hypothesis as well as implementing the appropriate experiments to test the hypothesis. Furthermore, the student will be guided on how to properly analyze his/her data as well as learn how to present the data in a concise and meaningful manner.
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| Training Plan: |
RESEARCH TRAINING PLAN
1. First month student will receive training in some typical immunology lab procedures and safety by mentors and other senior lab members. Major emphasis will be given to the techniques that will be used in the students research project.
1. Cell line culture procedures
2. Cell isolation and cryopreservation
3. ELISA
4. Luminex cytokine bead arrays
5. Basic flow cytometry principles
6. Antibody neutralization assays
7. Lymphoproliferation assays
2. After basic training, the student will start performing the techniques that will be used in their research project with help from mentors or other senior lab members, until they are able to successfully perform the assays in an independent manner.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Troy Kemp |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6383 |
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LABORATORY OF CANCER PREVENTION
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 205 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Retroviral Molecular Pathogenesis Section of the Laboratory of Cancer Prevention is focused on understanding the molecular basis for various diseases using retrovirus-induced mouse models. One of the areas of our research is to determine the molecular target(s) and pathways involved in biological actions of newly discovered anti-cancer compounds using leukemia cells induced by a murine retrovirus. Understanding each step taken by the drug in the cellular system is very important for designing the most effective anti-cancer treatment.
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| Training Plan: |
Our training Plan includes teaching the student the basic laboratory techniques of molecular biology as well as the theoretical aspects of the projects being carried in our laboratory. The student will learn how to organize the project and undertake each experiment that should enable him/her to carry out experiments with some degree of independence. Discussions with other members of the laboratory and reading the scientific literature should encourage the student to contribute his/her own research ideas to the project. The goal of this training is also for the student to develop the capacity to understand, interpret and present the results of their research.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Monika Kaczmarek |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5640 |
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LABORATORY OF CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SIGNALING
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 223 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our laboratory uses the frog as a model system to determine how cell adhesion and cell movement is regulated. Understanding these processes is important because it is the movement and spread of cancer cells which most often leads to mortality, rather than the primary tumor.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will be under the supervision of myself and a postdoctoral fellow or Staff scientist. They will learn basic molecular biology techniques including subcloning and synthesizing RNA for a protein of interest. They will learn how to use the Xenopus oocyte and egg system for expressing proteins of interest, then use biochemical techniques (ie immunoprecipitation and Western analysis). Finally, if applicable, in situ hybridizations will be performed to observe the functional effect of the proteins on cell fate and movement. The students will be expected to maintain clear and thorough notebooks, and to present their work at the NCI-Frederick research festival and one other venue. They will also attend lab meetings to discuss progress as well.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Ira Daar |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1667 |
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LABORATORY OF CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SIGNALING
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 22-6 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our long-term objective is to understand the complex interrelationship between phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism and metabolic signaling in vivo. Intermediates of phospholipid (PL) and sphingolipid (SL) metabolism serve as second messengers for a number of signaling cascades including activation of G-protein-coupled receptors such as adrenaline and thrombin as well as receptor tyrosine kinases by growth factors. They mediate a number of processes ranging from protein secretion to activation of apoptosis. We have initiated studies to understand several aspects of lipid signaling in Drosophila.
See
http://ccr.cancer.gov/Staff/staff.asp?profileid=5574
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| Training Plan: |
The student interns will be taught basic laboratory methodologies used in reverse genetic approaches in Drosophila and mouse.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jairaj Acharya |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7051 |
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LABORATORY OF COMPARATIVE CARCINOGENESIS
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| Building/Room: |
0538 / 205 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Student will examine the role of the 45S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, encoding the precursor of 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA as parts of ribosome assembly, and an intergenic regulatory non-coding RNA to tumorigenesis and potential of this gene for anticancer therapy using gene-targeting techniques, such as Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) oligonucleotide, in several lung cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. This is an extension of early findings of LNA-induced cell death in mouse cancer cells without damaging to non-cancer cells, and up-regulation of the non-coding RNA and rRNA transcripts. The underline mechanisms of those observations will be explored in depth, including identification of downstream effector genes and maturation of rRNA transcript. Further, LNA-directed silencing of putative non-coding RNA will be tested to determine whether increase of ribosome biogenesis can transform non-cancer cells to become cancers. The goals/purpose are 1) to quantify the rRNA and regulatory non-coding RNA transcripts in cancer and non-cancer cells after LNA treatments, 2) to determine cell phenotypes, such as cell death and cell proliferation, 3) to identify genes that are differentially expressed after inhibition or stimutation of rRNA and ribosome biogenesis, 4) to educate the student how to design experiments, to collect/analyze data, to interpret results, and to present findings.
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| Training Plan: |
Student will perform a trial experiment first to acquire the skills of molecular biological techniques from a well-established experimental protocol and trial materials. Research samples will be given once the student is familiar with methodologies and can conduct experiments independently. After collecting the data, the student will participate in data analysis, and scientific presentation. The entire training will be closely supervised and evaluated by professional staffs.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Yih-Horng Shiao |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1246 |
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LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 3116 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section studies the control of gene expression during the development and maturation of the cellular immune system in mediating antitumor and anti-inflammatory immune responses. The general goal of this section is to use molecular approaches to investigate in detail the molecular mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated in immune effector cells. The specific aim of the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section is to understand the mechanisms regulating natural killer (NK) cell- and T cell-specific Interferon-gamma gene expression.
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| Training Plan: |
A student intern in the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section of the Laboratory Experimental Immunology will be instructed in the basic techniques of molecular biology and cell biology in order to perform experiments designed to understand how the expression of genes is regulated in the immune system. These techniques will include purification and cloning of plasmids and specific DNA fragments, characterization of DNA through the use of restriction enzymes, purification of cellular RNA and genomic DNA, electrophoresis of RNA and DNA, handling and growth of mammalian cells in tissue culture, introduction of DNA into mammalian cells, Western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis of proteins and other techniques which may be applicable to the ongoing studies within this section. Upon mastering these techniques, the intern will assist Dr. Deborah Hodge, the Staff scientist in the laboratory, or Dr. Savan Ram, a postdoctoral fellow, in carrying out experiments designed to understand the how the interferon-gamma gene expression is controlled. The student will be given an independent project dealing with the cellular and molecular aspects of gene expression in natural killer cells and T cells and how this gene expression may affect the ability of the immune system to fight cancer and infectious diseases.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Deborah Hodge |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6501 |
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LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
0567 / 274 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The research interests of The Inflammation and Tumorigenesis Section at the LEI are to understand the physiological activities of IKKa in skin tumorigenesis and inflammation and reveal the mechanisms of how IKKa regulates these function by using genetic animal models, including Ikka conditional knockout, Ikka kinase inactive knockin, and IKKa transgenic mice, and molecular biology approaches.
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| Training Plan: |
Statement of Research Goals/Purpose:
The research interests of The Inflammation and Tumorigenesis Section at the LEI are to understand the physiological activities of IKKα in skin tumorigenesis and inflammation and reveal the mechanisms of how IKKα regulates these function by using genetic animal models, including Ikkα conditional knockout, Ikkα kinase inactive knockin, and IKKα transgenic mice, and molecular biology approaches.
Description of Training Plan:
Develop screening protocol for 14-3-3 sigma Transgenic Mice
OBJECTIVES:
a. To design PCR primers specific for transgenic mice.
b. To develop a rapid genotyping screening protocol using specific primers.
c. To perform protein analysis assays on skin tissue preparations from transgenic animals.
METHOD OF INVESTIGATION:
a. Identify primers using sequence homology and analysis.
b. Determine optimal PCR assay conditions.
c. Perform genotyping on tail samples from transgenic animals.
d. Prepare skin tissue lysates from transgenic animals and determination of protein concentration.
e. Perform western blot analysis of proteins from preparations.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jami Willette-Brown |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6028 |
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LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
0567 / 206 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
A goal of our lab is to dissect the regulation of tumor-associated inflammation, identifying cellular and molecular pathways that can be targeted to make it more amenable to immunotherapeutic interventions. The transcription factor STAT3 is upregulated in multiple human tumors. STAT3 is activated by IL-10, and this pathway can condition tumor-associated inflammation to block therapeutic protocols of immune activation. Using an animal model, we are dissecting a model therapeutic protocol in which blockage of the IL-10/STAT3 pathway with anti-IL-10R antibody and immune stimulation with CpG oligonucleotides leads to tumor rejection. In order to characterize and manipulate the pathways involved in this model, the student will set up tissue culture experiments attempting to mimic them in a controlled setting.
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| Training Plan: |
During the 9 week training stage, several basic laboratory techniques will be covered. Initially, principles and use of laboratory buffers, reagents and laboratory equipment will be taught. The student will then learn basic tissue culture techniques and basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR and agarose gel elecrophoresis. Basic molecular cloning will be taught, and these techniques will be used to construct expression vectors for transfection of mammalian cells.
Following this training period, the student will construct expression vectors and, working closely with lab colleagues, will test their function in cell culture models. The testing and analysis will continue throughout the academic year.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Charles Stewart |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5462 |
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LABORATORY OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 31-16B |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section studies the control of gene expression during the development and maturation of the cellular immune system in mediating antitumor and anti-inflammatory immune responses. The general goal of this section is to use molecular approaches to investigate in detail the molecular mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated in immune effector cells. The specific aim of the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section is to understand the mechanisms regulating natural killer (NK) cell- and T cell-specific Interferon-gamma gene expression.
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| Training Plan: |
A student intern in the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section of the Laboratory Experimental Immunology will be instructed in the basic techniques of molecular biology and cell biology in order to perform experiments designed to understand the expression of immune genes. These techniques will include purification and cloning of plasmids and specific DNA fragments, characterization of DNA through the use of restriction enzymes, purification of cellular RNA and genomic DNA, electrophoresis and DNA, introduction of DNA into mammalian cells, luciferase assays and other techniques which may be applicable to the ongoing studies within this section. Upon mastering these techniques, the intern will assist in carrying out experiments designed to understand the role of miRNAs in post transcriptional regulation of interferon-gamma gene.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Ram Savan |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6500 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 11-10 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Comparative Genomics
The primary objective of our research is to develop and utilize comparative genomics and phylogenetic tools to study free-ranging populations for taxonomic, adaptive, and hereditary disease inference. This includes the development of animal models for the study of viral diseases and gene discovery in free-ranging mammalian species.
Exotic species have demonstrated their utility as models for the study of a wide range of hereditary and infectious diseases and physical traits. However, to fully interpret the results of these studies, it is necessary to understand their evolutionary history. This involves not only a more precise description of the phylogenetic relationships among species, but also an assessment of the uniqueness among wild populations and knowledge of historic patterns of gene flow. Our primary animal model has been the domestic cat and their exotic relatives and wild populations. As crucial step in this process, we have developed the foremost collection of biological samples from captive and wild populations of cats, which has provided the theoretical and conceptual framework for our research. The soon-to-be-released whole genome sequence of the domestic cat will provide another important tool for our research and will greatly accelerate the pace of gene discovery and comparative genomic inference.
Among the cat species, we have recently focused efforts on Asian species, including the tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and fishing cat, as well as Canada lynx, bobcat, and puma. Many of these studies integrate and focus on host/virus interactions, such as with FeLV and FIV in Florida Panthers and FIV and CDV in African lions.
Our comparative genomic studies have expanded to include the alpaca and the pangolin. We will complete development of a radiation hybrid (RH) map of the alpaca in 2006 which will facilitate the study of candidate genes for inherited diseases in camelids and related ungulate species, including several related to human disorders. Study of the pangolin, a group of species distributed in Africa and Asia and the closest relatives to carnivores, will provide good models for comparative genomic studies among these increasingly well-studied groups. Our research on camelids and pangolins will be increasingly important given the inclusion of both the alpaca and the pangolin on the short list of species for low-coverage, whole-genome-sequencing.
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| Training Plan: |
To be completed.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Warren Johnson |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7483 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 11-38 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
My research is focused on the development of the domestic cat as an animal model for infectious and hereditary diseases that model similar pathologies in humans. Following many years in genetic map development, we have, for the past three years, been utilizing these maps in identifying genes and characterizing mutations for numerous inherited pathologies and interesting phenotypes in the cat. Two years ago we mapped and identified the causative mutation for feline spinal muscular atrophy, identifying a totally novel gene for the pathology which may have relevance to the understanding of this devastating pathology in humans. Much of the lab work was conducted by our SIP student. Last year we identified the causal mutation for a retinal atrophy in the cat which is a model for a frequent cause of human blindness. Our SIP student last year mapped the gene causative of silver coat color in the cat. Our present SIP student is working on an interesting and novel population genetics question about the cat.
I think that we have an ideal learning situation for anyone interested in genetics and genomics. Students and interns working with us are becoming expert at genetic linkage mapping, fine mapping using comparative genomics tools and the available 2X whole genome sequence of the cat, sequencing of candidate genes for causative mutations- all the "steps" in the "teasing apart" process to understand the genetic basis behind phenotypic variation, and the basis for mapping in any organism. Its an exciting time to be studying genetics in the domestic cat.
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| Training Plan: |
Students will learn to extract DNA, set up polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, sequence DNA, analyze their data using appropriate software, draw conclusions and "trouble shoot" when experiments do not work. You will be assigned a research question that will be your project.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Marilyn Menotti-Raymond |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7486 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 11-26 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
My work focuses on looking for genes that help an animal survive environmental challenges. Most recently, I have been exploring high altitude adaptation in a population of "wild" horses in the Andes. In 2007, I collected samples from the last remaining wild northern Andean horse population in Ecuador. With my SIP students, I have been researching mitochondrial gene adaptation in this population. Mitochondrial genes are essential for energy production in the cell, and are likely under extreme natural selection in the harsh, cold hypoxic conditions of the northern Andes. I also have ongoing projects on genetics of Andean condors, carnivores, and humans.
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| Training Plan: |
I am looking for an independent student who is dedicated and eager to learn. These days, my human research keeps me away from labwork and occupied with statistical analysis. I depend on excellent SIP students to do labwork for the model (wild) organism projects. Students are not expected to come to the lab knowing how to do labwork, they are trained by myself and others in the wing. My students must be independent, on-task, and well organized once they have learned the skills they need in the lab. That being said--I am always available for questions and helping students problem solve in the lab.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Sher Hendrickson |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7244 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 21-14 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Laboratory of Genomic Diversity's Core Genotyping Facility carries out studies on 10 major published genes which give our scientists insight into the association between these genes and diseases in cohorts of interest. We manage inventory and distribution of all genomic DNA to all principal investigators labs for research. Our lab makes a panel of DNA plates, which are instrumental in genotyping for most of the principal investigators. This includes providing samples to scientists by extracting DNA from whole blood, cell pellets, WBC buffy coat, mouthwash, cheek swabs, and other tissues. The Core facility also provides high throughput genotyping service to outside labs.
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| Training Plan: |
We have a ongoing High Throughput Genotyping Study using two different platforms from two different companies.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Mary McNally |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7520 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 21-48 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
To interrogate viral genes for evidence of selection and investigate variation in host genes that may play a role in control of viral infection/disease outcome.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will be trained in the techniques of molecular biology, including DNA
amplification via polymerase chain reaction, loading and running of agarose gels, and sequencing of DNA. As needed, they will also learn to extract DNA from samples, run plasmid minipreps or to extract recombinant DNA, and genotype samples using a TaqMan amplification procedure. The student will learn to enter data into a relationship database and perform simple searches and quality control output. They will also learn to use specialized computer software to arrange and analyze DNA and protein sequences, compose images, and create tables or charts from the scientific data.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jennifer Troyer |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7478 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 11-10 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
My research is focussed on the evolution and comparative genomics of genes important in human health. The purpose is to compare patterns of mutation and evolution across several mammalian groups such as primates and carnivores. By comparing across species, we are able to tap into substantial periods of evolutionary time scales, both recent and very distant. This then tells us how these genes evolve, and give us a perspective on gene structure, function and adaptation.
I also use these same methods to study the extent of diversity and mutation within emerging retroviruses including those that infect species other than human such as feline immunodefiency viruses (FIV) in cats and their exotic relatives as well as a primate T-cell leukemia viruses which infect multiple species of primates worldwide and cause disease in humans.
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| Training Plan: |
My SIP program is to first have the intern learn a suite of basic molecular techniques used in genetic analyses. These include DNA isolation, DNA quantification, PCR, cloning and sequencing. The SIP is then given a project related to ongoing work in the lab. Depending upon the goals of the project, the SIP will learn additional computer programs as well. The SIP usually presents their research at the NCI-Frederick Research Festival as a poster.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Jill Slattery |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5882 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 21-19 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Research Goals
The project will involve looking at candidate genes that confer resistance and or susceptibility to the HIV virus.
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| Training Plan: |
A. The student will be trained in the necessary molecular genetic techniques that will enable him to complete a project. He will learn skills such as optimization of primers, RFLP-PCR, taqman, DNA extraction and sequencing.
B. The student will learn to solve problems, participate in experimental design, and keep an organized reproducible account of his experiments.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Elizabeth Binns-Roemer |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6730 |
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LABORATORY OF GENOMIC DIVERSITY
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 11-10 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Animal models are important as tools for understanding human health. As a veterinarian, I investigate infectious diseases of wild and domestic cat species - I am particularly concerned with genetic variation of both the disease agent and the host and how this variation effects the disease outcome. My work has a particular emphasis on the impact of feline immunodeficiency virus in free ranging Florida panthers and African lions. I am also involved with several hands on domestic cat projects which involve anesthesia, physical exams, blood drawing and reproductive evaluation.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will learn to process blood products, grow animal cells and tissue culture, extract DNA, learn PCR and sequencing techniques. In addition they will learn to trouble shoot and analyze their results in each step of the process. The students will also be exposed to basic clinical examination and blood collection procedures and laboratory techniques such as flow cytometry. Typicial projects may involve pedigree construction within prides of wild lion, evaluation of immune system status of wild cats infected with FIV, investigation of feline papilloma virus, and isolation and identification of novel pathogens.
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| Number of Students: |
2 |
| Mentor Name: |
Melody Roelke-Parker |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7479 |
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LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR IMMUNOREGULATION
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| Building/Room: |
0567 / 211 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our laboratory studies immune responses to tumors. The goal of this project is to identify how tumors evade immune responses. We use an experimental mouse model of prostate cancer to understand how tumors convert activated T cells into non-responsive, suppressive T cells.
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| Training Plan: |
The candidate will work with the laboratory technician and a postdoctoral fellow to gain the appropriate skills to study T cell responses to a prostate tumor antigen. This will include dissection of lymph nodes, lymphocyte preparation, and T cell function assays. The student will also participate in weekly lab meetings and attend departmental seminars when appropriate.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Arthur Hurwitz |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5443 |
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LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR IMMUNOREGULATION
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 31-19 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our program is a multi-disciplinary program dedicated to better understanding of the immune system in general and specifically the role of chemoattractant in maintaining homeostasis and tolerance. One of the more exciting projects in this program, the role of tumor antigens as chemoattractants, can be supported by a student. The student project will focus on the delineation of CCR2 signal transduction and regulation of dendritic cell chemotaxis and cytokine production. This project will require working with transformed human cell lines and primary human cells. This is an area of intense interest in our laboratory therefore the students interaction with this project will be beneficial for both our project and their education.
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| Training Plan: |
The chemokine receptor CCR2 appears to function as a chemoattractant receptor for a tumor antigen gp100, resulting in the regulation of dendritic cell activation. The students initial objectives will be to evaluate the effects of other CCR2 ligands and gp100 on dendritic cell migration and activation in vitro. The student will learn the proper methods for conducting basic research including the following techniques; molecular biology, DC cell tissue culture, chemotaxis and quantitation, protein quantitation, immune precipitation and western blotting. These are techniques required to determine the role of chemokine receptors in maintaining immune tolerance.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
O.M.Zack Howard |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1348 |
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LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
Toll House / 211 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
I would like to request a SIP student to help me on several aspects of projects involving the discovery of new microRNAs by sequencing, microRNA profiling in cancer cells using microarrays and the development of new RNA isolation and labeling protocols from FFPE and blood samples.
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| Training Plan: |
In the first project he or she will be involved in the biochemical prep work including RNA ligation, RT-PCR and help me in the development of the best microRNA array platform that we can use for our core service. The last project involves assay development in order to facilitate the extraction of RNA from difficult samples.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Chang Kim |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6343 |
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LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
Toll House / 211 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Laboratory of Molecular Technology (LMT) works with many NCI investigators to understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer and disease. To determine how genes and their transcripts are affected by disease, we use techniques such as mRNA expression and whole-genome microarrays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and DNA sequencing. Quantitative PCR (qPCR)is another specific process used in the lab that provides valuable, quantitative information on gene expression.
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| Training Plan: |
A student working on this project will have the opportunity to learn the qPCR process in detail from RNA extraction out of cells in culture to data analysis. The student will also have opportunities to learn other lab techniques and assist with ongoing projects. As experience is gained, the student will develop an independent project with their mentor corresponding to their lab skill and technical proficiency. Valuable practical and theoretical molecular biology experience gained at the LMT will directly translate to university and professional labs.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Kelley Banfield |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6114 |
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LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGY
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| Building/Room: |
Toll House / 211 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
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| Training Plan: |
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Claudia Stewart |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5924 |
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MOUSE CANCER GENETICS PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 31-20 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The focus of this research will be to test the role of candidate modifier genes in astrocytoma and peripheral nerve sheath tumors and to identify molecular changes that occur in the progression from mutant astrocyte to low-grade astrocytoma to high-grade astrocytoma.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will work with members of the Reilly lab to use molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry techniques to help characterize the role of candidate genes affecting cancer susceptibility. Tasks will involve optimizing and testing PCR primers to examine different gene products, growing tissue culture cells under different conditions and isolating RNA and protein for study, and running Western blots from changes in protein expression.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Karlyne Reilly |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7518 |
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MOUSE CANCER GENETICS PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0560 / 22-56 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The student will gain experience in genotyping via PCR, electrophoresis, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, RT-PCR and Western blotting. The student will also This student will also be involved in the cell maintenance and cell based assays. The student will obtain knowledge about aseptic techniques that are required for most of the techniques described here.
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| Training Plan: |
This student will work with Dr. Yurong Song, a research fellow in Dr. Terry Van Dykes lab. The student will aid Dr.Song in studying the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer using genetically engineered mouse models. Dr. Song is currently working on cell sub-type susceptibility of tumorigenesis and stromal epithelial interaction during tumorigenesis in prostate tumor models. The student will closely work under Dr. Song's guidance and assist her on characterizing the mouse models she has generated in the lab. This work entails making solutions, organizing paraffin embedded blocks and slides, genotyping via PCR, electrophoresis, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and etc. Primary tumor cells are great tools to dissect the molecular pathways involved in the tumorigenesis. The student will also be involved in the cell maintenance and cell based assays. Aseptic techniques are required for most of the techniques described here.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Terry Van Dyke |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1988 |
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NANOBIOLOGY PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 211, 216, |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Research program in the Membrane Structure and Function section (CCRNP) focuses on the strategic development of biologically viable lipid-based nanoparticles (liposomes) for directed delivery of anti-cancer and anti-AIDS agents. The long-term goal is to develop these state-of the art liposomes compatible for delivery of anti-cancer agents for treatment of patients. This includes optimization of the targeting potential, tunable drug release properties, and imaging capabilities of liposomes. The project will meet these goals by developing thermo-sensitive and polymerizable liposomes, which will bear infrared fluorescent markers. Specifically, the focus is on treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and B-cell lymphoma. HER2-affibody molecules and CD22 ScFv will be used as recognition markers. Thermosenstive liposome formulations (that are already in clinical trials) will be used to tag affibody molecules. For CD22 targeting, various liposome formulations will be tested. Using focused ultasound, local hypertheria strategy will be used to trigger drug release from these liposomes. These features of the liposomes will improve targeted drug delivery.
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| Training Plan: |
The student will be involved in the development of liposomes, optimize methods for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug encapsulation and antibody conjugation to the liposome surface. He will perform in vitro screening of these delivery vehicles. The candidate will learn various techniques which include tissue culture; FACS, cell toxicity assays, video enhanced fluorescence microscopy, lipid handling, and ELISA assays. This training will enable him/her to understand the relationship of fundamental research with the clinical applications and will be valuable in developing road map of his future career in biological sciences.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Anu Puri |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5069 |
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NANOBIOLOGY PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 150 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The study of the structure and function of ribonucleic acids (RNA) is an important area of biological and computational research. In recent years the understanding of the role that these molecules play in a cell's life cycle has become even more important. The various types of RNAs that control a cell's normal function are tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA. Other RNAs, such as the viruses HIV, polio and the common cold, to name a few, are detrimental to living organisms. Our research deals with the basic biological concepts associated with RNA/DNA structure function relationships and also the development of computational methodologies and tools to help unravel these relationships. Included are algorithms for RNA/DNA folding and analysis of the folding results. Our lab was the first to develop a massively parallel genetic algorithm (GA) for searching the very large RNA conformational space. In addition we have developed a unique RNA/DNA structure analysis workbench, STRUCTURELAB, which is a heterogeneous computer system that is used to analyze the results of the GA, as well as other folding algorithms. We also developed one of the currently best algorithms for RNA structure prediction based on RNA sequences alignments, KnetFold. Our group also does molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations on RNA and RNA/protein complexes to understand the atomic scale interactions that determine the functionality of these molecules.
Our group has also been exploring ways of using RNA structure/function relationships to define RNA nanobiology entities including RNA tectoshapes. These RNA based structures have the potential for developing functional nanoarrays, drug delivery vehicles amongst other possibilities. One important component for the development of these RNA nanoparticles involves the recent implementation of a database of RNA motifs for nanostructure design, RNAJunction, as well as the development of software tools to speed and simplify the design process.
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| Training Plan: |
Student this summer will be working on projects related to computational approaches to RNA structure analysis. Some potential projects are enumerated below. Other projects may materialize based on further discussions.
1) Helping to carry out molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations using the
supercomputer facilities for studying the structural aspects of the RNA. This will ultimately lead to the design of RNA nanoparticles..
2) Helping in the development of computer algorithms for improving RNA structure prediction and analysis methods for both secondary and tertiary structure. This includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling and the prediction of nanobiology constructs.
3) Assisting in structural searches for interesting functional features in RNA sequences and their structures.
4) Exploring the general problem of RNA structure and its relationship to gene expression and
nanobiology.
5) Helping to find and understand RNA folding patterns using various algorithms running on parallel supercomputers and the RNA/DNA structure analysis workbench STRUCTURELAB.
6) Helping to enhance and develop new algorithms for STRUCTURELAB and NanoTiler. This may include added features for prediction for nanobiology structures, and datamining.
Specific steps in the project will involve:
1) Library work to find and read relevant papers on RNA structure, nanobiology and computational approaches to studying these structures.
2) Familiarizing oneself with the computers and the software available in our lab and their relationship to RNA structural biology.
3) Learning more about the software development methods used in our laboratory.
4) Writing and/or modifying software as the need arises.
5) Running various software to analyze and discover structural features.
6) Attending seminars when possible.
7) Collaboration with other scientists.
8) Writing results in scientific papers.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Bruce Shapiro |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5536 |
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NANOBIOLOGY PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 221 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Structure function studies on glycosyltransferases
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| Training Plan: |
Student will learn basic molecular biology techniques
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Elizabeth Boeggeman |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7564 |
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NANOTECHNOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY
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| Building/Room: |
0469 / 246 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Gain working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation
Learn hands-on skill sets and laboratory techniques unique to the NCL
Gain understanding of cancer biology and nanotechnology
Become familiar with tissue culture and sterile technique
Learn to summarize research data and present to NCL staff
Participate in summer student activities, such as student seminar series
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| Training Plan: |
The summer student plan is divided into 3 phases. The first phase covers laboratory safety topics, and familiarization with basic equipment, such as balances and autoclaves, as well as common tools, such as pipets and centrifuges. The second phase entails more advanced laboratory techniques such as tissue culture and media and reagent preparation. Upon completion of these first 2 phases (at the end of the summer), the student will work with NCL scientists to execute their own research project aimed at elucidating the details of interactions between nanoparticles and biological matrices.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Christopher McLeland |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6974 |
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NEUTROPHIL MONITORING LAB (NML) SAIC-FREDERICK, IN
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| Building/Room: |
0315 / 107 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The laboratory is dedicated to the study of both clinical and basic aspects of neutrophil biology and the role of the neutrophil in health and disease
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| Training Plan: |
Student will learn the use of general laboratory equipment, and how to make standard reagents. The student will then learn the basics of many of the assays used in the laboratory. Finally, the student will become involved in the development of new assays to monitor neutrophil function. The student will be expected to participate in both informal and formal lab meetings, and will be called upon to present his/her findings at these meetings.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Douglas Kuhns |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-6378 |
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SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES BRANCH
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| Building/Room: |
0432 / 226 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The goal will be to develop skills to help determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie the toxicity of a putative anti-cancer agent. Although we may know an agent can kill tumor cells, our laboratory uses a variety of techniques to try and understand how it happens.
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| Training Plan: |
The successful applicant will learn cell culture techniques, growth and toxicity testing in the presence of pharmacological agents, evaluation of protein expression by western blot and gene expression measurement.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
P. Monks |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5528 |
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SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES BRANCH
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| Building/Room: |
0321 / 100 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
STB is the organizational component of DTP responsible for the development and operation of in vitro drug screening tools and detailed development and investigation of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. Current laboratory efforts are focused on delineating mechanism of action of novel compounds targetted to the Wnt Signalling pathway. Additional studies are underway to discover compounds that overcome extracellular matrix mediated drug resistance.
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| Training Plan: |
Students will undertake discrete projects that include learning technologies such as cytotoxicity assays, clonogenicity assays and western/immunoblotting. Students will also be trained in data analysis and presentation. Finally, students will participate in seminars and journal clubs.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Susan Mertins |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-7245 |
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SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES BRANCH
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| Building/Room: |
0322 / 110 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The National Cancer Institute, a major research component of the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to invite applications from qualified candidates.
The Student Intern Program(SIP) provides an outstanding opportunity for an individual with a strong interests in biology, cancer and its treatment to gain experience working in a pre-clinical drug development laboratory in the Screening Technologies Branch at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick in Frederick, Maryland.
The SIP position provides an exciting and unique opportunity to work with investigators in the field of oncology, developmental therapeutics and cancer control. The position will allow the trainee to learn laboratory procedures from scientists and lab staff relevant to the fields of pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and chemistry.
The trainee will function within the Screening Technologies Branch and work with STB staff on projects related to cancer stem cells.
Qualifications
A strong interest in cell biology and cancer treatment
Experience serving as an assistant or volunteer in a scientific lab setting
Interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work interdependently
Computer and data processing skills are desirable (experience and/or proficiency with EXCEL, Word and/or other data processing programs are employed for almost all lab record-keeping)
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| Training Plan: |
Learn how to perform fundamental aspects of human cancer cell line culture, experimental drug preparation for use in in vitro and ex vivo assay systems. These assays are required to characterize the cancer cell responses to experimental chemotherapeutic compounds. Training would include the application of colony formation assays, pharmacological techniques and data analyses to measure and compare activity of agents with similar versus unique mechanisms of action. Training also will include time to attend STB-sponsored seminars to learn what other laboratories within the branch are doing to characterize potential new therapeutic agents.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Michael Alley |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5481 |
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VACCINE BRANCH
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 226A |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
The Human Retrovirus Section studies the molecular biology and pathogenic mechanisms of human retroviruses and especially the AIDS virus, HIV-1. In addition, it uses viruses as tools and model systems to analyze basic mechanisms of gene function applying a large collection of technologies. These studies have application in many fields, including applications for the development of AIDS vaccines.
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| Training Plan: |
A student intern in the Human Retrovirus Section will be instructed in the basic techniques of molecular and cellular biology such that they may perform experiments involving manipulation and expression of genes in a mammalian system. The student will learn how to perform standard techniques such as DNA isolation, plasmid purification, restriction digest and analysis, cloning, DNA ligation and transformation, Southern Blotting, DNA sequencing and many other valuable techniques. Upon mastering these techniques, the intern will select one project to work for the remaining of the time. The present choices include involvement in preparation of new DNA vaccine formulations.
DNA vaccine technology is a new methodology to develop vaccines for various diseases.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
George Pavlakis |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1474 |
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VACCINE BRANCH
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 226A |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
POSTTRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION
Over the past years, part of our research focused on studying regulation of gene expression, in particular the mechanisms controlling cellular and viral mRNA expression. After synthesis, processing, and assembly into ribonucleoprotein complexes, mRNA is exported into the cytoplasm, which involves complex interactions of the mRNPs with transport receptors and with components of the nuclear pore. Although mRNA export is a critical step in gene expression, the detailed mechanisms mediating fundamental cellular processes that guide mRNP through the nucleus to the site of expression are not well understood.
We are conducting studies that will give us insight into these molecular steps. As a practical out-come, we are generating DNA expression vectors that are optimized to express efficiently genes of interest (HIV genes, cytokine genes) that are used in our vaccine and immunotherapeutic studies for AIDS and cancer.
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| Training Plan: |
Student will perform plasmid DNA purification from E. coli, restriction, digestions, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Participate in cloning experiments and will test new plasmids for expression in various systems. These experiments will assist our efforts in studying new DNA vaccines against AIDS.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Barbara Felber |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-1474 |
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VIRAL EPIDEMIOLOGY SECTION AIDS VACCINE PROGRAM
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 428 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our lab is the Viral Oncology Section of the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program The Senior Investigator is Denise Withby. You can check out our research program at http://ccr.cancer.gov/staff/staff.asp?profileid=12674
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| Training Plan: |
The successfull SIP candidate will be guided in optimizing a novel serological test for KSHV. The assay will complement the two ELISAs already developed in our lab and will be eventually incorporated in our diagnostic algorithm for KSHV infection
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Nazzarena Labo |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5939 |
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Viral Oncology Section, of the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 428 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
Our laboratory mission is to study viruses which cause cancer. We actively look for risk factors for disease development and also search for undiscovered viruses in human cancers.
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| Training Plan: |
Summer students will become proficient in the development of real-time quantitative PCR assays. We intend to develop assays specific to herpesviruses that may be important in the development of lymphoma.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Vickie Marshall |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5828 |
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Viral Technology Laboratory
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| Building/Room: |
0535 / 435 |
| Research Goals/Purpose: |
To provide an intern the opportunity to learn techniques and technologies which aid in the understanding of cancers caused by viruses.
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| Training Plan: |
June (2 weeks) We will begin with extensive safety and laboratory procedure training. General laboratory techniques will also be taught. We plan to use this time to introduce the project at a more in depth level and to encourage outside reading to supplement the students understanding of the systems being studied.
July One-on-one training with the student to master the specific techniques involved in these studies. Some of the reagents required for these studies need to be generated, these will be made at this time as well as optimization of the new method(s).
August Begin to allow the student to carry out those tasks which he/she feels comfortable with on her own. Encourage confidence and independence in simple troubleshooting matters.
September June At this point, the student will likely be able to carry out most aspects of his/her project(s) in a more independent manner. The methods proposed should be optimized and the student may begin work on the DNA or RNA of clinical samples.
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| Number of Students: |
1 |
| Mentor Name: |
Rachel Bagni |
| Mentor Phone: |
(301) 846-5469 |
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