Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects · Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, E. C. 4.2.1.1) are a class...
Transcript of Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects · Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, E. C. 4.2.1.1) are a class...
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Marc Ilies mailies@te
mple.edu
School of
Pharmacy
Pharmaceuti
cal Sciences
Developmen
t of drug
delivery
systems with
enhanced in
vivo stability
Drug delivery systems can modify the pharmacokinetics of
drugs, protect them from decomposition and control their
spatial and temporal delivery in the organism. In recent years
we were active towards the development of drug delivery
systems based on amphiphilic compounds of different molecular
weight, from simple surfactants, gemini surfactants, lipids,
dendrons and polymers. We are currently seeking talented and
highly motivated students to develop the next generation of
drug delivery systems with enhanced in vivo stability capable of
long circulation time in the body. Students majoring in
chemistry, biochemistry and biology are welcomed. Experience
in working with cells and animal models is a plus but it is not
required.
TUHSC General
knowledge
in
chemistry,
biochemistr
y, biology
and
especially in
the inter-
disciplinary
integration
of this
knowledge
is needed.
We will
Chemistry,
Biochemis
try,
Biology
Freshman
to
Seniors
Marc Ilies mailies@te
mple.edu
School of
Pharmacy
Pharmaceuti
cal Sciences
Physicochem
ical and
biological
evaluation of
novel
carbonic
anhydrase
inhibitors
and their
pharmaceuti
cal
formulations
.
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, E. C. 4.2.1.1) are a class of ubiquitous
metallo-enzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of
carbon dioxide: CO2 + H2O ↔ HCO3- + H+. Sixteen isozymes are
currently known, with different catalytic activity, subcellular
localization and tissue distribution. These isozymes are involved
in critical physiologic and pathologic processes including
respiration, acid-base regulation, electrolyte secretion, bone
resorption/calcification, gluconeogenesis, tumorigenicity and
the growth and virulence of various pathogens. Some of them
are over-expressed in pathological conditions such as edemas,
glaucoma, obesity and cancer. Therefore CA isozymes have
become important targets for pharmaceutical research. We are
seeking talented and passionate individuals to be involved in the
physicochemical and biological testing of novel selective CA
inhibitors and of their pharmaceutical formulations aiming
towards treatment of various forms of cancer via novel drugs
and drug delivery systems.
TUHSC previous
experience
in
physicoche
mical/biolog
ical
evaluation
of organic
compounds
and their
formulation
s (e.g.
liposomes),
as well as
towards
handling
cells
constitutes
a plus
Biochemis
try,
Biology
Sophomo
re,
Juniors,
Seniors
7/2/2020 1
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Christoph
er
Thompso
n
ckt@templ
e.edu
Public
Health
Physical
Therapy
Quantifying
neural
activity
underlying
motor
output
This project seeks to quantify both the excitability of and
synaptic input to spinal motoneurons. For this, we use data
consisting of the discharge of several tens of individual neurons
gathered from both animals and humans with and without
neurological injury. Primary analyses will include paired unit
analyses, population coherence approaches, and General Linear
Modeling. The student will focus on the analysis of neural data,
but will be encouraged to take part in experiments and
meetings with our national and international colleagues.
Main Relatively
advanced
knowledge
of
programmin
g is
required.
Mastery of
Matlab is
preferred,
though
expertise in
other
languages
will be
considered.
CS,
Math,Phys
ics
Freshman
,
sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Seonhee
Kim
tue62079
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Anatomy and
Cell Biology
The role of
cell signaling
and polarity
in neural
development
My laboratory’s research focuses is to understand the molecular
and cellular mechanisms controlling brain development to study
the basis of neurodevelopmental disorders. To gain in-depth
knowledge of neural development and neuronal disorders, we
utilize multidisciplinary approaches such as molecular and
neuroanatomical techniques including gene cloning, progenitor
or neuronal culture, cortical electroporation and time-lapse
imaging of cortical explants. Students will involve the
characterization of animal models exhibiting abnormal cortical
or cerebellar development and gene cloning projects to clone
the genes that are critical for regulation of proliferation and
differentiation during neurogenesis.
TUHSC Biology Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 2
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Shin Kang shin.kang
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Anatomy and
Cell Biology
Mapping the
glial network
in the
auditory and
hippocampal
systems
Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells that form myelin sheaths
around axons, crucial in rapid neuronal conduction and provide
metabolic support to axons. Our preliminary results of genetic
labeling of OLs revealed that prominent structural abnormalities
of OLs in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this
project, using the same mouse genetic system and
immunohistochemistry, we will extend our understanding of
how age- or AD-related genetic predisposition change OLs and
other glial networks in the auditory pathway and the cortico-
hippocampal pathway, the two central nervous system areas
whose functions significantly decline with age and in AD.
TUHSC Motivated
students
who are
interested
in
neuroscienc
e and
research in
Alzheimer's
disease, but
do not mind
using
genetic and
anatomical
approaches.
Biology
and
Neurobiol
ogy
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Shin Kang shin.kang
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Anatomy and
Cell Biology
Effects of
glial
regeneration
promotion
on the
disease
course of
ALS
Unknown glial mechanisms contribute to ALS, a devastating
motor neuron disease. We recently found that a specific genetic
manipulation that enhances oligodendroglia cell regeneration
significantly extends the survival period of ALS mice. This project
will investigate whether the same manipulation slows disease
progression and attenuates symptoms and biochemical indices
of the disease. Good organization skill and professional
attitude.
TUHSC Interest in
the study of
neurodegen
erative
diseases.
Experiment
al mouse
handling
may be
required.
Strong
Biology-
related
sciences
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Shin Kang shin.kang
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Anatomy and
Cell Biology
What
happens to
the adult
brain after
specific
ablation of
blood vessel
pericytes?
Brain pericytes are an integral part of blood-brain-barrier and
are thought to make brain capillary contractile. We engineered
a unique genetic system to induce pericyte ablation in the adult
mouse brain. The goal of this project is to characterize brain
samples after pericyte ablation is induced. Strong knowledge of
biological concepts. Good organization skill and professional
attitude.
TUHSC Interest in
the study of
neurodegen
erative
diseases.
Experiment
al mouse
handling
may be
required.
Biology-
related
sciences
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 3
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Ana
Gamero
gameroa@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM Biochemistry STAT2
Signaling in
Cancer
STAT2 is a transcription factor widely recognized for its role in
host defense against microbial attack and inflammation.
Published work from my laboratory now suggests that STAT2 is
also implicated in cancer development. We have evidence in
animal models of cancer that STAT2 functions to promote
tumorigenesis. Based on this exciting finding, the main objective
of my lab is determine the underlying molecular mechanism by
which STAT2 is promoting cancer development. Able to work
well with others
TUHSC Strong
knowledge
of biological
concepts
Self-
motivated
and
willingness
to work
Biology,
Biochemis
try
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Ana
Gamero
gameroa@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM Biochemistry Understandi
ng the Role
of STAT2 in
Colorectal
Cancer
Cancer is a very complex disease driven by multiple genetic
alterations. The focus of my research is to investigate the
mechanism by which the transcription factor STAT2 promotes
tumor progression in colorectal cancer. The long-term goal of
this project is to determine how STAT2 cooperates with tumor
oncogenes to enable tumor progression, conversion of benign
lesions to malignant and metastasis. Understanding this process
will lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions
to treat colorectal cancer.
TUHSC Good
communicat
ion skills,
attention to
detail and
able to
follow
directions
Biology,
Biochemis
try
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Madesh
Muniswa
my
yson@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Biochemistry MCU gene
knockout
using zebra
fish model
system
We are creating a knockout zebra fish for the mitochondrial
calcium uniporter (MCU) gene using Crispr/Cas9. We plan to
breed the homozygotes for the MCU deletion and then use
them for functional analyses. The goal is to measure how the
deletion of MCU affects the ATP production/Calcium
handling/Oxidative stress in the mitochondria.
TUHSC Prior
experience
in a
Biology/Life
Science Lab
Good
Laboratory
Practice
General
curiosity Bio
1, Bio 2,
Genetics
Biology,
Biochemis
try,
Molecular
Biology
Juniors or
Sophomo
re
7/2/2020 4
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Abdelkari
m Sabri
sabri@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Cardiovascul
ar Research
Center
Inflammator
y proteases
and cardiac
repair
In the adult heart, cell death following myocardial infarction
initiates an inflammatory reaction that removes dead cells and
contributes to scar formation and cardiac repair. Since the
regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian heart is limited,
induction of this innate immune response could be maladaptive
and compromises cardiac contractile function. Our study uses a
combination of in vivo and in vitro model systems to define the
role of inflammatory proteases on endogenous cardiac repair
and function after myocardial infarction.
TUHSC Basic cell
and
molecular
biology
techniques.
Highly
motivated
students
with sound
knowledge
in cell and
molecular
biology.
Biochemis
try
Junior &
Senior
Steven
Houser
srhouser@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM Cardiovascul
ar Research
Center
Reversing
Heart Failure
with
Preserved
Ejection
Fraction
(HFpEF)
This project will explore novel drug therapies to reverse the
cardiac abnormalities that develop with pressure overload
(hypertension). Currently studies are exploring sex-based
differences in HFpEF, and sex-based differences in the response
to therapies that inhibit histone deacetylaces (HDACs).
TUHSC General lab
skills
Biology or
Chemistry
Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 5
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Victor
Rizzo
rizzov@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Cardiovascul
ar Research
Center
The role of
extracellular
vesicles in
vascular
disease
Atherosclerosis, hypertension and aneurysms are the major
causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including heart attack
and stroke. Despite recent advances in clinical therapies, CVD
remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality world-
wide. Thus, there is a need to discover the underlying
mechanisms that lead to CVD. Inter-cellular communication is
essential for maintenance of blood vessel homeostasis and
disease development. Our laboratory is interested in a new
mechanism of cell-cell communication which involves
extracellular vesicles (EV). These vesicles carry unique cargo
(lipids, proteins, miRNAs and DNA) which can be transmitted to
target cells as well as serve as biomarkers which indicate the
heath status of the vasculature. Specific projects focus on 1)
characterization of EVs in vascular health and disease 2)
functional effects of EVs in the vasculature and 3) the potential
for EVs to act as therapeutic agents to treat CVD.
TUHSC Seeking
motivated
students
who desire
to gain
hands-on
experience
in basic
biomedical
research.
Biology,
Biochemis
ty,
Chemistry
,
Bioengine
ering
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 6
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Grace Ma grace.ma
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Center for
Asian Health
Director,
Associate
Dean of
Health
Disparities
The Health Disparities Research Innovation (HDRI) Program at
Center for Asian Health is recruiting for the Summer 2020
cohort. We have more than a dozen projects on a variety of
health disparities research topics, ranging from hepatitis B
medication and monitoring adherence, human papillomavirus
vaccination intervention, colorectal cancer screening, to
hypertension and metabolic syndrome, to cognitive health and
Alzheimer's disease.
The HDRI trainees will have the opportunities to develop skills
on various components of health disparities research, including
IRB compliance, literature reviews, research design, community
outreach, data analysis, conference presentation, and
manuscript development. HDRI trainees will also have
opportunities to network with researchers in multiple
disciplines, community stakeholders, and funding agency, and
learn about various opportunities in the health disparity
research field. Through participating in programs such as the
U54 TUFCCC/HC Cancer Health Disparity Partnership, including
the Summer Cancer Research Institute (SCRI) and the
Community Outreach Core, trainees are provided an incredibly
valuable and unique platform to participate in cancer health
TUHSC We
encourage
applications
from
students of
all
background
s,
particularly
those from
underrepres
ented
minority
groups or
disadvantag
ed
background
s. To be
eligible for
the training
program, a
prospective
Public
Health,
Sociology,
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce,
Psycholog
y
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
We study
liver
cytotoxic
effects in
metabolic
disorders
mice and
experimental
conditions.
We study liver cytotoxic effects in metabolic disorders mice and
experimental conditions. We generated transgenic mice
deficient with genes encoding key enzymes in amino acid
metabolic and identified significant liver pathology in these
mice. We will characterize lipid glucose and amino acid
metabolism and examine mechanisms determining liver
cytotoxic effects in metabolic disorders. Each UPR student will
be instructed by a PhD student or a postdoctoral fellow.
TUHSC Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
7/2/2020 7
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Vascular
energy
metabolism
(bioenergeti
cs)
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease (CVD). We will study metabolic cross talk
between homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and glucose
metabolism, and analyses glycolysis & mitochondrial respiration
in vascular cells. We will use genetic, biology and biochemical
tools to characterize the molecular pathway underlying
HHcy–altered vascular energy metabolism and its role in CVD.
Each UPR student will be instructed by a PhD student or a
postdoctoral fellow.
TUHSC Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Biochemical
basis for
HHcy-
induced
cardiovascul
ar Disease
Our lab studies mechanism underlying hyperhomocysteinemia
(HHcy), a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high
level of homocysteine in the blood, caused cardiovascular
disease (CVD). HHcy is a potent and independent risk factor for
CVD, but underlying mechanism is unknown and effective
therapy is not available. We are the leading laboratory in this
field and the first to report that Hcy selectively activates
endothelial cell via hypo-methylation related mechanism and
will further explore the biochemical basis of cell type and gene
specific methylation in cell and mouse disease models. Each
UPR student will be instructed by a PhD student or a
postdoctoral fellow.
TUHSC Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
7/2/2020 8
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Metabolic
disorder-
induced
immune cell
differentiatio
n
We will identify mechanism mediating cardiovascular
inflammation, atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction. We will
characterize immune cell differentiation, vascular and systemic
inflammation, vascular cell growth control and apoptosis using
bioinformatics, cell biology and molecular biochemical
approaches to assess the potential mechanisms mediating
metabolic disorder-induced immune cell differentiation. Each
UPR student will be instructed by a PhD student or a
postdoctoral fellow.Metabolic disorder-induced immune cell
differentiation
TUHSC Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Characterize
molecular
structure
and function
of newly
discovered
genes in
endothelial
endocytosis
and
angiogenetic
feature
We discovered novel genes induced in endothelial cells treated
with homocysteine (Hcy), an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease (CVD) and discovered that these new
genes may mediated Hcy-suppressed cell migration and
angiogenesis. We will use biochemical, molecular biological
tools and mouse genetics to study regulation of trans-activation,
endocytosis, migration, and interaction with skeleton molecules
in endothelial cells and in transgenic mice.
TUHSC Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
7/2/2020 9
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Organ
Specific
Endothelial
Cell
Heterogeneit
y
Endothelial Cell (EC) formed vascular network to support organ
blood supply, and contribute to organ development and
function. Organ specific endothelial cell heterogeneity is not
well understood. We are characterizing gene expression profile
in endothelial cells isolated from different mouse organ and will
study their functional implication in different organ. We will also
analyze gene expression changes in different vascular beds in
metabolic disease models and identify organ-specific molecular
targets in metabolic disease.
Biology,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, junior,
Seniors
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Biochemical
basis for
HHcy-
induced
cardiovascul
ar Disease
To study how hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a medical
condition characterized by an abnormally high level of
homocysteine in the blood, causes cardiovascular disease, the
number one killer in the United States and developed countries.
HHcy is a potent and independent risk factor for CVD. However,
the underlying mechanism is unknown and effective therapy is
not available. We are the leading laboratory in this field and the
first to report that Hcy selectively activates endothelial cell via
hypo-methylation related mechanism and will further explore
the biochemical basis of cell type and gene specific methylation
in cell and mouse disease models.
TUHSC Motivation,
carefulness -
Students
who
completed
sophomore
year.
Biology
Hong
Wang
hongw@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research
Metabolic
disorder-
induced
immune cell
differentiatio
n
We have extensive expertise in the areas of cardiovascular
inflammation, atherosclerosis, vascular function, molecular
mechanism, and signal transduction. UPR studies will use
bioinformatics, cell biology and molecular biochemical
approaches to assess the potential mechanisms metabolic
disorder-induced immune cell differentiation. We will examine
monocyte differentiation, vascular and systemic inflammation,
and vascular cell growth control and apoptosis. Each UPR
student will be instructed by a PhD student or a postdoctoral
fellow.
TUHSC GPA greater
than 3.4,
Cell culture
or Protein
biochemistr
y , Hard
working and
dedicative
Biology,
Biochemis
try,
Computer
Science
Junior
7/2/2020 10
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Wenhui
Hu
whu@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Metabolic
Disease
Research,
Department
of Pathology
and Lab Med
Molecular
mechanisms
of
hypothalami
c
neurogenesis
and neural
metabolic
syndrome
The research interest in Dr. Hu’s lab focuses on the role and
mechanisms of a novel protein NIBP, which regulates NFkB
signaling and trans-Golgi networking. Mutation of NIBP
contributes to mental retardation, autism, obesity and stroke. In
particular, NIBP knockout mice develop obesity under normal
diet. Also, the lab is interested in the novel role of the
schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder gene TCF4 in
regulating neuritogenesis and synaptic plasticity. The qualified
students will actively participate in the daily research activities
in the laboratory. These activities include: neural stem cell
culture, transfection, reporter gene assay, CRISPR/Cas9 genome
editing, molecular cloning, RT-PCR, Western blot,
immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, genotyping and
phenotyping. The students will also participate in the weekly
journal club and weekly seminar in the department. The
students are expected to understand the research publications
by Dr. Hu’s group as well as the current progresses in the field of
neural metabolic diseases, adult neurogenesis and genome
editing. The students with previous research background will be
given a small research project that potentially generates
publishable data.
TUHSC Motivation
for science,
responsible
and reliable
Neuroscie
nce,
Biology,
Psychiatry
,
Bioengine
ering,
Computer
science
Junior or
Senior
Lee-Yuan
Liu-Chen
lliuche@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Substance
Abuse
Research
Kappa opioid
receptor
(KOR):
pharmacolog
y,
neuroanato
my and
behaviors
1. genotyping and biochemical and behavior characterization of
mutant mouse lines, including phosphorylation-deficient KOR
mutant mice, b-arr2 knockout mice and KOR-tdTomato mice 2.
Screening for selective KOR agonists that produce analgesic and
anti-itch effects, but do not cause side effects such as aversion,
sedation and motor incoordation
TUHSC solid grades,
eager to
learn,
organized,
some lab
experience
preferred
Neuroscie
nce,
Biochemis
try
Freshman
,
sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 11
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Lee-Yuan
Liu-Chen
lliuche@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Substance
Abuse
Research
&
Department
of
Pharmacolog
y
Characterizat
ion of a
knockin
mouse line
expressing a
fusion
protein of
the kappa
opioid
receptor
(KOPR) and
the
fluorescent
Lack of specific antibodies against the KOPR has hindered in
vivo study of KOPR in terms of localization, trafficking,
expression and signaling. My lab has generated a knockin mouse
line expressing KOPR-tdT. The project is to do genotyping of the
mice and map the distribution of KOPR-tdT in the brain.
TUHSC solid grades,
eagerness
to learn,
organized,
some lab
experience
preferred,
experience
in handling
rodents,
perfusion
and tissue
sectioning is
Neuroscie
nce
Junior or
Senior
Douglas
Tilley
douglas.till
ey@templ
e.edu
LKSOM Center for
Translational
Medicine
Leukocytes
and
Cardiorenal
Syndrome
Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a growing clinical problem that
substantially increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events
and mortality outcomes in patients and costs billions of dollars
per year in the U.S. Approximately 50% of CRS cases result from
a deterioration in cardiac function, such as during the
development of heart failure (HF), which promotes renal fibrotic
remodeling and progressive dysfunction. A number of factors
contribute to the development of CRS, including changes in
hemodynamics, humoral factors such as cytokines and
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. Responsive to
each of these changes are leukocytes, particularly monocytes
and macrophages, which have been implicated in CRS.
However, few reports have investigated whether they play a
reactionary or causative role in the development of CRS-induced
renal dysfunction and remodeling or how to mitigate their
impact in this process. Since renal dysfunction remains a strong
independent predictor for poor prognosis in CVD patients,
targeting leukocytes to prevent the development of renal
dysfunction and remodeling in response to cardiac stress may
offer a new strategy by which to alleviate the negative impact of
CRS on patient mortality. For this project the URP student will
perform a comparative assessment of cardiac and renal fibrosis
TUHSC biochemis
try,
chemistry,
biology
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 12
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
John
Elrod
elrod@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Center for
Translational
Medicine
Identificatio
n of novel
sORFs in
cardiovascul
ar disease
elrodlab.org
It has recently become apparent that previous computational
methods used to identify genes throughout the human genome
likely missed a significant number of small genes (small open
reading frames, sORFs) that encode micropeptides that likely
play a very significant role in physiology and disease. The overall
goal of this project is to discover new genes with novel functions
and regulatory roles in cardiovascular disease. We have begun
to establish a database containing all possible sORFs in the
genome to prioritize our search for bona fide peptide encoding
sORFs. In addition, we examining the differential expression of
sORFs in disease starting with heart failure samples from two
well characterized, clinically relevant mouse models. All of these
data will be computationally integrated to generate a priority
list for experimental validation and evaluation.
TUHSC Priority
placed on
previously
molecular
biology
laboratory
experience.
Motivated,
hard-
working
individuals
are a must.
Any Freshme
n,
Sophomo
res -
Junior or
Seniors
Sara Jane
Ward
saraward
@temple.e
du
LKSOM CSAR Cannabinoid
s,
Inflammatio
n, and CNS
Injury
Research focuses on determining the role of inflammation
across a range of CNS disorders, from stroke to substance abuse.
We take a behavioral and molecular immunological approach to
studying the role of inflammation in CNS disorders and testing
the hypothesis that cannabinoid based-treatments have a
potential to reduce this inflammation and therefore improve
behavioral outcomes.
TUHSC Interest in
neuroscienc
e/experime
ntal
psychology
Neuroscie
nce,
Psycholog
y
Junior or
Senior
John
Elrod
elrod@te
mple.edu
LKSOM CTM Mitochondri
al Calcium
Exchange in
Heart
Disease
Summer Research Students would be assisting lab members
with general tasks ranging from mouse colony maintenance,
genotyping, histology, cell culture and various other
experiments that are needed for our current projects. You can
view our recent publications and current projects via our
website. Link listed below.
http://www.elrodlab.org/projects/#/lab-publications/
TUHSC Agreeablen
ess and
willingness
to learn.
Biology Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 13
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Sadia
Mohsin
tuf65474@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM CVRC Stem cells to
repair heart
after injury
The project would help in understanding different mechanisms
that could be involved in heart repair after stem cell or
exosomes transplantation after cardiac injury. Immune response
is one of the major events that occur after injury. We would
study how stem cells can play a part in modulating immune
response after myocardial infarction.
TUHSC Biology or
BioChem
Sophomo
re,
Juniors
Sadia
Mohsin
tuf65474@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM CVRC Cardiac
repair after
ischemic
injury
The project would help in understanding different mechanisms
that could be involved in heart repair after stem cell or
exosomes transplantation after cardiac injury. Immune response
is one of the major events that occur after injury. We would
study how stem cells can play a part in modulating immune
response after myocardial infarction.
We will also study interaction of stem cells and other heart cell
types including fibroblasts and myocytes.
TUHSC Biochem
or Biology
Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 14
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Mahmut
Safak
msafak@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Department
of
Neuroscience
Understandi
ng the
regulatory
roles of JC
virus
agnoprotein
in viral life
cycle
JC virus is a human polyomavirus that causes a fatal disease,
known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, in the
central nervous system of a sub-population of
immunocompromised individuals including AIDS and cancer
patients. This virus encodes a small regulatory protein,
Agnoprotein, from its late coding region. In the absence of its
expression, this virus unable to sustain its productive life cycle.
It is a highly basic phosphoprotein that localizes mostly to the
perinuclear area of infected cells, although a small amount of
the protein is also found in nucleus. It forms highly stable
dimers/oligomers in vitro and in vivo through its Leu/Ile/Phe-
rich domain. Structural NMR studies revealed that this domain
adopts an alpha-helix conformation and plays a critical role in
the stability of the protein. It associates with cellular proteins,
including YB-1, p53, Ku70, FEZ1, HP1α, PP2A, and AP-3; and viral
proteins, including small t antigen, large T antigen, HIV Tat, and
JCV VP1; and significantly contributes the viral transcription and
replication. Although much has been learned about the function
of this important protein in recent years, its precise role in the
viral life cycle remains elusive. Our most recent studies showed
TUHSC Biology,
Chemistry,
Biochemis
try,
Neuroscie
nce
Sophomo
res and
Juniors
7/2/2020 15
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Uma
Sajjan
uma.sajjan
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Department
of Pathology
Role of
Kallikrein-
kinin system
in systemic
and
neurolupus
The goal of my project is to analyze the effects of the different
components of the kallikrein-kinin system in mouse models of
lupus and in normal human blood. One of the components of
this system has started in a clinical trial in lupus recently by my
collaborator.
The project involves working with mouse and human immune
cells and analyzing gene expression and protein levels in cells
stimulated with various therapeutic compounds using standard
immunological techniques such as PCR, Western blot, ELISA and
flow cytometry. The student will have the opportunity to learn
these techniques and also cell culture methods. We also do a lot
of behavioral tests, histology and microscopy . There is potential
to learn a lot of techniques that will be useful for the students
to pursue further in any biomedical field.
TUHSC Experience
in a bio-
medical lab
and
experience
with mice
preferred/
should be
willing to
work with
mice.
Biology,
Biochemis
try,
Neuroscie
nce
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 16
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Wenhui
Hu
whu@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Department
of Pathology
and Lab Med
Target-
specific
delivery of
CRISPR/Cas9
genome
editors to
Disease-
relevant cells
CRIPSR/Cas9 genome editing has been drawing extensive
attention in both science and public. It has revitalized the gene
and cell therapy. A large number of exciting and promising
preclinical studies escalate the potential of genome editors to
treat patients with genetic diseases, infectious diseases, cancer
and others. One of many challenges before wide clinical
application is the urgent need to effectively, specifically and
safely deliver the powerful genome editing machinery to
disease-relevant cells and tissues. Dr. Hu’s lab is interested in
developing novel viral and non-viral gene delivery for
Cas9/sgRNA-expressing vectors or ribonucleoprotein by
targeting neural, immune and cancer cells. The qualified
students will actively participate in the daily research activities
in the laboratory. These activities include: molecular cloning,
PCR genotyping, real-time PCR, genome editing evaluation, cell
culture, transfection, reporter gene assay, Western blot,
immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, etc. The students are
expected to understand the research publications by Dr. Hu’s
group as well as the current progresses in the field of genome
editing and gene/cell therapy. The students with previous
research background will be given a small research project that
potentially generates publishable data.
TUHSC High
motivation
for science,
responsible
and reliable,
hard-
working
Molecular
biology,
Genetics,
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 17
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Beata
Kosmider
tug28074
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Department
of Thoracic
Medicine
and Surgery
Mutation
analysis in
emphysema.
Two million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, costing $2.5 billion/year and contributing to
100,000 deaths/year. Emphysema is caused by the destruction
of alveolar wall septa, which is associated with inflammation.
Alveolar type II cells make and secrete pulmonary surfactant
and restore the epithelium after damage. In our preliminary
data we identified 6 mutations in genomic DNA obtained from
alveolar type II cells isolated from patients with emphysema.
Our hypothesis is that these mutations may contribute to this
disease pathogenesis.
Student task and responsibility: The student will first get training
in general laboratory techniques. This person will be involved in
planning experiments with a research group, preparing samples
for DNA isolation and analyze sequencing results. We will meet
at least once every week to discuss this project. The student will
validate the functional role of these novel identified mutations
in A549 cell line and human primary alveolar type II cells in
vitro.
Two million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, costing $2.5 billion/year and contributing to
TUHSC Biology or
Biochem
7/2/2020 18
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Beata
Kosmider
tug28074
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Department
of Thoracic
Medicine
and Surgery
The role of
microvesicle
s in
emphysema.
Microvesicles are small membrane vesicles of 30–1,000 nm in
diameter that are released into the extracellular environment
under normal or pathological conditions by different types of
cells including alveolar type II cells. Our hypothesis is that
microvesicles secreted in emphysema may contain
inflammatory factors, which can induce injury of neighboring
cells. In our preliminary data, we found higher microvesicles
secretion in alveolar type II cells isolated from patients with this
disease compared to control non-smokers and smokers. We
have also identified dysregulated expression of genes involved
in microvesicles synthesis by RNA sequencing in alveolar type II
cells isolated from patients with emphysema.
Student task and responsibility: The student will first get training
in general laboratory techniques. This person will be involved in
determining the role and mechanism of microvesicles secretion
in emphysema. The student will be responsible to determine
inflammatory response in control alveolar type II cells induced
by microvesicles secreted in emphysema in vitro. Methods
include standard molecular and cellular biology such as western
blotting, immunocytofluorescence and ELISA.
Microvesicles are small membrane vesicles of 30–1,000 nm in
diameter that are released into the extracellular environment
under normal or pathological conditions by different types of
cells including alveolar type II cells. Our hypothesis is that
microvesicles secreted in emphysema may contain
TUHSC Biology or
Biochem
7/2/2020 19
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Jonathan
Soboloff
soboloff@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Cancer
Research
Role of STIM-
dependent
calcium
signals in T
cell
differentiatio
n
T cells are critical players in adaptive immunity. T cells are made
in the thymus and then released into peripheral blood where
they seek out foreign agents. One of the first events that occurs
in T cells when activated is a change in cytosolic calcium
concentration. These calcium responses drive their
differentiation into multiple differentiated T cell subsets that
control the immune response in a manner dependent on both
the duration and intensity of the calcium signal. We utilize a
combination of cell lines and mouse models to understand the
molecular events in control of calcium signal generation and T
cell differentiation. This project would involve working closely
with senior investigators in my lab, with the potential to learn
multiple research approaches. Some prior students have earned
publications.
TUHSC Student
must be
enthusiastic
with a
genuine
interest in
learning
research.
Prior lab
experience
would be
highly
desirable
but not
required.
Project
involves
Biology/Bi
ochemistr
y
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Bassel E
Sawaya
sawaya@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute Loss of
Episodic
Memory and
Gait issues in
HIV-infected
patients
Clinical data point to the loss of memory as well as increasing
balance issues (gait) among HIV-1 infected patients.
Our goal is to identify the mechanisms involved.
regarding the memory, we found that HIV proteins induce
glycolysis pathway and impair the mitochondria function.
Regarding the balance, we found that HIV proteins affect
lysosomal functions.
Therefore, we are trying to further determine the mechanisms
involved and try to reverse the effect of these proteins.
TUHSC Desire to
learn and to
ask
questions
Biochemis
try
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 20
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Yi Ahang yi.zhang@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
Epigenetic
regulation of
immune cell
development
and function
Epigenetics refers to stable gene expression patterns mediated
by DNA methylation and/or chromatin remodeling. Epigenetics
is critical for controlling multiple cellular processes, including
proliferation, differentiation and function. Dr. Zhang’s
laboratory and interests are in the field of epigenetic regulation
of immune cell development and function. The current project
is investigating the impact of histone-modifying enzymes, such
as Ezh2 and Dot1l, in the regulation of T cell immune responses
and their-mediated tissue injury in the mice undergoing
allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The primary
objective of this project is to identify: 1) how these enzymes
regulate the generation of effector T cells and dendritic cells
during immune responses; and 2) how these effector T cells and
dendritic cells mediate graft versus-host disease and anti-
TUHSC Prior
experiences
with cell
cultures,
genomic
DNA
isolation,
PCR analysis
will be
preferred.
Biology
research
experiments
requires
Biology,
chemistry
and
biochemis
try.
Sophomo
re &
Junior
Jonathan
Soboloff
soboloff@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
UV-Induced
Suppression
of calcium
signaling in
Melanoma
Metastatic
Progression
Increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration are a common
component of multiple signal transduction pathways regulating
a wide variety of responses ranging from rapid events such as
membrane fusion and muscle contraction to control of
proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. STIM proteins sense
changes in ER Ca2+ levels; when ER Ca2+ levels are low, STIM
proteins bind to Orai Ca2+ channels that promote Store-
Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE). Ultraviolet radiation is a major
cause of melanoma and has been linked to melanoma
progression. Among other things, UVR causes suppression of
Ca2+ signals that we believe contributes to increases in
melanoma invasiveness. Working closely with a graduate
student, a technician and other undergraduate students in my
lab, this project will involve measuring calcium signals,
performing fluorescence microscopy and various cellular assays
in melanoma cell lines.
Fels
Institute
for
Cancer
Research
Student
must be
enthusiastic
with a
genuine
interest in
learning
research.
Prior lab
experience
would be
highly
desirable
but not
required.
Project
involves
cell culture,
Western
Biology/Bi
ochemistr
y
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 21
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Jonathan
Soboloff
soboloff@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
Modulation
of calcium
signaling by
changes in
STIM
expression
Increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration are a common
component of multiple signal transduction pathways regulating
a wide variety of responses ranging from rapid events such as
membrane fusion and muscle contraction to control of
proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Since Ca2+ signals
typically occur in a time frame of seconds to minutes, how Ca2+
transients can regulate events that occur over hours to days is
poorly understood. Recent investigations from our lab have led
to the identification of Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1) as a
regulator of the expression of STIM1, a required component of
store-operated Ca2+ entry, the primary means of Ca2+ entry in
non-excitable cells. A student working in my lab will investigate
how the expression and function of STIM1 and EGR1 are
coordinated in the context of receptor-mediated signals.
Fels
Institute
for
Cancer
Research
Student
must be
enthusiastic
with a
genuine
interest in
learning
research.
Prior lab
experience
would be
highly
desirable
but not
required.
Project
involves
cell culture,
Western
Biology/Bi
ochemistr
y
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Nora
Engel
noraengel
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
Genetics and
Epigenetics
of sex-
specific
expression
patterns in
early
embryogene
sis
We are investigating differences between male and female
embryonic stem cells and the mechanisms by which these early
differences are established. Epigenetic assays will be performed
to detect the impact of sex on differentiation of the cells.
Fels
Institute
for
Cancer
Research
Basic
laboratory
skills, such
as pipetting
and making
solutions
required.
Biology,
Biochemis
try
Junior
7/2/2020 22
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Raza
Zaidi
zaidi@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
molecular
mechanisms
of
Melanomage
nesis
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, which originates
from the pigment (melanin)-producing cells (melanocytes) in
the skin. Approximately 85% of melanomas are directly caused
by the UV radiation from the sun and artificial tanning beds.
However, the molecular mechanisms of this cause-and-effect
relationship remain largely undefined. We are using cell culture
and mouse models, and cutting-edge molecular biological
techniques, genomics, and epigenomics to tease out the
molecular mechanisms of UV-induced melanomagenesis.
Fels
Institute
for
Cancer
Research
Highly
motivated
individuals
who have
the passion
for
molecular
biology
research,
and are
willing to
commit
Biochemis
ry or
Biology
Raza
Zaidi
zaidi@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
molecular
mechanisms
of
Melanomage
nesis
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, which originates
from the pigment (melanin)-producing cells (melanocytes) in
the skin. Approximately 85% of melanomas are directly caused
by the UV radiation from the sun and artificial tanning beds.
However, the molecular mechanisms of this cause-and-effect
relationship remain largely undefined. We are using cell culture
and mouse models, and cutting-edge molecular biological
techniques, genomics, and epigenomics to tease out the
molecular mechanisms of UV-induced melanomagenesis.
Fels
Institute
for
Cancer
Research
Highly
motivated
individuals
who have
the passion
for
molecular
biology
research,
and are
willing to
commit
themselves
to a steep
learning
curve,
dedication,
and hard
work.
Biochemis
ry or
Biology
7/2/2020 23
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Richard
Pomeran
tz
richard.po
merantz@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
Developmen
t of Drugs for
BReast and
Ovarian
Cancer
Patients
DNA Polymerase Theta (Polq) is essential for the proliferation of
subsets of breast and ovarian cancers, but is dispensable for
normal cell growth. Thus Polq is considered an important new
cancer drug target. We are screening and identifying drug-like
inhibitors of Polq that will be further developed as anti-cancer
drugs.
TUHSC Interest in
biochemistr
y and/or
cancer
therapeutics
.
Biology,Ch
emistry,Pr
e-medical
Juniors or
Seniors
Richard
T.
Pomeran
tz
richard.po
merantz@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
How the
process of
transcription
contributes
to genome
instability in
human cells.
Genome instability in the form of chromosome breaks,
rearrangements and deletions is a hallmark of cancer cells and
contributes to tumorigenesis. The research project aims to
understand how the process of transcription contributes to
genome instability in human cells. Current research in the lab
reveals a direct link between transcription and DNA deletions
and rearrangements in human cancer cells. This suggests that
transcription plays a much larger role in promoting genome
instability and potentially cancer than previously thought. The
goal of the project is to analyze and annotate the sequences of
DNA deletions and rearrangements generated at transcription
sites in human cells. The results of this research is likely to
provide new important insight into how the fundamental
process of transcription can cause genome instability and will
likely be published in a high profile journal.
TUHSC Intelligent,
hard-
working,
independen
t,
passionate
about
science and
research. -
General
Biology,
perhaps
Chemistry --
Successful
summer
research is
likely to be
published in
peer
reviewed
journals.
Biochemis
try,
Biology, or
Chemistry
7/2/2020 24
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Richard
T.
Pomeran
tz
richard.po
merantz@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
This research
will provide
important
insight into
how
polymerase
theta
functions
during alt-EJ
and
promotes
the survival
of cancer
cells and
chemothera
py resistance
A newly discovered DNA repair process called alternative end-
joining (alt-EJ) or microhomlogy-mediated end-joining causes
chromosome deletions and rearrangements and promotes the
survival of breast and ovarian cancer cells. Current research in
the lab has reconstituted the process of alt-EJ in vitro and has
elucidated how a key protein in this pathway, DNA polymerase
theta, generates insertion mutations at DNA repair junctions.
The goal of the project is to analyze and annotate the sequences
of insertion mutations generated by polymerase theta during alt-
EJ in vitro. This research will provide important insight into how
polymerase theta functions during alt-EJ and promotes the
survival of cancer cells and chemotherapy resistance and will
likely be published in a reputable journal.
TUHSC Intelligent,
hard-
working,
independen
t,
passionate
about
science and
research. -
General
Biology,
perhaps
Chemistry --
Successful
summer
research is
Biochemis
try,
Biology, or
Chemistry
Xavier
Grana
xgrana@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Fels Institute
for Cancer
Research
Understandi
ng Substrate
Specificity of
Protein
Phosphatase
s and their
regulation in
normal and
cancer cells
There are various projects available that deal with the
characterization of the substrate specificity of the B55α/PP2A
holoenzyme and its regulation in cells. (1) B55α/PP2A
holoenzyme substrate specificity This project focuses on
determining the determinants of substrate specificity of
B55α/PP2A holoenzymes using various unrelated substrates of
this holoenzyme. We have and extensive collection of B55α
mutants (>20 mutants) and more to be made to be tested for
binding to various substrates using transient co-transfections
made in human cells grown in culture. The project involves cell
culture, transfections, immunoprecipitation, western blot
analysis and generation and maintenance of plasmids. (2) To
identify the domains in p107 recognized by protein
phosphatases. This project is centered on determining the
amino acid residues that mediate the interaction of p107 with
the PP2A. We have an extensive collection of GST-p107 mutants
to characterize this interaction. More mutants will be
TUHSC Motivation
for Science
and
Research
Background
knowledge -
Previous lab
experience
is NOT
required
Biochemis
try,
Biology,
Bioinform
atics -
Genetics
and/or
Biochemis
try and/or
Cell
Biology
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 25
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Laurie
Kilpatrick
, PhD
laurie.kilpa
trick@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Lung
Center/Physi
ology
Regulation
of neutrophil-
endothelial
interactions
in bacterial
sepsis
Dr. Kilpatrick’s research focuses on investigating molecular
mechanisms regulating pro-inflammatory signaling in the innate
immune system; particularly the role of activated leukocytes in
the development of lung injury. An important focus of her work
is examining the regulation of leukocyte migration into the lung.
Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, she is examining
signaling pathways which regulate leukocyte-endothelial
interaction and the control of transmigration. Her research
group has extensive expertise with different models of
inflammation in rodents and in the isolation and analysis of
human neutrophils, monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Dr.
Kilpatrick identified Protein Kinase C-delta (PKCδ) as a critical
regulator of the inflammatory response in the lung. In
translational studies, she is studying the use of directed anti-
PKCδ therapy to the lung for the treatment of acute lung injury
in a rodent model of sepsis employing pharmacological (PKCδ
inhibitor) and genetic (PKCδ null mice) approaches. Current
TUHSC Some
previous lab
experience,
highly
motivated
with an
interest in
research
Biochemis
try,
Chemistry,
Biology
Sophomo
res,
Juniors or
Seniors
Richard
[email protected] Medical
Genetics &
Molecular
Biochemistry
FOXO1 DNA-
binding
domain
mutations in
the
pathogenesis
of diffuse
large B-cell
lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) are among the most common
cancers in the US, and the most common NHL of adults is diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Roughly 1/3 of DLBCLs follow an
aggressive course and are subject to relapse or are refractory to
treatment. Identifying molecular markers predictive of an
aggressive clinical course will support earlier initiation of
treatment and the development of novel targeted therapies.
We have previously shown that a significant fraction of DLBCL
exhibit active B-cell receptor signaling associated with
downstream AKT signaling and cytoplasmic localization of the
transcription factor FOXO1. We hypothesize that mutations in
the DNA binding domain of FOXO1 are loss-of-function
mutations. We are working to prove this using biochemical
analysis, cell-based assays and computational simulations. If our
hypothesis regarding FOXO1 FKH mutations is true, it will
provide key information supporting the development and trial
of novel therapies targeting FOXO1 in the treatment of
TUHSC A
motivation
to work and
learn is
essential.
The
successful
candidate
will work in
a
biochemical
laboratory
to perform
bench
experiments
. Attention
to detail
Chemistry,
Biophysics
,
Biological
Sciences
or related
discipline
Freshman
Sophomo
re
Junior
Senior
7/2/2020 26
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Richard
[email protected] Medical
Genetics &
Molecular
Biochemistry
Mosquito
immune
responses to
malaria
Malaria is caused by single-celled parasites of genus
Plasmodium, and transmitted by female mosquitoes of the
genus Anopheles mosquitoes. After a long period of success in
global malaria control, progress has stalled with an estimated
219 million cases and 435,000 related deaths in 2017. Anopheles
gambiae is the principal malaria vector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Variable efficiency of immune factors significantly influence the
susceptibility of A. gambiae to infection and hence its efficiency
as a disease vector. The complement-like protein thioester-
containing protein 1 (TEP1) is a key Anopheles immune factor
that targets Plasmodium ookinetes crossing the midgut
epithelium for killing. Specific variation in TEP1 correlates with
susceptibility of A. gambiae to rodent and human Plasmodium
parasites. Hence, elucidating the mechanisms of TEP1
complement-like immunity to Plasmodium will impact the
development of tools for achieving malaria control, elimination
and eventual eradication.
TUHSC The
successful
candidate
should be
motivated
and capable
to work in a
biochemical
laboratory.
Attention to
detail and
good record
keeping
skills are
important.
A
background
of
concentrati
Chemistry,
Biophysics
,
Biological
Sciences
or related
discipline
Freshman
Sophomo
re
Junior
Senior
Parkson
Lee-Gau
Chong
pchong02
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Medical
Genetics and
Molecular
Biochemistry
Design,
fabrication,
and use of
archaeal
bipolar
tetraether
liposomes as
novel
nanocarriers
for
biosensing
and medical
intervention
Archaeal bipolar tetraether liposomes (BTL, ~150 nm) are
remarkably stable and robust biomaterials, holding great
promise for technological applications. The goals of this
research are two-fold. First, we plan to use biochemical and
biophysical tools to gain a deeper molecular understanding of
the structure-activity relationship of BTL liposomes in order to
improve their usage as biomaterials and explore their possible
new applications. Second, we plan to design and fabricate novel
thermosensitive BTL for targeting cancer cells and conducting
controlled drug release. BTL will be isolated from the
thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.
Biochemical assays, archaea growth, tetraether lipid isolation,
cell cultures, cell viability assays, optical spectroscopy, cryo-
electron microscopy, and liposome technology will be
employed.
TUHSC having
passion in
science and
willing to
devote a
significant
amount of
time to the
lab work;
general
chemistry is
required;
advanced
courses
such as
organic
Biology,
Chemistry,
Biochem,
or Physics
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 27
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Parkson
Lee-Gau
Chong
pchong02
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Medical
Genetics and
Molecular
Biochemistry
Structures,
functions,
and
applications
of
microvesicle
s released
from
thermoacido
philic
archaea
Microvesicles (~180 nm in diameter, abbreviated as Sa-MVs)
secreted from the thermoacidophilic archaeon S. acidocaldarius
(optimum growth: 75-80°C and pH 2-3) contain a membrane
made exclusively of tetraether lipids and covered by S-layer
proteins, along with other proteins/macromolecules either in
the membrane or in the internal aqueous compartment.
Recently, our group reported that Sa-MVs have long-term
stability and are stable against a wide range of temperatures
and pHs as well as detergents and autoclaving. Besides, Sa-MVs
have unusually tight membrane packing. The goals of this
research are to explore the biological functions of Sa-MVs and
use these naturally occurring, extremely stable nanoparticles to
develop technological applications. Students will grow archaea,
isolate Sa-MVs, characterize biochemical and physical properties
of Sa-MVs, and test if Sa-MVs can be fabricated into nano-
carriers of therapeutic agents targeting to diseased areas.
TUHSC having
passion in
science and
willing to
devote a
significant
amount of
time to the
lab work;
general
chemistry is
required;
advanced
courses
such as
organic
chemistry
and physical
chemistry
Biochemis
try,
Chemistry,
Biology, or
Physics
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Ling Yang ling.yang@
temple.ed
u
LKSOM Medical
Genetics and
Molecular
Biology
Identificatio
n of novel
therapeutic
approaches
to treat
metabolic
disorders
Our current research interests are 1) long non-coding RNAs
(lncRNAs) and protein-coding genes in metabolic disorders; 2)
RNA or RNA targeted therapies to treat metabolic disorders; and
3) Multi-Omics approach to dissect the pathological process of
metabolic disorders. Students will get exposure to both
bioinformatics and experimental biology.
TUHSC Interested
in metabolic
diseases.
Self-
motivated
and detail-
oriented.
Knowledge
of general
Biology,
Biochemis
try,
Computer
science,
Mathmati
cs, or
related
majors
Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 28
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Tomasz
Skorski
tskorski@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Microbbiolog
y and
Immunology,
Fels Cancer
Research
Personalized
medicine-
guided
synthetic
lethality to
eradicate
tumor cells
Leukemia stem cells (LSCs), and especially quiescent LSCs, have
a dual role as tumor initiating and therapy-refractory cells.
Currently available anti-tumor treatments clear a disease
burden consisting mostly of leukemia progenitor cells (LPCs),
but they usually fail to eradicate drug-refractory quiescent LSCs
and drug-resistant proliferating LSCs/LPCs. Altered DNA repair
mechanisms were suggested to be responsible for stimulation of
survival of LSCs and/or LPCs under genotoxic stress.
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the most lethal DNA lesions,
are repaired by two major mechanisms, homologous
recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ).
BRCA -mediated HR (B-HR) and DNA-PK –mediated NHEJ (D-
NHEJ) repair DSBs in proliferating cells and D-NHEJ plays a major
role in quiescent cells. PARP1-dependent NHEJ (P-NHEJ) and
RAD52-dependent HR (R-HR) serve as back-ups/alternative
mechanisms in proliferating and/or quiescent cells.
The existence of these pathways creates the opportunity to
apply “synthetic lethality” triggered by PARP1 and/or RAD52
inhibitors (PARP1i and RAD52i, respectively) in DNA-PK
TUHSC biology Junior &
Senior
Stefania
Gallucci
gallucci@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Microbiology-
Immunology
Regulation
of Type I
Interferons
in
Autoimmunit
y
The project includes studies of cellular immunology and
molecular biology of signal transduction of cytokines involved in
the pathogenesis of an autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus. The goal of the project is to test novel biologics
to be used in the therapy of autoimmune diseases.
TUHSC Strong
motivation
to learn and
hard
working.
Biology_Pr
emed
7/2/2020 29
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Ilker K
Sariyer
isariyer@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Neuroscience Neuroimmu
ne
regulation of
JC virus gene
expression in
glial cells
Patients undergoing immune modulatory therapies for the
treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
and individuals with an impaired-immune system, most notably
AIDS patients, are in the high risk group of developing
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopath (PML), a fatal
demyelinating disease of the white matter caused by human
neurotropic polyomavirus, JC virus. We employ multidisciplinary
strategies to determine molecular mechanism of JC virus
reactivation during the latent period of viral infection. JC virus
replicates almost exclusively in glial cells, and its promoter
sequence, which has tissue-specific characteristics, tightly
modulates expression of viral genome in appropriate cell types
and immunoconditions through communication with cellular
factors. We identified the alternative splicing factor, SF2/ASF, as
a potential regulator of JCV as its overexpression in glial cells
strongly suppresses viral gene expression and replication. Our
studies have demonstrated that SF2/ASF expression in glial cells
is tightly controlled by immune mediators secreted by PBMCs
TUHSC Biology,
Chemistry,
Neuroscie
nce -
Previous
experienc
e in
biochemic
al lab
technique
s
preferred.
Sophomo
re,Junior,
senior
Ilker K.
Sariyer
isariyer@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Neuroscience Molecular
regulation of
JC virus
reactivation
in the brain.
Patients undergoing immune modulatory therapies for the
treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
and individuals with an impaired-immune system, most notably
AIDS patients, are in the high risk group of developing
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an often
lethal disease of the brain characterized by lytic infection of
oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Immune
system plays an important regulatory role in controlling JC virus
reactivation from latent sites by limiting viral gene expression
and replication. However little is known regarding the molecular
TUHSC Talented
with good
work ethics,
Biology
Pharmacy
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 30
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Prasun
Datta
dattapk@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Neuroscience Cross-talk
between HIV-
1 and
glucose
metabolism
Elucidate mechanism(s) by which HIV-1 protein Vpr modulates
macrophage glucose metabolism. 2. Elucidate mechanism(s) by
which HIV-1 protein Tat modulates microglia and astrocyte
glucose metabolism.
If significant progress is made by the student then he/she will be
allowed to submit an abstract to a national meeting or submit a
manuscript for publication as a contributing author.
TUHSC Willingness
to learn
new
techniques. -
Prefer prior
experience
in research.
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce,
Biochemis
try
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Prasun
Datta
dattapk@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Neuroscience Regulation
of glutamate
transporter
EAAT2 in the
context of
NeuroAIDS
Research focuses on determining the role of HIV-1, cytokines
and drugs of abuse in the regulation of glutamate transporter
expression in astrocytes, microglia and macrophages. If
significant progress is made by the student then he/she will be
allowed to submit an abstract to a national meeting or submit a
manuscript for publication as a contributing author.
TUHSC Selection
criteria are
good
organization
al skills,
interest in
learning and
hardworkin
g. Prefer
prior
experience
in research
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce,
Biochemis
try
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 31
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Bruce
Vanett
Bruce.Van
emple.edu
LKSOM Orthopaedic
Surgery and
Sports
Medicine
Study of Risk
Factors for
Bleeding in
Knee
Arthroplasty
Patients
In this study, we will review medical record of knee arthroplasy
patients and collect the transfusion information and other
clinical information including pre-transfusion hemoglobin, and
other factors which possibly associated with bleeding.
Then we will analyze the data to identify the risk factors for
bleeding during knee arthroplasty. Based on our results, we will
revise our criteria for ordering blood before the knee
arthroplasty and to decrease unnecessary requests for blood
before surgery.
TUHSC Biology Sophomo
re or
Junior
Jian
Huang
jianh@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Pathology Tracking
blood stem
cell dividing
in culture
All blood cells arise from a common precursor called the
hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) or blood stem cell. HSC is able to
differentiate into mature blood cells as well as to replenish the
pool of HSCs. Clinically, HSCs are key for bone marrow
transplantation for treating leukemia and other blood diseases.
But the number of HSC is limited in bone marrow and cord
blood for transplantation. The study aims to develop methods
that can expand HSC ex vivo and be used to improve the
outcome of clinical bone marrow transplantations.
Experimentally, we use a HSC specific reporter (Evi1-GFP) to
track HSC dividing in culture. Then we treat HSC with a variety of
factors and drugs to test whether they can expand HSC number
ex vivo. Our major goal is to develop new clinical protocols for
expanding functional HSCs for therapeutic applications.
TUHSC This is a
good
opportunity
for the
students
who are
interested
in the stem
cell biology
to learn
about the
best
example of
stem cell--
blood stem
cell. The
students
Biology Freshman
,
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
7/2/2020 32
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Slava
Rom
srom@tem
ple.edu
LKSOM Pathology non-coding
RNA and
endothelial
dysfunction
during stroke
Major complications of stroke are neuroinflammation and
endothelial dysfunction. Non-coding RNAs (such as microRNAs)
are involved in the regulation of the expression of different
proteins involved in various processes. This project would
involve in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental models of
stroke.
TUHSC biology-
related
Junior,
Senior
Yuri
Persidsky
yuri.persid
emple.edu
LKSOM Pathology Blood-brain
barrier injury
and
neuroinflam
mation
The research in Dr. Persidsky’s laboratory uses mouse and
human models to study blood-brain barrier injury (including
neuroinflammation, tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse). The
student will have the opportunity to learn analysis of
microscopic images, histology, cell culture methods and
behavioral testing.
TUHSC Some
laboratory
experience
is preferred
Biology -
Biochemis
try -
Chemisty
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
He Wang - He.Wang@
tuhs.templ
e.edu
LKSOM Pathology &
Lab Medicine
Compare
microvascula
r disease in
right and left
ventricular
wall at
different
time after
heart
transplantati
on
Despite significant improvement in short term survival, cardiac
allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains the major cause of death
in late survival transplanted patients. The definition of cardiac
microvessel varies between authors, but a vascular diameter <
20 um is believed to be “micro-” by most investigators.
Coronary microvascular bed is the site where myocardial blood
flow is tightly adjusted to meet myocardial metabolic needs.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction is well documented in
hypertension, obesity, diabetes, acute myocardial infarction,
chronic stable angina, cardiomyopathies and heart failure with
preserved ejection fraction.
TUHSC Dedicated -
previous
exposure to
histology
and
morphomet
ric analysis
are
preferred/n
ot
absolutely
necessary
biochemic
al science
or
neuroscie
nce
Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 33
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Wenzhe
Ho
wenzheho
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Pathology
and
Laboratory
Medicine
Exoosme in
Methamphet
amine and
HIV-
associated
Neurodegen
eration
The proposed studies will reveal previous unidentified
mechanisms by which METH and/or HIV compromise the BBB
innate immunity, providing a favorable micro-environment for
HIV neuroinvasion.
TUHSC Prefer to
have
students
with biology
major,
having a
great
interest in
research
(with or
without
experience,
although
research
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce
Domenic
o Pratico
praticod@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Pharmacolog
y
Dietary
lifestyle and
the
Alzheimer's
disease
phenotype
Aging and a family history for the disease are the strongest risk
factors for developing sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). In
particular, having a mother with AD poses an individual at a
much higher risk to develop the disease later in life than having
a father with the disease. However, how aging and maternal
factor(s) interact to modulate the susceptibility of developing
AD remain unknown. We hypothesize that maternal dietary
lifestyle during gestation is an important element that
influences the susceptibility to develop AD in the offspring. To
address this hypothesis, we will investigate the effect of
different gestational diets on cognitive function in the offspring;
next we will study the effect of the same diet on their age-
dependent development of AD pathophysiology; third we will
determine the mechanism(s) underlying this effect.
TUHSC Highly
motivated.
Interest and
desire to
learn new
concepts
and
techniques.
Good
knowledge
of cell and
molecular
biology.
Some lab
experience.
Biochemis
try;
Biology
Sophomo
re, Junior
& Senior
7/2/2020 34
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Xiao-feng
Yang
xfyang@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Pharmacolog
y
Regulation
of vascular
inflammatio
n and
atherosclero
sis
Dr. Xiaofeng Yang’s laboratory, located in the MERB-10th floor-
1083, Centers of Metabolic Disease Research, Cardiovascular
Research, Thrombosis Research and Departments of
Pharmacology and Immunology, focuses on studying the
regulatory mechanisms of vascular endothelial cell, smooth
muscle cell, monocyte, adipocyte and regulatory T cell immune
responses related to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease
characterized by intense immunological activity, and is the main
cause of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular diseases and stroke remain as the leading cause
of morbidity and mortality in industrialized society. There is
increasing evidence that vascular endothelial cell inflammation
significantly contributes to the onset and early development of
atherosclerosis. Success of these projects will provide new
molecular targets for future development of new therapeutics
to treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Research projects in
Dr. Yang’s lab are to determine how immune cytokine pathways
regulate high lipid- and high glucose-triggered endothelial cell
activation and inflammation, which include hyperlipidemia-,
TUHSC Cardiovasc
ular
Research
Center
7/2/2020 35
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Scott
Rawls
scott.rawls
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Pharmacolog
y/ Center for
Substance
Abuse
Research
Therapeutic
secrets of
kratom
alkaloid
mitragynine:
Testing
efficacy in
neuropathic
pain and
abuse
liability
models and
characterizat
ion of
underlying
opioid and
adrenergic
mechanisms
More than 20 alkaloids, several of which are biologically active,
have been isolated from the Mitragyna speciosa plant known as
kratom, with MG being the major one, accounting for 66.2% of
the crude base and 6% by weight of the dried plant. In
Southeast Asia, kratom has been used for centuries as a
stimulant to counteract fatigue and also as an herbal remedy for
depression, pain, opioid withdrawal, fever, anxiety, and
diarrhea. Kratom’s ‘opioid-like’ effects have gained the most
public attention and are presumed to be primarily responsible
for its ‘addictive’ and analgesic properties. However, it is
notable that kratom alkaloids are derived from a coffee-like, not
opioid-like, plant and display both opioid and stimulant
properties, with stimulant effects predominant at low-to-
moderate doses and opioid effects presenting with higher
doses. In fact, it is the mixed opioid/stimulant profile of kratom
that makes it so pharmacologically intriguing, and it is the
stimulant properties, likely resulting from enhanced adrenergic
transmission, that are especially understudied and a principal
focus of our proposal. Information about kratom pharmacology
remains mostly anecdotal, with the scientific literature lacking
experimental details about the pharmacological effects of
individual kratom alkaloids, especially as related to mechanisms
underlying neuroprotective efficacy and abuse liability. To
address this gap in preclinical knowledge, we provide the first
TUHSC Willing to
conduct
behavioral
research in
rats, mice
and
invertebrate
s
(planarians)
Interest in
studying
mechanisms
underlying
drug
addiction,
identifying
new
therapeutic
approaches
for
addiction
and pain,
and interest
in studying
neuroscie
nce,
biology,
chemistry,
biochemis
try,
psycholog
y
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 36
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Fabio A.
Recchia
fabio.recch
ia@temple
.edu
LKSOM Physiology New
pharmacolog
ical and
biological
therapies for
heart failure
and atrial
fibrillation
The general aim of this project is to identify new
pharmacological and biological agents for the therapy of heart
failure and atrial fibrillation in experimental dog models. These
are two major pathological conditions that affect millions of
Americans and there is a pressing need for new therapies.
Research in large animal models is called "pre-clinical" in that
the related discoveries can be rapidly translated into clinical
practice.
TUHSC Interest in
the
biomedical
field and
potential
interest in
future
medical
studies. At
least the
basic
courses of
biology
biology,
bioengine
ering,
biochemis
try,
kinesiolog
y
Sheng
Wu
sheng.wu
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Physiology Defining the
mechanism
of elevated
androgen on
insulin
resistance
and
infertility
Our research integrates endocrinology and metabolism to
investigate how steroids regulate metabolism and reproduction.
We will investigate insulin signaling in energy storage and
reproductive tissues associated with elevated androgens and or
obesity.
My laboratory uses multiple genetic modified animal models
(obesity, androgen implantation and conditional knockout of AR
in different tissues) and applies molecular, cellular and
“Omics― techniques to examine the developmental factors
and their target tissues of androgen that contribute to
metabolic and reproductive dysfunction.
TUHSC We will
train
students
and design
proper
experiment
to fit their
and our
interests.
Biology;
Biochemis
try;
Pharmacol
ogy
Sophomo
re ,Junior
& Senior
7/2/2020 37
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Sheng
Wu
sheng.wu
@temple.e
du
LKSOM Physiology/C
enter for
Metabolic
Disease
Defining the
mechanism
of elevated
androgen
induced
Metabolic
and
reproductive
dysfunction
Our research integrates endocrinology and metabolism to
investigate how steroids regulate metabolism and reproduction.
We are studying insulin signaling in energy storage and
reproductive tissues associated with elevated androgens and or
obesity.
We use multiple genetic modified animal models (obesity,
androgen implantation and conditional knockout of AR in
different tissues) and applies molecular, cellular and
“Omics― techniques to examine the developmental factors
and their target tissues of androgen that contribute to
metabolic and reproductive dysfunction.
TUHSC We have
multiple
projects to
fit different
interesting
areas
including
investigatio
n of steroids
effects on
energy
storage
tissues such
as liver,
central
nervous
system,
Biology;
Biochemis
try;
Pharmacol
ogy
Sophomo
re ,Junior
& Senior
7/2/2020 38
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Jun Yu jun.yu@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Physiology/C
MDR
Targeting
tissue
fibrosis
Chronic ischemia induced tissue fibrosis contributes to
numerous end-stage diseases. Moreover, endomyocardial
biopsy specimens from patients with atherosclerotic coronary
disease-induced ischemic cardiomyopathy demonstrated 45% of
replacement fibrosis. Thus, identifying the signaling cascades
that regulates fibrosis in chronic ischemic diseases will have
significant clinical benefit. In this project we will use a newly
established chronic ischemia-induced cardiomyopathy model to:
(1) interrogate the role of a novel signaling pathway that
regulates ischemia-induced tissue fibrosis, (2) uncover the
molecular mechanisms of its regulation of pro- and anti-
fibrogenic signaling cascade, and (3) test the therapeutic
potential of a newly developed allosteric inhibitor against
fibrosis in vivo. The success of proposed study will define a drug
target-able pathway in regulating chronic ischemia-induced
tissue fibrosis. The successful candidate , who has previous lab
experience, will have chance to conduct a part of the project
and contribute to research article.
TUHSC Highly
motivated
and
responsible.
Basic cell
and
molecular
biology
techniques
and
understandi
ng of
human
physiology
are a plus.
Biology or
pharmacol
ogy
Junior or
Senior
7/2/2020 39
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Jun Yu jun.yu@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Physiology/C
MDR
Molecular
control of
vascular
remodeling
One of our lab's research focus is to identify novel signaling
pathways that regulate ischemia-induced collateral remodeling
and angiogenesis, one of the major cardiovascular problems.
Prohibitin-1 is a highly conserved protein that is mainly localized
to the mitochodrial membrane and regulates mitochondria
function and vascular homeostasis. The subject of this project is
to uncover the role of prohibitin-1 in regulating endothelial cell
function and the underlying mechanism(s).
TUHSC Basic cell
and
molecular
biology
techniques.
Understandi
ng of
human
physiology.
Highly
motivated
and
responsible.
Biology or
pharmacol
ogy
Sophomo
re, Junior
or Senior
Mohan
Patnala
Achary
achary@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Radiation
Oncology
Inhibition of
human
glioblastoma
by betulinic
acid
combined
with ionizing
radiation
To determine the synergistic effects of Betulinic acid in
combination with ionizing radiation on gioblastoma cells
TUHSC Biology Junior
7/2/2020 40
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
George
Smith
george.smi
th@templ
e.edu
LKSOM Shriners
Hospitals for
Pediatric
Research/Ne
uroscience
Transplantati
on of neural
stem cells to
promote
circuit relays
in the
injured
spinal cord.
The prospects of inducing long-distance functional regeneration
of supraspinal tracts leading to connectivity and restoration of
function remain a challenge. However, selective treatments
induce sprouting, prevent dieback, or induce short distance
regeneration. These processes, particularly sprouting,
contribute to spontaneous recovery after injury by forming
relays onto propriospinal interneurons that bypass the lesion
and connect to caudal locomotor centers. Similarly,
transplantation of neural stem cells or fetal spinal cord tissue
into the lesion site is thought to increase functional recovery by
recruiting supraspinal and propriospinal inputs to reinforce
relays to downstream motor targets. To date, some of the best
functional recovery has been observed in fetal transplants into
neonatal animals most likely through formation of such relays.
In adults, the addition of neurotrophins to the transplant site
enhanced the number of ingrowing supraspinal and
propriospinal axons and enhanced functional recovery, possibly
by forming relays to bypass the lesion. However, it has never
been directly shown that transplants induce recovery by relay
formation. In this study, we will investigate the hypothesis that
TUHSC Basic
understandi
ng of stem
cells,
immunoche
mistry, and
molecular
biology
Neuroscie
nce,
Biology, or
Chemistry
Juniors or
Seniors
LIQING
JIN
jinliqin@te
mple.edu
LKSOM Shriners
Hospitals
Pediatric
Research
Center
molecular
mechanisms
of axon
regeneration
in the
lamprey
spinal cord
With molecular biological techniques, we study the role of local
protein synthesis in axonal tips in axonal regeneration in
lamprey spinal cord.
TUHSC Diligent -
biology,
biochemistr
y, molecular
biology,
neuroscienc
e, etc. --
Students
are
welcome in
our center.
Medicine
or biology
7/2/2020 41
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Shuxin Li shuxin.li@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Shriners
Hospitals
Pediatric
Research
Center
Neural repair
and CNS
neuronal
regeneration
Our lab is highly interested in neural repair and CNS axon
regeneration research. Our projects focus on the
molecular/cellular mechanisms for CNS neuronal growth failure
and development of novel and effective strategies to promote
neuronal regeneration, remyelination and functional recovery
after injury and/or in neurodegenerative disorders. We employ
various in vitro and in vivo research approaches, including
molecular/cellular neurobiology, biochemistry, genetic and
pharmacological methods, transgenic over-expression and
knockout mice and multiple neuronal/axonal lesion models
(such as spinal cord injury, optic nerve crush and EAE) in mice
and rats. We have produced a number of high impact papers
related to CNS axon regeneration and treatments for CNS injury.
TUHSC Motivated
person and
basic
background
on research.
Seo-Hee
Cho
seo.hee.ch
o@temple.
edu
LKSOM Shriners
Hospitals
Pediatric
Research
Center/
Anatomy and
Cell Biology
Examining
the effects of
Yap WT and
Yap mutant
genes
overexpressi
on in the
developing
retina using
AAV (Adeno-
This project consists of three parts. First, construction of AAV-
Yap (WT), AAV-YapS1A and AAV-YapS1D via recombinant DNA
technology. Second, expression of Yap, WT and mutant, genes in
the neonatal retina by electroporation or viral injection. Lastly,
characterization of resulting retinas with various analysis tools
including immunofluorescennce assay followed by microscopic
imaging.
TUHSC Biology Sophomo
re
7/2/2020 42
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Seo-Hee
Cho
seo.hee.ch
o@temple.
edu
LKSOM Shriners
Hospitals
Pediatric
Research
Center/
Anatomy and
Cell Biology
A new LCA
model by
polarity gene
ablation (2)
Genetic
analysis of
the
signaligng
genes during
eye
development
Our research focuses on understanding the cellular and
molecular mechanisms underlying the normal development and
degenerative diseases of the mammalian retina. Topics we
currently study include: (I) Functional analysis of apical polarity
gene Pals1 during retinal development. (II) Pathophysiology
study of degenerative retinal diseases (LCA and RP) to
understand the underlying disease causing mechanisms. We are
particularly interested in polarity defect in retinal progenitor
cells, which causes early-onset, photoreceptor degeneration in
Leber Congenital Amaurosis 8 (LCA 8) and/or late-onset Retinitis
Pigmentosa 12 (RP12). (III) Cell-transplantation and gene-based
therapies: Our goal is to customize therapy strategies using cell-
and gene-based approaches to restore vision loss in LCA8-like
mouse model in preclinical settings. (IV) Investigating the
function of tumor suppressor genes, TSC2 and Hippo-Yap signal
transduction pathway components, in the eye development.
TUHSC not
required
Biology
related -
General
Biology
recomme
nded
7/2/2020 43
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Nune
Darbinian-
Sarkissian
nsarkiss@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Shriners
Peddiatric
Reserch
Center
Human Brain
Developmen
t and
Exposure to
Psychoactive
Medications
and Alcohol
Our group investigates effects of maternal exposure to
psychoactive medications and alcohol during pregnancy on the
fetal brain development. Maternal alcohol (EtOH) exposure can
lead to significant neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction that can
lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Mechanisms of
neurotoxicity have been explored in animal models and in vitro
human models, but data from in vivo human models is scarce.
Our group developed unique in vivo human FAS model to
investigate molecular mechanisms of massive neuronal and
synaptic loss, and to identify neurological diseases-specific
miRNAs that upon prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome, depression or Cerebral Palsy (CP). We also
investigate molecular mechanisms in neuroprotection by human
DING protein against alcohol-induced neuronal injury, using
various advanced techniques, including RNA or miRNA studies
by quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR; protein studies including
quantitative western-blot assays and ELISA; fluorescence-based
studies including FACS, Microscopy, and functional bioactivity
assays.
TUHSC
Nune
Darbinian-
Sarkissian
nsarkiss@t
emple.edu
LKSOM Shriners
Peddiatric
Reserch
Center
Effects of
Maternal
Alcohol
Consumption
and
Gestational
Age on
Human Fetal
Brain
Apoptosis
Maternal alcohol (EtOH) exposure can lead to significant
neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction and fetal alcohol syndrome
(FAS). Mechanisms of neurotoxicity have been explored in
animal models and in vitro human models, but data from in vivo
human models is scarce.
TUHSC Advanced,
motivated,
interested
in research
Neuroscie
nce,
Biology,
Pharmacy,
Medical,
Psychiatry
,
Gynecolog
y
Juniors &
Seniors
7/2/2020 44
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Sunil
Karhadka
r
sunil.karha
dkar@tuhs
.temple.ed
u
LKSOM Surgery BK virus
nephropathy
in post renal
transplant
biopsy
Analysis of BK virus induced injury in transplant allografts after
renal transplantation. This includes study of immunostains and
patterns of glomerular and tubular injury and correlation with
immunosuppression post renal transplantation. Analysis will
include morphometry and review of renal biopsy as well as
biomarkers of renal injury
TUHSC biology,
biochemis
try,
chemistry,
immunolo
gy
Sunil
Karhadka
r
sunil.karha
dkar@tuhs
.temple.ed
u
LKSOM Surgery Correlation
of pre
transplant
renal
allograft
histology
with
transplant
outcomes
after
deceased
donor renal
transplantati
Analysis of donor renal histology with regard to
glomerulosclerosis, vascular changes in intra renal blood vessels
and fibrosis; generation of pathological composite score and its
correlation with short term and long term renal allograft
function
TUHSC biology,
immunolo
gy
Sunil
Karhadka
r
sunil.karha
dkar@tuhs
.temple.ed
u
LKSOM Surgery /
Abdominal
Transplant
Hypothermia
in donors for
organ
transplantati
on and
effects on
allograft
outcomes
Hypothermia is often utilized to minimize cerebral injury after
cardiac arrest. Progression to brain death after cardiac arrest
and subsequent organ donation and recovery is associated with
variable outcomes from the procured allografts. The duration of
hypothermia and the ischemia times will be correlated with
outcomes after transplantation
TUHSC Biology,
biochemis
try,
neuroscie
nce
7/2/2020 45
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Sunil
Karhadka
r
sunil.karha
dkar@tuhs
.temple.ed
u
LKSOM Surgery /
Abdominal
Transplant
Obesity and
Frailty as risk
factors for
adverse
outcomes
after renal
transplantati
on
Study and analysis of indices of frailty as determinants of
adverse outcomes after renal transplantation. This will involve
review of bioinformatics data and statistical analysis and
correlation with serum markers of renal failure, morbidity and
graft loss
TUHSC biology,
biochemis
try
Richard
Katz
Richard.Ka
u
FCCC Fox Chase
Cancer
Center
Organization
of chromatin
within the
cell nucleus
The most striking feature of the eukaryotic nucleus is the spatial
and functional organization of chromatin into two fundamental
units: euchromatin (open, active) and heterochromatin (closed,
Inactive). Heterochromatin is localized largely in a compartment
at the inner nuclear periphery, in association with the fibrous
nuclear lamina framework. An emerging concept, based on
evidence from C. elegans and mammals, is that heterochromatic
histone tail modifications, e.g. H3K9me3, serve as anchoring
points for the attachment of heterochromatin to the nuclear
periphery. A second well-supported concept is “tethering”,
whereby proteins serve to attach heterochromatin to the
nuclear periphery. In mammals, two proteins, LBR and PRR14,
have been implicated in H3K9me2/3-dependent tethering of
heterochromatin to the nuclear lamina. PRR14 acts as a modular
bivalent tether to link the nuclear lamina to the
heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) adapter protein and its
H3K9me3/H3K9me2 ligands. We found unexpectedly that the N-
terminal heterochromatin binding domain of the PRR14
localizes only with H3K9me3. Using a variety of imaging and
cellular biochemical methods, the project will be to investigate
the comparative specificities of PRR14 and LBR for H3K9me2
and H3K9me3 in mammalian cells.
FCCC Biology
7/2/2020 46
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Won Suh whs@tem
ple.edu
Engineeri
ng
Bioengineeri
ng
Culture of
mammalian
cells
embedded in
synthetic
hydrogels
under flow
conditions
(micro/macr
ofluidics)
Mammalian cells such as PC12 and human neural stem cells
(hNSCs) will be embedded in synthetic (polymeric) hydrogels.
The first steps involve producing synthetic hydrogels and
learning basic cell culture techniques. The ultimate goal is to
assess the fate of cells embedded in the 3D matrix. The viability
and differentiation profiles of hNSCs, for instance, will be
assessed utilizing live-cell imaging, immunocytochemistry, and
protein analysis. Data analysis methods will involve ImageJ
processing and inferential statistical analysis methods utilizing
Matlab or JMP software programs.
Main No prior lab
experience
required.
Pre-
requisite
courses are,
at least, two
basic
chemistry
and/or
biology
courses
(with lab).
Biochemis
try,
Chemistry,
Biology,
Neuroscie
nce
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
Won Suh whs@tem
ple.edu
Engineeri
ng
Bioengineeri
ng
Synthesis of
amphiphilic
peptides for
drug delivery
Short (3-30 mer) peptide sequences will be synthesized via solid-
phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) methods. Post-modification of
peptides will involve saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Characterization will be performed via NMR and Mass
Spectrometry methods after separation of molecules via HPLC
(High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). Depending on the
success of the peptide synthesis, live-cell experiments will be
conducted to test the peptide's bioactivity.
Main No prior lab
experience
required.
Pre-
requisite
courses are,
at least, two
basic
chemistry
and/or
biology
courses
Biochemis
try,
chemistry,
biology,
neuroscie
nce
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 47
Fall 2020 NON-CST Faculty Research Projects
Faculty
Name
Address
Faculty
School or
College
Faculty
Department
Project title Description Project
Location
Important
selection
criteria
Student
Majors
Desired
Class
Preferenc
e
Won Suh whs@tem
ple.edu
Engineeri
ng
Bioengineeri
ng
Synthesis of
polymeric
particles for
tissue
engineering
Microparticles (1-500 microns) and nanoparticles (sub-micron)
comprising polyesters, polyamides, and polyethers will be
produced via emulsion and ultrasonic methodologies. Bioactive
molecules such as growth factors and hydrophobic drugs will be
encapsulated and tested for their cytotoxicities. Microscopy
methods and ImageJ processing will allow for characterization.
Statistical analysis involving ANOVA (analysis of variance) and t
tests will be conducted utilizing Matlab or JMP software.
Depending on the progress of particle synthesis and in vitro
testing results, the research can be expanded to tissue
engineering applications.
Main No prior lab
experience
required.
Pre-
requisite
courses are,
at least, two
basic
chemistry
and/or
biology
courses
(with lab).
Having
taken
organic
chemistry 1
Biochemis
try,
chemistry,
biology,
neuroscie
nce
Freshman
,
Sophomo
re,
Junior,
Senior
7/2/2020 48