Tadpole from head to tail: Establishment of the AP axis in Xenopus
Richard Harland, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
The focus of the lab is to understand development; that is, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate how a single cell (the egg) transforms into an adult animal with a multitude of functioning organs, following a specific body plan. The first milestone in the establishment of the body plan is to define the three main axes: anterior-posterior, dorso-ventral and left-right. The arrangement of the cells and specification of the territories requires 1. cell populations and tissue movements where mechanical forces are generated, and 2. gene expression which gives identity to those regions. The important processes that generate the vertebrate body plan are gastrulation (literally- formation of the gut), and neurulation (formation of the hollow dorsal nerve cord). The engine of gastrulation, the dorsal mesoderm (the future spine and muscles), acquires a mixture of invasive, pushing and migratory abilities. Subsequently, the tissues cause the neural tube to roll up and extend to elongate the body axis. At a genetic level, during development, the processes are controlled at three levels: transcription factors, which regulate the expression of other genes, members of the signaling pathways which take part in cell communication, and the gene products that execute the individual cells’ migrations and shape changes. Hence, in order to understand the architecture of body plans, we must understand how these factors and pathways are regulated, talk to each other and interact. In particular, this project will focus on formation of the anterior-posterior axis, that we can divide in head, trunk and tail, and genes involved in patterning the developing neural tissue that give rise to the future brain and spinal cord. We will search for genes that control cellular behavior, and study how they are turned on by the signaling pathways and transcription factors, and what those products do in the process of gastrulation and neurulation.
Role: Cloning in-situ probes and performing in-situ hybridization to visualize potential genes involved in neural patterning.
Specific techniques: Molecular biology methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subsequent cloning techniques. As the project progresses, additional different methods (i.e. in situ hybridization, microscopy, etc.) might be used to visualize different transcripts. When more expertise and higher understanding are acquired, other techniques can be performed (microinjections, embryos culture, drug treatments, surgeries…) in order to achieve more complex experiments and make interesting discoveries.
Qualifications: Undergraduates seeking to apply should be highly motivated, perseverant, with low tendency to give up, engaged and with a proactive attitude without being afraid of making mistakes or being wrong. Innate curiosity is 100% required; ability to ask questions and willing to learn, both techniques and scientific attitude. Recommended for those interested in molecular biology especially as it pertains to development and genetics. Although previous research experience is valuable, no previous research experience is necessary, but real passion for research and this topic is required. Students should be able to devote AT LEAST 14 hours/week to laboratory experiments and discussion. We prefer to recruit Sophomores or Juniors, with the expectation that they will work towards an honors thesis in their senior year; but we could consider seniors with experience. We also prefer to recruit those who plan to take MCB 140 (Genetics) and MCB C100A, (Biophysical Chemistry: Physical Principles and the Molecules of Life).
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Marta Truchado, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Biological & Health Sciences