Ciliated cells in the brain
Lin He, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2025.
Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelia contain multiple cilia per cells. Its major function is to secrete cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to provide nutrients to the neurons and to cushion the brain from injury and inflammation. Defects in ChP lead to hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain ventricles. Aberrant CSF productin is also linked to neuronal degenerative diseases and aging.
While few mouse models can recapitulate hydrocephalus in human, our lab has two powerful genetic mouse models, one with deficient cilia and one with over-activated cilia. These models provide us with a unique perspective to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms how ChP cilia may regulate CSF production.
Role: We aim to recruite motivated undergraduate students to take genetics, genomics, cell and molecular approaches to understand how choroid plexus cilia regulate water and ion transport and secretion. The student will be working in a team lead by two postdocs.
Qualifications: We are looking for highly motivated students with excellent communication skills, who enjoy learning in a group environment.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Suifang Mao, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Related website: https://www.helabucb.org/
Biological & Health Sciences