To adhere or not to adhere: How is cell adhesion regulated to maintain fluid homeostasis in the zebrafish inner ear?
Ian Swinburne, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Open. Apprentices needed for the fall semester. Enter your application online beginning August 21st. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 31st, 4pm.
The vertebrate inner ear is composed of a series of connected fluid-filled cavities tightly regulated by undefined pressure-responsive mechanisms. Misregulation of this internal hydrostatic (fluid) pressure can result in developmental defects in the ear, hearing loss, and difficulties with balance. The endolymphatic sac (EDS) is a flexible chamber extending from the inner ear that plays a crucial role in regulating this hydrostatic pressure. The EDS cyclically inflates with fluid before periodically releasing cell-cell contacts and deflating in response to accumulated pressure. While we know EDS function is critical for inner ear physiology, how EDS cell contacts are regulated to form such a selective and dynamic barrier is unknown.
To better understand the regulation of cell-cell contacts in the EDS, we utilize the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Preliminary data suggests adhesion complexes (the molecules which keep cells stuck together) are dynamically regulated in EDS cells to allow for pressure relief while maintaining the integrity of the structure. Currently, this project aims to define how cell adhesion molecules are trafficked to and from EDS cell membranes in response to various developmental signals during ear development. Specifically, we use fluorescent microscopy combined with genetic and chemical perturbations in the zebrafish to understand where adhesion molecules are in the cell and, hopefully, where they are going when not at the membrane holding cell neighbors together. Project scope will be tailored to the individual student as they gain experience in the lab, with the possibility of being offered extensions into future semesters.
Role: What students will be able to learn:
● Zebrafish husbandry and developmental biology techniques (embryo collection, crispr gene editing, microinjections, genetic/chemical perturbation, etc.).
● Molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, plasmid preparation, cloning).
● In situ hybridization and immunostaining to visualize gene expression and protein localization in fixed tissue samples.
● Fluorescent microscopy, image analysis, and data quantification.
● Science communication, critical review of scientific articles, and presentation skills.
Qualifications: ● Students who are looking for their first research experience should demonstrate capacity to learn laboratory techniques in their application (e.g. completion of a laboratory class, strong grades in STEM courses, etc.) as they work towards gaining independence in the lab.
● Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, highly motivated, curious, and passionate about scientific research, and express a clear vision for how a URAP experience will aid them in their career goals.
● Sophomores preferred, but freshmen with strong qualifications will also be considered.
● Students seeking to transition into a longer term research commitment and honors thesis work are strongly encouraged to apply.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Morgan McCartney, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 12 or more hours
Related website: http://www.swinburnelab.org/
Biological & Health Sciences