New technologies to map transcription factor binding sites in mammalian cells.
Robert Tjian, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Regulation of DNA transcription is one of the mechanisms at the core of cellular identity establishment and maintenance. Our lab is interested in studying the proteins that operate such regulation, transcription factors (TFs). Uncovering TFs DNA binding specificity is key to understand how certain TFs switch on (or off) some genes but not others. Various techniques already exist to map where TFs bind in the genome, from the classic ChIP and ChIP-seq approaches to the more recent Cut&Run and Cut&Tag. The student will assist a staff scientist in the lab to develop a new technology tailored to specific fusion proteins largely used in the lab.
Role: The URAP student will assist a staff scientist in the lab to 1) Prepare next generation sequencing samples with some tools already existing in the lab 2) Analyze the results from next generation sequencing 3) Further optimize the already existing tools by modifying some reaction conditions. The student will learn several biochemical, cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including protein purification, DNA extraction and manipulation. The student will also 1) Document all their work in a lab journal shared with their mentor 2) Compile monthly reports to describe main project goals for the month, failures and successes. The student will ideally be involved in lab activities (attend weekly lab group meetings, journal clubs, optics clubs), compatible with their class schedule.
Qualifications: Ideally, the student will have a basic understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry, some previous experience with cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques. Basic bash cell usage on macOS is a plus. We value students who are collaborative, organized, committed, and motivated to learn new skills and intellectually contribute toward cutting-edge research projects related to gene regulation. The student will need to understand that research takes its time and joining a lab is a serious commitment. This position is designed for undergraduates of all experience levels with opportunity for increased independence based on levels of experience and commitment. Preference may be given to an undergraduate who will remain in the lab for more than one semester.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Claudia Cattaglio, Staff Researcher
Hours: 12 or more hours
Related website: https://www.tjian-darzacq.mcb.berkeley.edu/