Dr. Daniel Cox’s Laboratory
Potential 2012 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Projects
* Laboratory located at Mason's Fairfax Campus
1. Transcriptional and cytoskeletal control of dendrite development
The major goals of the proposed studies are designed to provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms by which transcriptional and cytoskeletal regulation mediate the acquisition of class-specific dendritic morphologies and dendritic field specification. We have identified a broad set of transcription factors that exhibit differential gene expression among distinct subclasses of neurons via class-specific microarray analyses and have been demonstrated to function in the specification of differential dendrite morphology. An open question is how these transcription factors mediate changes in the actin and microtubule based cytoskeletons to effect dendrite morphology. This project will directly investigate the regulatory relationship between transcription factor function and modulation of the cytoskeleton using novel genetic tools which allow for live three-dimensional imaging of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in distinct neuronal subclasses using a two-color fluorescent reporter system involving GFP and mCherry:RFP.
Techniques: advanced genetics for temporal and spatial control of gene expression, phenotypic analyses of living neurons in real time, molecular biology, three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy, and quantitative digital reconstructions of neuronal morphology.
2. Epigenetic regulation via microRNAs of class specific dendrite morphogenesis
The major goals of the proposed studies seek to investigate the regulatory and epigenetic effect of microRNAs (miRNA) on differential dendrite morphogenesis within distinct neuronal subtypes. miRNAs play a critical role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression within the genome and we have demonstrated via miRNA microarrays that there is differential expression of miRNAs in different neuron subclasses. To systematically investigate the role of miRNAs in regulating dendrite development, the proposed project will explore the effects of mis-expression and over-expression of miRNAs in Drosophila sensory neurons and examine in living organisms how these miRNAs control unique aspects of dendrite development.
Techniques: advanced genetics for temporal and spatial control of gene expression, phenotypic analyses of living neurons in real time, molecular biology, three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy, and quantitative digital reconstructions of neuronal morphology.
3. Genetic analysis of pain sensation in response to noxious cold stimuli
Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate somatosensory signaling is critical in identifying and implementing novel strategies for the treatment of pain. Nociception, the process of encoding and transmitting noxious stimuli within the nervous system is essential for organism survival, however can also manifest as undesirable pain sensation. The proposed studies will explore the cellular and molecular bases of noxious cold nociception under acute conditions using the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. While select members of the Transient Receptor Potential family of ion channels have been implicated in noxious thermosensation, our understanding of the mechanisms and signaling pathways by which these channels function in cold transduction, as well as the identity of cold sensing nociceptors, is far from complete. Using our newly developed behavioral response assay for noxious cold transduction in Drosophila larvae, we will employ in vivo genetics and transgenic tools to identify and molecularly characterize cold sensing nociceptors.
Techniques: advanced genetics for temporal and spatial control of gene expression, phenotypic analyses of living neurons in real time, three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy, behavioral assays, and quantitative digital reconstructions of neuronal morphology.