Lipidomics Based Investigations to Study the Differential Role of Sphingolipids in Various Cellular Processes

A diagram showing structures of lipids from different classes.

This project explores how a specific group of lipids, key membrane components and dynamic signaling molecules, shape cellular fate by regulating both senescence and cell death. 

Project is Not Currently Available

This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

Mammalian cells produce many types of lipids with different functions. As major components of biological membranes, lipids form barriers that define boundaries for cells and their internal compartments. Lipids also participate in distinct roles that signal essential cellular processes such as cell division and programmed cell death. These distinct functions can depend on the cellular localization of individual lipid species and other biological molecules with which they interact based on their cellular locale. Within this context, two projects will apply biochemical, chemical biology, and analytical approaches to investigate the role of a specific lipid group in cellular senescence, a process that is defined by the cessation of cell division, and cell death. The results of these studies will potentially reveal novel mechanisms underlying fundamental biochemical mechanisms that regulate lipid function in different cellular processes. 

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Learning outcomes

  1. Understanding of lipids’ structure-function relationships.
  2. Basic principles of lipid biochemistry.
  3. Hands-on experience in basic biochemistry experiments, including gel electrophoresis and Western blotting.
  4. Understanding and applications of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based method to analyze lipid content.
  5. Exposure to chemical biology to study biomolecular interactions in living cells.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester; 3-5 months
Start time Spring, Summer
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person
Level of collaboration Individual student project
Benefits Potential stipend
Who is eligible
 Sophomores and Juniors with experience in general and organic chemistry

Project mentor

G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen

Professor

Chemistry

Phone: (716) 645-4130

Email: ekinatil@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Reading articles or books

Keywords

lipids, cell death, senescence, lipidomics, chemistry