Explore the function of genes involved in birth defects while developing skills in embryology, molecular biology, and developmental genomics. Intro text here...
Abnormal neural crest cell development is associated with numerous pathologies including craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and cleft palate, rare syndromes, and aggressive cancer. These pathologies are collectively known as neurocristopathies, and affect thousands of children born every year. Using embryology and molecular biology techniques, students will carry out projects investigating the role of transcriptional regulators in the neural crest cell lineage. Students will make use of the chick embryo model to investigate expression patterns in the neural crest, and make use of electroporation techniques to examine the developmental effects following loss-of-function. Finally, students will have the opportunity to use molecular biology techniques to examine the role of these factors in the differentiation of human neural crest cells from pluripotent stem cells.
Students will present their research in the form of a poster at local symposia.
Length of commitment | Year-long (10-12 months) |
Start time | Spring (January/February 2025) Summer (May/June 2025) Fall (August/September 2025) |
In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person Project (Can only function with in-person engagement) |
Level of collaboration | Individual Student Project |
Benefits | Academic Credit Stipend |
Who is eligible | Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with basic pipetting and computer skills |
Rebekah Charney
Assistant Professor
Biochemistry
Phone: (716) 829-3073
Email: rcharney@buffalo.edu
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. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.
Biochemistry, development, stem cells, gene expression, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences