Feeding in a Model of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Image of immunohistochemical staining of brain tissue.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder that involves overeating and weight gain, and we use a rodent model to investigate what drives these changes.
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Project description
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder that involves overeating and weight gain. However we currently lack a full understanding of the changes in the brain that drive excessive food intake and body weight changes in this disorder. This project uses a rodent model to evaluate how disruption of a gene thought to be involved in PWS affects energy balance and food reward. This could inform our knowledge of the neural mechanisms that underlie symptoms of PWS.
Students will gain experience collecting and analyzing behavioral and physiological data in rodent models, and will learn about experimental design. They will also learn how to handle rodents and how to measure rats’ food intake and body weight. Students will help out with other ongoing projects in the lab studying neural controls of energy balance in rodents.
Project outcome
The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Year-long (10-12 months) |
| Start time | Summer (May/June of 2022) |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Research experience, academic credit |
| Who is eligible | Spphmores, Juniors and Seniors |
Project mentor
Elizabeth G. Mietlicki-Baase
Assistant Professor
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Start the project
- 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.)
- 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.)
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. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Students will be required to take relevant trainings offered by UB in animal research and lab safety.