In Vitro Studies of Cultured Kidney Cells

drawn diagram of a cell.

Both primary cultures of kidney proximal tubule cells, which express differentiated functions observed in vitro, and established cell lines will be studied.

Students will discover new signal transduction pathways in kidney disease and cancer.

Project description

Students will be provided the opportunity for in-depth independent undergraduate research to study signal transduction mechanisms controlling the growth and differentiation of cultured kidney tubule epithelial cells in a hormonally defined, serum-free medium. Underlying methods are in the areas of Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry. The effects of hormones and growth factors on growth, development and differentiated functions will be examined. Projects are relevant to understanding the basis of renal diseases including renal cancer.

Project outcome

Students will develop hypotheses, and design experiments to test their hypotheses, and make an original contribution. Students will learn to analyze their results, and present their results, and determine whether the results are consistent with their hypotheses.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Commitments range from a semester, the academic year, and summer sessions.
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
 Hybrid
Level of collaboration Generally students have individual projects but may collaborate with other students.
Benefits  Academic credit
Who is eligible Perspective students should have a course background in cell and molecular biology, as well as basic laboratory courses in such topics as chemistry, biochemistry and/or genetics.

Project mentor

Mary Taub

Professor;

Biochemistry Department

519 Biomedical Research Building, 3435 Main St., Bldg. 26

Phone: (716) 829-3300

Email: biochtau@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. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Students should read journal articles obtained from Dr. Taub prior to starting their independent study.

Keywords

Biochemistry Department