The Interaction between Diet and Dopamine Receptors on Neurochemistry

Looking for students to assist in image analysis for quantifying receptors in the brain.

Project description

Obesity has been described as one of the most common preventable diseases affecting many parts of the world, including the United States. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a plethora of obesity-related metabolic disorders which involve distinct aberrant pathologies. One of the primary neurotransmitter systems involved in feeding behavior is the dopamine system. In particular, the dopamine D2 receptor effectuates a variety of motivational responses, including feeding behavior of a high fat diet. Our laboratory is interested in the interaction between the dopamine D2 receptor and diet on behavioral and neurochemical manifestations. Currently, we are looking for students to help us understand the surrounding neurochemical changes in rodent models through the use of in vitro autoradiography.

Project outcome

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

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment	Longer than a semester (6-9 months)
Start time	Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid?	Remote
Level of collaboration	Independent student project
Benefits	Academic Credit, Volunteer, Work Study
Who is eligible	All undergraduate students

Project mentor

Panayotis Thanos

Senior Research Scientist

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Phone: (716) 881-7520

Email: thanos@buffalo.edu

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.)

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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.

The preparation for this project will involve watching training videos from our lab to learn how to perform image analysis. Additionally, we will provide background material on the project for the student to read prior to starting the project.

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