The Genetic Orchestra of Breathing: Regulatory Networks in Lung Epithelial Development

Photo of human iPSCs and iPSC-derived lung progenitors.

Seeking highly enthusiastic and motivated students to study gene regulatory networks in lung development. 

Project is Not Currently Available

This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

The research of our laboratory is focused on lung embryonic specification and especially lung epithelial progenitors and the network of essential factors involved in that process.

Our experimental approach consists in use of reporter cell lines and loss-of-function studies. A key experimental platform is the step-wise in vitro specification of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to lung epithelial progenitors.

We are seeking highly motivated students that will be involved in the developing of new knockout human iPSC lines and reporter lines that will express a fluorescent protein only if a specific transcription factor is expressed.

Project outcome

Students will use a variety of techniques such as cell culture, in vitro iPSC directed differentiation, real-time RT-qPCR, confocal and epifluorescence microscopy; therefore, the student(s) will receive rigorous training in a variety of wet-lab techniques.

In addition, students will present findings in poster form at university- or school-wide research events.

Highly productive students will be co-authors in future manuscript(s) that include study findings. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment More than a year 
Start time Anytime 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project 
Level of collaboration Individual student project 
Benefits Academic credit 
Who is eligible Freshmen & Sophomores 

Core partners

  • Optical Imaging and Analysis Facility 

Project mentor

Laertis Ikonomou

Associate Professor;

Oral Biology

Phone: (716) 829-6206

Email: laertisi@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. 

  • Meet with the PI and discuss the project

  • Take the online "Lab Safety" course 

Keywords

Gene Regulatory Networks; Transcription Factors; Lung; Pluripotent Stem Cells, Oral Biology