Understanding FOXG1 Syndrome and Its Impact on Brain Development

An image showing different brains structures that compare control brains vs. mutant mouse brains, and how the gene therapy rescued and restored those affected areas.

Gain hands-on experience studying how a single gene can affect brain development and contribute to disorders such as FOXG1 syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Project description

At the FOXG1 Research Center at UB, our primary goal is to advance research for FOXG1 syndrome, striving to find cures for children affected by this rare genetic disorder.

This project investigates how mutations in the FOXG1 gene disrupt normal brain development, leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder known as FOXG1 syndrome. Using animal models and a combination of molecular, genetic, and imaging techniques, students will investigate how FOXG1 regulates brain development and its functions.

Project outcome

The project provides hands-on experience in developmental neuroscience and prepares students with a range of techniques and skills needed to succeed in biomedical research. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment At least 1 year
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project
Level of collaboration Work with post-doctoral fellows and senior lab members
Benefits

Research experience

Potential: Academic Credit, Work Study
Who is eligible Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher

Core partners

  • The FOXG1 Research Center at UB

Project mentor

Jae Lee

Professor

Biological Sciences

C535 Cooke Hall

Phone: (716) 645-4991

Email: jlee269@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. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Reading articles or books
  • Watching relevant videos
  • Attending workshops and trainings:
    • Lab safety training, animal training, etc.

Keywords

biology, neuroscience, brain development, foxg1, genetics