Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2003

Mentor: Craig M. Powell, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Psychiatry and Neurology
Room number: NC5.118B
Mail Code: 9070
Phone number: 214-648-4153 office or 214-786-8285 pager
E-mail: Craig.Powell@UTSouthwestern.edu
Project title: Molecular Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0941-02-01-1

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) animal-based, basic research

Brief Description of Project: We are using molecular tools to investigate the molecules responsible for learning and memory in the brain. We use two approaches to this general question. First, we make use of knockout mice and perform behavioral characterization using fear conditioning and water maze paradigms as well as other behaviors. Second, we have begun to inject HSV and AAV constructs directly into the brains of mice or rats to overexpress proteins or dominant negative forms of proteins in a specific brain region. Then we analyze the learning and memory behaviors in these animals followed by brain sectioning and staining or immunohistochemistry.
We are also beginning to examine biochemical changes induced by fear conditioning training using Western blot analysis.
I envision a summer student working on one aspect of a larger project that is likely to lead to authorship on a paper in a respectable journal. The student will be allowed to choose among several techniques to learn including brain sectioning and immunohistochemistry, in vivo stereotactic surgeries to inject viral constructs, behavioral assessment, and Western blotting. Once mastery of one of these techniques is achieved, the student would then begin working on experimental animals or tissue to contribute to our ongoing research. It is also possible for the student to follow stereotactic surgeries, behavior, and immunohistochemistry experiment if desired.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: None. I have just begun independent research projects in my own lab space within the past year. This will allow for significant interactions with the mentor, including performing experiments together at the bench. This is a great opportunity both for someone with little or no research experience and for someone with previous research training who would like to learn new techniques and approaches to neuroscience.

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