Request for Funding

Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2004

Mentor: Steve McKnight
Department: Biochemistry
Room number: L3.124
Mail Code: 9152
Phone number: 83342
E-mail: smckni@biochem.swmed.edu
Project title: mammalian gene expression

Project Type: Patient-based, animal-based and basic research

Brief Description of Project: The research opportunities in my lab deal with how genes switch on and off in the brain.

1) Biochemistry and genetics of circadian rhythm. Our research spans everything from X-ray crystallography of the proteins that regulate circadian rhythm to human genetics. We hypothesize that robust circadian rhythms are vital for mental health, and that mutations in the regulatory system controlling circadian rhythm may predispose patients to major depressive illness.

2) Another project concerns the role of inhibitory interneurons. This research may be relevant to schizophrenia.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: Have worked with pre-medical students and one MD/PhD - never any medical students.

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