Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2008

Mentor: Nancy Olsen
Department: Internal med - Rheumatology
Room number: Y8.212
Mail Code: 8884
Phone number: 89049
E-mail: nancy.olsen@utsoutwestern.edu
Project title: Gene Expression in Autoimmune Disease

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 092006-011

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

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) Patient - based research

Brief Description of Project:

We are investigating the potential for gene expression patterns generated by peripheral blood cells for determining diagnosis and prognosis in patients with autoimmune diseases. The patient population of interest includes subjects with an established diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, with concentration on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. We also have collected samples from patients with incomplete forms of these diseases as a window into early changes. Based on data generated from microarray analyses of large numbers of genes, we have a smaller panel of less than 50 candidate genes that have potential to provide diagnostic or prognostic insights. The student will be involved in preparing and analyzing RNA transcripts from peripheral blood samples, including a freezer bank of samples collected previously as well as new samples that are collected from these and other subjects. Gene expression will be quantitated using real-time PCR and data will be analyzed using the clinical information to determine correlations with disease status.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: