Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2010
Mentor: Michael McPhaul, MD
Department: Internal Medicine
Room number: Y5.322
Mail Code: 8857
Phone number: 214 648-3685
E-mail: Michael.mcphaul@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Mechanisms of androgen receptor function
Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A
Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):
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 and basic
Brief Description of Project:
The studies in my lab are centered on understanding how androgens control specific processes in cells and how these events control or modulate important disease processes in humans.
Active basic research studies include:
1) The characterization of the effect of deficiency of androgen receptor (AR) coactivators on androgen-regulated gene expression.
2) The characterization of a group of proteins isolated with the androgen receptor to determine their role in the modulation of AR function. Studies include transfection and knock-down experiments to define the roles of these proteins in the action of the AR.
3) Examining the basis for the virilization of the female spotted hyena
4) The biological role of poly-ADP ribosyl transferases
5) The role of androgen receptor isoforms in the regulation of androge-regulated genes
Active clicical / translation studies include:
1) Exploring the use of novel testing methods in the management of differentialted thyroid cancer
2) The creation / expansion of a pitutiary diseases database
3) The enrollment of patients in clinical trials exploring the use of novel medications in the treatment of acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome
Students will be mentored to a level appropriate for their level of past experience.
Ideally, students will work closely with a technician to familiarize themselves
with the techniques and protocols necessary to gradually achieve a level of
technical autonomy. Students will meet with Dr. McPhaul to identify which of
the projects is most in line with the student's objectives.
It is anticipated that students will achieve one or more tangible outcomes (submission
of one or more abstracts and / or publications) as the result of their work.
Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: numerous
Jill Vilaythong (MS2) was selected to give an oral presentation at the Medical Student Research Forum in January 2005.
Lee Chen (MS1) and Michael J. McPhaul Identification and Validation of Androgen Regulated Genes in Murine Tissues, 2007 Endocrine Society abstract.