Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2012

Mentor:  Joseph L. Goldstein; Tongjin Zhao                     
Department:   Molecular Genetics  
Room number: L5 238; L5 600      
Mail Code: 9046                  
Phone number: 214-648-2141; 214-648-7166    
E-mail: joe.goldstein@utsouthwestern.edu; tongjin.zhao@utsouthwestern.edu                       
Project title: Essential function of ghrelin-growth hormone axis during chronic starvation                   

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):      

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):       2009-0310

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:

Ghrelin plays an important role in maintain blood glucose during chronic starvation. Elimination of ghrelin in mice leads to severe hypoglycemia during prolonged calorie restriction. We demonstrated that ghrelin works through growth hormone to maintain blood glucose. However, the mechanism by which growth hormone maintains blood glucose is still unknown, and is a current topic of investigation in the lab. This project will involve physiological studies in mice.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

Benjamin Elsbernd did his research in the lab in the summer of 2011, and he was recognized for one of the best posters at the UTSW Medical Student Research Forum. His work has been submitted for publication.