Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2012

Mentor: Dr. Rashmin Savani        
Department: Department of Neonatology
Room number: K4.222
Mail Code: 9063      
Phone number: 214-648-2145     
E-mail: rashmin.savani@utsouthwestern.edu             
Project title: Hyaluronan and Macrophages      

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):  2009-0136

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 research/Cell biology

Brief Description of Project:

IL1β is a molecule responsible for inflammation and alveolar damage. It is regulated by LMW HA through its interaction with TLR 2/4 (although the pathway is not defined) leading to the formation of an inflammosome and subsequent activation of IL1β. Using specific knock-out mice and bone marrow-derived macrophages in culture we will define receptors involved in HA-stimulated IL1β.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: