Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2012

Mentor:           James Amatruda, MD, PhD           
Department:   Pediatrics     
Room number:           ND3.120C
Mail Code:                 8534
Phone number:          8-1645
E-mail:                        james.amatruda@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title:                Mechanisms of germ cell tumor development in zebrafish

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):      

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):       2008-0259

Project Type Animal based

Brief Description of Project:
We are carrying out a Sleeping Beauty transposon screen to identify genes important for the development of germ cell tumors in zebrafish.  This project involves generating crosses of different genetically-modified lines carrying transposon or Sleeping Beauty transposase elements.  We are also investigating the role of specific signal transduction pathways in the development of germ cell tumors in fish. 

Project title:                Chemical genetic screen of zebrafish oogonial stem cell develpoment

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):      

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):       2008-0259

Project Type Animal based

Brief Description of Project:
Female zebrafish are able to sustain continual oocyte production from a presumbed oogonial stem cell.  The student will help to carry out a small molecule chemical genetic screen to detect biochemical pathways controlling the number and development of oogonial stem cells in zebrafish.

Project title:               

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):      

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):       2008-0259

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)

Brief Description of Project: Animal based
The student will investigate the origin of ectopic germ cells during development.  Germ cells normally migrate long distances during early development.  Defects in migration lead to ectopic germ cells, which may later develop into tumors.  Using genetic and pharmacologic manipulations and live imaging in zebrafish embryos, we will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which ectopic cells arise.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:
Previous summer students:
Matthew Campbell
Daniel Zhang
Danielle Moye
Danielle Meals
Sarah Little
Nicole Ketring
Megan Breeden