Office of Undergraduate Research

Mechanism by which apoaequorin protects neurons from an ischemic stroke

Ischemia (stroke) causes excess calcium levels, which kills neurons. We demonstrated that the calcium binding protein apoaequorin (AQ) protects neurons from ischemic cell death. Furthermore, we also recently demonstrated that AQ upregulates the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Thus, our recent data suggest that in addition to buffering intracellular calcium, AQ may also protect neurons by altering cytokine expression.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Students will also be expected to attend weekly lab meetings, present data, and attend our weekly neuroscience seminars. They will also be required to read the primary literature and be able to intelligently contribute to discussions surrounding his and other ongoing lab projects. Perhaps most importantly, they will learn the importance of proper planning and the value of careful experimental design.