Research Opportunity Number: (MOL-02)

Project Title: Translational regulation of chemokine Cxcl12 in mouse mammary epithelial cells

Project Summary Cxcl12 is an essential chemokine involved in normal mammary development and contributing to breast cancer progression and immune regulation. Cxcl12 mediates the signaling between epithelial cells and immune cells in the mammary gland. Our recent studies showed that Cxcl12 is highly expressed in mammary gland stem cell while under tight post-transcriptional regulation. The project uses combination of PCR cloning, mouse cell culture/transfection and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting(FACS) techniques to delineate the novel regulatory mechanism controlling the translation of Cxcl12 protein.

Student Roles and Responsibilities: Following proper training, the student will conduct the experiment using the above techniques. The experiment will be closed monitored by supervising lab members.

Additional Considerations: The student will receive both lab safety and biosafety trainings provided by EHS before entering the lab space to participate the project. We will discuss with EHS to make sure all safety concerns are covered in the trainings the student will be receiving. These are mature molecular biology and cell biology techniques and don’t present particular technical challenge. Under proper training and close monitoring, the student is expected to perform the techniques successfully.

Department/Institute: Molecular Biology

Faculty Sponsor: Yibin Kang and Ai Ing Lim

Participation Dates: 7/1/2024 to 8/31/2024

Stipend Offered: $0

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024, midnight eastern daylight time