Our lab is looking for a bright and motivated master student with a background in biology, biomedical science, and/or neuroscience for the following project:
GFAP Isoform Modulation In Vivo
his project aims to lay a foundation for the understanding of the role of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) isoforms in adult subventricular zone (SVZ). GFAP is an intermediate filament (IF) protein with several different isoforms. These different isoforms affect the structure of the formed IF network of cells in vitro and, in turn, have consequences on cell motility, molecular pathways, and possibly proliferation. Our lab has several tools available to either overexpress or knockdown specific GFAP isoforms. In this project, we will modulate GFAP isoform expression in vivo by utilizing viral vectors and transgenic mice. We will specifically target the SVZ of adult mice to see how modulation of GFAP isoforms affects adult neurogenesis.
Techniques: surgery, in vivo proliferation assays, viral vector production, cloning, perfusion, macrodissection, cryostat, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, neuroanatomy, real time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot
Duration: At least 6 months
If you are interested in this student position or have any questions, please contact Carlyn Mamber: c.mamber@nin.knaw.nl