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Faculty
and Student Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Physics Department
Electronic Detector Group
Requesting applications from life sciences faculty
members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, to develop
a robust and cost-effective method for genome-wide profiling of
differential cell functions controlled by DNA methylation and for understanding
the epigenetic control of these functions. Applications
of this technology range from marker development for disease such as cancer to
broader understanding of genetic control.
This experiment will run at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)
beginning in the summer of 2005.
Project Description
DNA methylation influences diverse biological processes in eukaryotes,
including disease etiology. This
project seeks to apply powerful genomic profiling tools developed at
Brookhaven National Laboratory to identify genome-wide methylation
phenomena. Differential
methylation profiles would provide useful markers to investigate gene
activity, tissue-specificity, and disease state and progression.
Specifically, we propose to combine affinity capture of methylated
DNA in combination with a “paired-end profiling” technique now under
development and refinement in our laboratory to produce a genomic
signature of methylation differences between diseased and disease-free
tissues.
The goal of the project is to develop a robust and cost-effective method
for genome-wide profiling of differential cell functions controlled by DNA
methylation and for understanding the epigenetic control of these
functions. Applications of
this technology range from marker development for disease such as cancer
to broader understanding of genetic control.
This project would utilize standard fluorescent dideoxy DNA sequencing and
a new state-of-the-art sequencing by synthesis i.e., pyrosequencing,
instruments in the Biology Department.
The pyrosequencing instrument is uniquely suited for analysis and
quantification of global methylation and methylation profiles or patterns.
Other major items of equipment that this project would utilize are
standard and real-time PCR instruments which are available in Biology.
Applicants Responsibilities
and Relationship to Project Applicants will
receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team
Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research
team at BNL for up to 10 weeks during the year starting in June of 2006,
Summer and academic year visits to BNL will be scheduled by mutual
agreement between the Biology Department and the successful applicant.
Ideally faculty will work at BNL on the project for 10 weeks during the
summer in the first year. Faculty will be expected to identify students
from their campus to participate in the FaST program offered by the
Department of Energy at BNL. Ideally Faculty will provide some mentorship
and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities.
It is expected that the Faculty member will become an integral part of the
research team working on this project and will support the project through
the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: | Ph.D. in Biology or Biochemistry or
related field. Background in
molecular biology. Project would compliment existing strengths by providing
the applicant with hands on experience in expression of a recombinant
protein and affinity chromatography. Works
well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers as
evidence by her publication record. Currently
teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field.
Willing to work at BNL for an extended period during the summer. |
| Student: | Working towards undergraduate
degree in biology or biochemistry or related field with strong interests in
molecular biology and genomics and experimental research.
Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students and
researchers. Willing to work at
BNL for an extended period during the summer. |
Support
and Financial Commitments See Financial
Information.
For More Information contact:
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