Mentor Areas
We analyze the functions of ER proteins in malignant progression of leukemia using novel mouse models, in which we selectively delete genes that encode critical ER-resident proteins that support the growth and survival of leukemia. The ultimate goal of our work is to contribute to the design of effective therapeutic approaches that target dysregulated ER functions for patients with leukemia and other malignancies.
Specific laboratory projects:
• Investigate IRE-1-interacting proteins to further understand how targeting the IRE-1/XBP-1 pathway can lead to stalled progression of CLL.
• Investigate the roles of protein antigen and Toll-like receptor ligands in activating the ER stress response to promote leukemic progression.
• Investigate the roles of ER-associated protein degradation in B-cell leukemia.
Description:
The Hu Laboratory at the Wistar Institute is looking for a highly self-motivated PENN undergraduate student with a strong research interest to participate in the investigation of the biological functions of the endoplasmic reticulum in normal and malignant B cells. The student will learn biochemistry-, molecular biology- and genetics-based approaches to help the investigation.
Preferred Qualifications
The student is expected to have taken or planned to take relevant courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The candidates will be selected for an interview based on their outstanding performance in the classroom and/or laboratory.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.