Section: Rotations

Paul Gardner, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Associate Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Psychiatry

Other Affiliation(s):
   Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute
   Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
   Program in Neuroscience

Rotation Projects

Project I

We have demonstrated by RNA interference that the helix-loop-helix transcription factor ASCL1 regulates expression of nAChR subunit genes.  ASCL1 plays a key role in the development of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, precursors of small cell lung cancer.  The transcriptional targets of ASCL1 in lung cells remain unknown although our work indicates that nAChR subunit genes are likely candidates.  This project will explore this possibility further by testing whether forced expression of ASCL1 in a variety of cell types alters transcription from nAChR gene promoters.  The student will be exposed to a variety of techniques including mammalian cell culture, lipid-mediated cell transfection, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA preparation and reporter gene assays (luciferase and b-galactosidase).

Office: 107
Phone: 508 856-4035
E-mail: Paul.Gardner@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Neurobiology, Gene Regulation, Animal Models of Disease, Gene Expression, Developmental Biology

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