MIP498 Capstone Research
Summer 2008

Title of Project: Messenger RNA stability in myotonic dystrophy

1. Project Description: Myotonic Dystrophy is caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the non-coding region of the DMPK gene. Much of the disease pathogenesis is caused by accumulation of toxic RNAs in the nucleus. One of the effects of the toxic RNA is aberrant expression of the RNA binding protein, CUG-BP. Our laboratory has found that CUG-BP regulates mRNA decay (as well as having previously established roles in modulating splicing and translation). The project will involve characterizing the role of CUG-BP in modulating mRNA turnover using either in vitro (cell extracts) or tissue-culture based assays.

2. Faculty mentor: Drs. Carol Wilusz (carol.wilusz@colostate.edu ) and Jeff Wilusz ( jeffrey.wilusz@colostate.edu )

3. Number of Student Positions: 2

4. Location of research: Research will be conducted in the Microbiology Facility, Room B325

5. Expectations of the Student:

• Time commitment: Students should enroll for 3 credits and will be expected to work a minimum of 9 hours in the lab each week. The project, papers and manuscript will be completed within the semester.

• Student evaluation: Each student will be evaluated on individual contribution to the project as well as on his or her written report/oral presentation.

6. Pre-requisites:
Preference will be given to students who are microbiology majors.

7. To Apply: Student candidates for the project need to provide a resume and a one page letter (electronically to Dr.C. Wilusz at cwilusz@lamar.colostate.edu) describing why they want to take the project, what skills qualify them for the proposed work, and what their future goals are. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first serve basis.