| Affiliations: | Genetics & Genomics Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Emily Reed
emilyreed@tamu.edu Medical Physiology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Adam Case, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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TBA |
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Team Size:
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3
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| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Opportunities for poster presentations. You will learn many techniques, such as DNA and RNA isolation, PCR genotyping, real time quantitative PCR, cell culture techniques, and more!
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Team Needs:
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Must have a basic understanding of biology and interested in learning about molecular biology, genetics, and wet-lab techniques. |
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Description:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that is known to produce systemic peripheral inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and triple the risk of developing autoimmune disorders; however the mechanism in which psychological trauma potentiates these physiological phenotypes is currently unknown. Using a preclinical model of PTSD, we have identified the novel expression of hemoglobin alpha-a1 in T-lymphocytes to be elevated after psychological trauma, which appears to play a role in this aforementioned immune dysfunction. In this project, we will define the functional role and genetic regulation of hemoglobin alpha-a1 in T-lymphocytes, which may elucidate new potential therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and aid in the prevention of comorbid inflammatory disorders in PTSD patients. |