| Affiliations: | STEM Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Jadon Sitton jadon.sitton75@tamu.edu Biochemistry and Biophysics |
| Faculty Mentor: | Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D |
|
Meeting Times:
|
TBA |
|
Team Size:
|
3 |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
First authorship or co-authorship on publications, learning many new techniques
|
|
Team Needs:
|
Knowledge and experience with aseptic technique, ability to think quickly on their feet, deep critical thinking, ability to analyze biochemistry and physical chemistry literature, and communication/teamwork skills. |
|
Description:
|
The project aims to explore how lipids, fatty acids, and other cell membrane components influence the aggregation, biophysical properties, and toxicity of hIAPP amyloids commonly found in patients with type 2 diabetes. The studies will include elucidation of amyloid properties on a temporal scale, utilization of nano spectroscopy for structural analysis, characterization of toxic effects and cellular responses, and establishment of in vivo models for type 2 diabetes. The goal of the project is ultimately to identify and target interactions which can be mimicked with drug compounds in order to establish novel treatments for hIAPP amyloidosis and other diabetes related proteinopothies. |