University at Buffalo (UB)
Neurobiological Research on Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Disorders and Treatment Strategies
Research Opportunities to Study Brain Disorders at UB Medical School
Project description
Our research goal is to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of brain disorders, including autism, stress-associated psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, we try to understand how the glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in prefrontal cortex (PFC) is regulated by various neuromodulators, including disease susceptibility genes, stress hormones and monoamines, which is important for cognitive and emotional control under normal conditions. We also try to understand how the aberrant action of neuromodulators under pathological conditions leads to dysregulation of synaptic transmission in PFC. Recently, we are focusing on investigating how epigenetic abnormality results in pathological gene alterations, leading to synaptic dysfunction and behavioral deficits related to brain disorders.
Animal models of diseases are used in our studies. Combined electrophysiological, biochemical, molecular and behavioral approaches are used. By integrating the multidisciplinary approaches, we have revealed the unique and convergent actions of neuromodulators on synaptic functions, and their contributions to the manifestation of behavioral deficits in disease states.
Project outcome
The research lab provides excellent training opportunities for students to learn a range of highly useful biomedical research techniques.
The research topics are highly significant and interesting, covering major brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental (Autism), psychiatric (Anxiety & Depression) and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's)
The research team is highly productive, cooperative and dedicated. Students will gain experiences and publications.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Year-long (10-12 months) |
| Start time | May 10th 2024 |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person Project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Academic credit Stipend |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students with basic biomedical courses and research experience |
Core partners
- The students will work with postdoctoral fellows, research scientists and graduate students in Dr. Zhen Yan's lab at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in UB. For more information, visit: www.buffalo.edu/~zhenyan
https://medicine.buffalo.edu/faculty/profile.html?ubit=zhenyan
Project mentor
Zhen Yan
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Physiology & Biophysics
Phone: (716) 829-3058
Email: zhenyan@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Reading selected publications from Yan lab (pdf files available on www.buffalo.edu/~zhenyan);
- Meeting with Dr. Yan to discuss on research-related issues (prior experiences, research interest, etc);
- Attending lab meetings, animal research training, etc;
- Familiarizing with basic research skills through lab training
Keywords
neuroscience research, brain disorders, autism, Alzheimer's disease, mouse models, biochemical experiments, behavioral assays, immunohistochemistry