Mentor Areas
Our laboratory uses human stem cell-derived pancreatic islet organoids and mice as model systems to study islet development, physiology, and pathology, and to develop replacement therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes. We focus on the interplay between circadian rhythms, metabolism, and islet cell maturation. Our work addresses three fundamental questions:
1. How do cells and tissues become functionally specialized?
2. How does organ-level physiology entrain to circadian rhythms?
3. How do circadian disturbances lead to organ and systemic metabolic dysfunction?
To this end, we employ single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic methods and genetic, nanoelectronics-based approaches to study and control islet cell fate. We are especially interested in advancing replacement therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes, and harnessing control over the function and applications of any human organoid.
Description:
Pancreatic islet organoids are capable platforms for modeling both development and disease physiology. We have engineered human stem cell lines carrying inducible CRISPR enzymes capable of targeted genetic and epigenetic modifications (relevant to this project, inducible dCas9-KRAB). We aim to implement genome-scale CRISPR interference screens using this line to identify genes influencing human islet development and maturation.
We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and curious student to help us determine the genetic pathways driving islet organoid physiology through unbiased screens. Specifically, we aim to (i) grow and adapt engineered stem cell lines to generate functional islet organoids by directed in vitro differentiation (see Pollock, S. D. et al., STAR Protoc 4, 102580, 2023), (ii) generate lentiviral-based CRISPR libraries for high-throughput screening, (iii) conduct screens and follow up on hits through targeted biochemical and cell biological in vitro experiments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Curious and motivated
- At least 1 year of prior laboratory experience and/or appropriate molecular biology knowledge base
- Experience working with stem cell culture and viruses preferred (but not required)
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. https://j-radlab.com/
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.