PSY 357 Strategies of neuroprotection against mitochondrial dysfunction
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Faculty:
Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Ph.D.
Contact:
Julio C. Rojas, M.D. julio.rojas@mail.utexas.edu
Description:
The aim of this project is to determine the efficacy of interventions that prevent neurodegeneration induced by mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatments that decrease oxidative stress and improve cellular respiration are tested using a novel in vivo model of retinal degeneration induced by the complex I inhibitor rotenone. Methods include behavioral analysis of visual function, histopathologic and stereological measures, histochemistry, functional brain neuroimaging, and biochemical assays of oxidative stress and cell respiration.
Qualifications:
Interested students should be able to commit to the project at least for the summer and fall. They should have a background in biology. Interest in the biomedical field preferred. Should be available for 6-10 hours/week of work.
Duties:
1) Learn and help conducting animal (rat and mouse) handling, training and testing for behavioral tasks. 2) Learn and help applying the procedures for histochemical staining, stereology and brain imaging. 3) Learn and help applying the techniques for in vitro assays of oxidative stress and cellular respiration.
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