Project details

The major goal of our research is to delineate the molecular/cellular biology and signaling/physiological roles of Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. RGS proteins function as essential negative regulators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling due to their role in terminating heterotrimeric G protein signaling. Our recent studies have determined that one member of this family, RGS6, plays a critical role in numerous neuropsychiatric diseases including anxiety/depression, Parkinson’s, and alcohol seeking/dependence, as well as in cancer and heart disease. While mice lacking RGS6 survive, they exhibit remarkably diverse phenotypes owing to the central role of G protein signaling in biology and the ability of RGS6 to signal by entirely novel G protein-independent mechanisms.

We use interdisciplinary approaches to study the role of RGS6 both in neural circuits underlying alcohol use disorders and Parkinson’s disease as well as in the pathological accumulation of ROS in the heart. We use molecular biological tools to study RGS6 expression, its complex mRNA splicing, and associations with human disease. We use synergistic techniques including immunohistochemistry, mouse behavioral analyses, viral manipulation of RGS protein expression, fiber photometry, optogenetics, CRISPR-gene editing and molecular genetic/cellular approaches in our studies.

We seek talented students who seek research experience in molecular biology, neuroscience and pharmacology. Our current focus is studying the role of RGS6 in neural circuits underlying alcohol use disorders and Parkinson's disease. These studies include the development and use of novel mouse genetic models, their characterization and their use in behavioral analysis, optogenetics, fiber photometry and for viral manipulation of neural gene expression. We also use molecular and cell biological approaches, including the use of cell culture models, in these studies.

Qualifications 

Applicants should have basic knowledge in chemistry and biology. Biochemistry and past lab experience is not needed but is considered a plus. We hope all applicants have a desire to be part of a research group which means not only learning and working with others but taking on a project of their own. Being dependable and responsible would be important in this position as in all research positions.

Time Commitment
5-15 hours/week

Compensation
Academic Credit
To be determined

Start Date
Immediate
Spring semester
Summer semester

Timeline
Spring semester only
Summer semester only
Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position

How to apply
Please contact Rory at rory-fisher@uiowa.edu.