Project details
Principal investigator, Dr. Kurahashi, is a physician-scientist in Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, who joined University of Iowa in 2021. Our Gastroenterology research foci are muscle layer and mucosa of gastrointestinal tract (GI). Our final goal is to develop new treatments for gastrointestinal diseases by translating our basic scientific findings to clinical studies.
Muscle layer project: the aim of this project is to understand the electrophysiological molecular mechanism of the contraction and relaxation of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle layers in the physiological and pathophysiological setting. GI smooth muscle layers are controlled by electrical dynamics, and we are investigating them using various gene-edited mice, human tissue and pig tissue with the high-speed confocal laser-point-scanning system (Nikon AX-R) and organ bath contractile experiments.
Mucosa project: I discovered a novel population of cells in GI subepithelial niche, which is subepithelial platelet-derived growth factor receptor α+ cells (SPAC). We are investigating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of SPAC in mouse and human colon using various gene-edited mice, mouse disease model and human tissues.
This undergraduate research training will have you learn multiple laboratory techniques fundamental for mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling, molecular biology, physiology, electrophysiology and molecular imaging experiments. And, also, it will give you the opportunity to develop organizational and communicational skills in the lab with multicultural members and learn to design and execute experiments. The experience will be tailored to the individual student based on their ability and enthusiasm and will build skills for future scientific career and graduate education program.
Qualifications
A strong interest in Gastroenterology research. Applicants should be independent and scrupulous with strong organizational skills and good habits to write records.
Time Commitment
10 hours per week minimum. We will adjust work hours as needed to accommodate time needed to study for exams.
Compensation
Volunteer
Academic Credit
TBD
Start Date
Immediate
Timeline
Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position
TBD
How to apply
Please email CV/resume to masaaki-kurahashi@uiowa.edu, along with a brief statement of why you're interested in our lab and Gastroenterology research. Please list relevant courses taken and grades.