Marco Gambino (UROP)
Latest Work: Continuing Studies
Undergraduate Research
As an undergraduate researcher, Marco was involved in a study on Parkinson's disease, a common neurodegenerative disorder. The study focused on investigating the effects of a cannabinoid called CP-55940 on the symptoms of Parkinson's. Marco used Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to mimic human disease and conducted experiments targeting dopamine transporters with tetanus toxin using the Gal4/UAS system.
Marco's research included four test groups. Two groups were treated with the cannabinoid, while the other two groups served as control and did not receive the treatment. By observing the locomotion and rest behaviors of these groups, Marco aimed to determine whether the cannabinoid could provide protection against the symptoms induced by paraquat, a neurotoxin associated with Parkinson's.
This study conducted by Marco contributes to our understanding of the potential therapeutic effects of marijuana in treating Parkinson's disease.
Lara Gardiner
(Keystone Kilachand Honors Project)
Latest Work: Napadow Lab at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center
Lara, as part of their Keystone Kilachand Honors Project, investigated the impact of depleted serotonin levels on the disturbance of circadian rhythms in fruit flies. Specifically, they aimed to determine whether exposure to sunlight could alleviate this disruption.
In their research, Lara focused on understanding how serotonin depletion affected the internal clock of fruit flies and disrupted their natural sleep-wake cycles. By manipulating serotonin levels in the flies, they observed any changes in their circadian rhythms.
Additionally, Lara explored the potential role of sunlight in mitigating the disruption caused by depleted serotonin levels. They exposed the fruit flies to controlled amounts of sunlight and observed whether this exposure had any positive effects on their circadian rhythms.
Lara's Keystone Kilachand Honors Project contributed to our understanding of the relationship between serotonin, circadian rhythms, and the potential therapeutic effects of sunlight exposure in fruit flies.
Otto Holbrook (UROP, 2022 Francis Bacon Award for Writing in the Natural Sciences)
Latest Work: Ph.D. Student in Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery, Northeastern University
Undergraduate Research
Otto's research focused on understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its underlying mechanisms. He investigated the role of reward memory in driving alcohol-seeking behavior. Specifically, Otto studied the protein Scabrous (SCA) and its involvement in the formation of alcohol reward memories. In previous studies, SCA was implicated in the Notch signaling pathway in Drosophila and shown to play a crucial role in the formation of alcohol reward memories.
To further his understanding, he examined a specific mutant form of SCA called SCA5-120, which was found to inhibit the formation of alcohol reward memories. By comparing the expression rate and localization of endogenous SCA and the SCA5-120 mutant, Otto aimed to uncover the differences between these proteins and their impact on alcohol-related behaviors.
Additionally, he investigated how excessive ethanol exposure affected the expression rate of both endogenous SCA and the SCA5-120 mutant. This provided insights into the changes that occurred in the brain after prolonged alcohol exposure and helped us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of AUD.
Through his research, Otto hoped to contribute to the understanding of AUD and potentially identify targets for therapeutic interventions that could help individuals struggling with this disorder.
Sehjin Jo
Latest Work: Dr. Jen Wei Liu Lab in the Department of Biology at Boston University
In this research project, Sehjin's objective was to investigate the Circadian Rhythm Circuit in Drosophila Melanogaster. Sehjin focused on mapping and characterizing its anatomy. To achieve this, the GAL-4/UAS system was employed to stain the fruit fly brain and identify the circuit. Additionally, behavioral data was collected using the DAM to analyze the activity patterns of the flies.
The data collected included information from wild type flies, as well as two genetically modified lines: Bloomington stock 39839 targeting 5-HT2B neurons and tagged with GFP, and a cross between Bloomington stock 41275 targeting DNIP neurons and UAS 8515 for EGFP. To confirm the success of the staining process and observe the resulting brain images, fluorescence microscopy was utilized.
Sehjin's ultimate goal in this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the Circadian Rhythm Circuit in Drosophila Melanogaster and its role in anticipating and adapting to environmental changes.
Derek Kolodziejski (UROP)
Latest Work: Chemistry Department at Blueprint Medicines in Cambridge, MA
Derek employed the DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) method to investigate the roles of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in alcohol addiction using the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. The bipartite GAL4/UAS system, combined with CNO-gated DREADDs, allowed for the selective modulation of these receptors. By manipulating the activity of D1 and D2 receptors in response to designer drugs, Derek aimed to elucidate their potential involvement in the reward pathway and enhance our understanding of addiction.
Throughout the addiction paradigm, which includes dependence, abstinence, and binge phases, Derek measured the effects of up and down-regulating both D1 and D2 receptors on acute alcohol tolerance. This was achieved by quantifying the binge consumption of ethanol-infused food. By selectively activating or inhibiting these receptors in specific neuronal populations, Derek aimed to uncover the impact of D1 and D2 receptor modulation on the addictive behavior of the flies.
This study using the DREADD method provided valuable insights into the potential roles of D1 and D2 receptors in alcohol addiction. By combining the power of DREADDs with the Drosophila model organism, Derek was able to explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and contribute to our overall understanding of this complex disorder.
Samuel Krick (UROP)
Latest Work: Continuing Studies at Boston University
In his study on the comorbidity of depression and alcoholism, Samuel utilized a powerful genetic tool called the GAL4/UAS system to specifically manipulate the activity of the Shibire protein in Drosophila melanogaster.
The GAL4/UAS system is a widely employed method in Drosophila research that allows for precise targeting of gene expression in specific tissues or cell types. It involves two components: the GAL4 driver and the UAS responder.
In this case, Samuel used the 5-HT-Gal4 driver line, which expresses the GAL4 protein specifically in serotonergic neurons. Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter implicated in mood regulation. By using this specific driver, Samuel was able to selectively control the expression of the Shibire protein in the serotonergic neurons of the flies.
On the other hand, the UAS-Shibire responder line contained a modified form of the Shibire gene that was tagged with a UAS (Upstream Activating Sequence). The UAS sequence acts as a binding site for the GAL4 protein, enabling the activation or repression of gene expression in the presence of GAL4.
By crossing the 5-HT-Gal4 driver line with the UAS-Shibire responder line, Samuel generated flies in which the expression of Shibire could be manipulated specifically in serotonergic neurons. This allowed him to induce depression-like behaviors by inactivating Shibire in these specific neurons, leading to disruptions in synaptic vesicle endocytosis and decreased release of serotonin.
The GAL4/UAS system provided Samuel with a powerful tool to investigate the role of Shibire in depression-related behaviors, offering a precise and targeted approach to studying the complex relationship between serotonin, depression, and alcoholism in Drosophila.
Mattie Love (UROP)
Latest Work: Continuing Studies
Undergraduate Research
In their studies, Mattie assessed the effectiveness of using Drosophila Activity Monitors (DAMs) in a two-choice preference assay with fruit flies. The aim was to gather quantitative data on fly behavior and preferences using DAMs, which track fly movement through infrared beams.
To examine the flies' preference for food, Mattie deprived them of food and offered them a choice between food and an empty option. The DAMs successfully collected time-stamped position readings, revealing that the flies initially preferred the side of the tube with food. Over time, their preferences oscillated, aligning with patterns observed in the movement graphs, indicating periods of activity and rest.
Furthermore, Mattie collected preliminary data using flies dependent on ethanol. These flies were given a choice between ethanol and non-ethanol containing food. Although a larger sample size is necessary for definitive results, the DAMs exhibited potential in quantitatively measuring ethanol preference based on position and movement. This suggests that DAMs could serve as an alternative to current assays relying on odor and consumption levels.
Overall, this study demonstrates the viability of using DAMs to gather behavioral data from fruit flies in a two-choice preference assay. Further research with larger sample sizes could provide valuable insights into fly behavior and preferences.
Eddie Miller (UROP)
Latest Work: Clinical Research Study Assistant in the Laboratory of Scott Marek at University of Washington School of Medicine – St. Louis, MO
Undergraduate Research
Eddie's project focused on investigating how the manipulation of the gut microbiome could influence the brain's usage of serotonin. Through the utilization of the GAL4/UAS system, Eddie aimed to express toxins and fluorescent proteins in specific serotonin receptors. This approach enabled the manipulation of receptor function and visualization of their concentration in the brains of fruit flies.
By administering antibiotics to these flies, Eddie intended to gain a comprehensive understanding of how disruptions in the gut microbiome could lead to significant changes in key aspects of the brain via the gut-brain axis. The project aimed to shed light on the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and serotonin utilization in the brain, employing genetic manipulation techniques and exploring the effects of microbiome disturbances on brain function.
Brandon Molligoda (UROP Supplies Award, 2022 Francis Bacon Award for Writing in the Natural Sciences)
Latest Work: M.D. Student, University of Central Florida
Undergraduate Research
Brandon conducted a research project that focused on investigating the protein called scabrous. This protein had been previously linked to the formation of alcohol-induced reward memories in Drosophila melanogaster. The main goal of Brandon's project was to understand how alcohol paired vapor conditioning affected the expression of wild type and mutant strains of scabrous in fruit flies.
In addition to this project, Brandon also worked on a review paper that examined the behavioral implications of the downstream products of ethanol metabolism in relation to alcohol use disorder (AUD). The paper aimed to synthesize existing literature and proposed a new conceptual model of AUD that took into consideration the demonstrated effects of these metabolites.
Shreya Nandyala (Independent Study)
Latest Work: Student at University of California – Berkeley
CTY Research
Shreya, a student researcher, conducted a literature review on the effects of music therapy and meditation on cognitive decline. The review found evidence supporting the use of both meditation and passive music therapy in reducing stress, improving quality of life, and enhancing sleep in various populations.
LJ Ullman (UROP Supplies Award)
Latest Work: Research Assistant in Nephrology, Yale School of Medicine
Undergraduate Research
LJ investigated the role of a gene called scabrous (SCA) in the formation of long-term memory related to alcohol reward in Drosophila melanogaster. LJ conducted research on how mutant variants of the SCA gene affected conditioned behavior and explored the differential anatomical expression of SCA in the Drosophila brain. By studying these aspects, LJ aimed to gain insights into the role of the SCA gene in memory formation and its potential implications in alcohol-related behaviors.
Joshua Rong (UROP)
Latest Work: Continuing Studies
Josh conducted a research project aimed at understanding the mechanisms of learning and memory in Drosophila melanogaster. Using the GAL4/UAS system, specific fly strains were bred to investigate the significance of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in pavlovian learning. The halorhodopsin strain was utilized to individually silence each neurotransmitter and compare their performance to control groups. By analyzing the differences in information recall, Josh aimed to gain insights into the specific roles that these neurotransmitters play in classical conditioning. Additionally, the study also aimed to explore if imbalances in neurotransmitter ratios, which may be observed in certain mental illnesses, have an impact on learning abilities.
Lily Tong (Directed Study)
Latest Work: Research Technician in the Laboratory of Mark Howe, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Boston University
Lily conducted a research project focused on examining the expression of the Dysbindin (Dysb) gene in Drosophila melanogaster. The Dysb gene has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia, specifically negative symptoms, in humans. To investigate this further, the study utilized the GAL4/UAS system to genetically manipulate neurons that expressed dysb. The primary objective was to identify the specific neurons with dysb expression and explore the behavioral consequences of manipulating these neurons.
Indu Vaddiparti (Independent Study)
Latest Work: Continuing Studies
Indu conducted a research review paper that examined the insufficient amount of neuroscientific research on sexual orientation within neurodivergent populations, specifically individuals with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study investigated the neuroanatomical and developmental factors that contribute to increased sexual fluidity in individuals with these conditions. It highlighted the limited existing research in this area and the absence of comprehensive educational systems to support these populations in understanding and accepting their sexuality. The main objective of the paper was to raise awareness about diverse sexuality and the healthcare disparities that exist within these neurodivergent communities.
Ziyu (Ivan) Zhao (Independent Study)
Latest Work: Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Eating Disorder Clinic and Research Program
Ivan conducted a recent literature review to investigate the interplay between sex hormones, personality traits, and eating disorders. The review aimed to address the knowledge gaps surrounding the potential mediating or moderating role of personality in the relationships between sex hormones and eating pathology, as well as the underlying neural mechanisms involved. Ivan's findings, published in the research summary, revealed that traits such as aggressiveness, impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsiveness could potentially mediate or moderate the connections between sex hormones and eating pathology, primarily among females. Moreover, Ivan proposed a neural mechanism that posited the density of sex hormone receptors in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine pathway as a key factor. To advance future research in this field, Ivan recommended the utilization of comprehensive personality measurements and the examination of temperament's mediation and moderation effects, while also considering hormonal fluctuations across menstrual cycles in women. Additionally, Ivan suggested incorporating techniques such as electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging to directly assess brain activity and validate the presented findings.
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