Horsley Lab Meetings: Wednesdays, 9:30 am, 2nd floor conference room KBT

Potential Rotation Projects:

1.  Transcriptional mechanisms of stem cell activation in the skin

Background:  Calcineurin regulates stem cell activity in the hair follicle in part through the transcription factor NFATc1.  We have recently identified genes altered in hair follicle stem cells in mice treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of calcineurin, CSA.

Rotation project: 

1.Validate gene expression changes in stem cells from vehicle and CSA treated mice using Real Time PCR and immunostaining

2.Use in vitro assays analyzing the effect of candidate genes on keratinocyte proliferation

3.Analyze in vivo mouse models for stem cell activation defects

Techniques learned/used:  FACS, cell culture, siRNA knockdown, tissue sectioning, Real Time PCR

2.  Role of mature adipocytes in the skin

    Background:  Our lab has established a role for immature adipocytes in the skin in the control of 

    stem cell activation.  However, the role of mature adipocytes is not clear.

Rotation project: 

1.Analyze Azip mice which lack adipocytes for alterations in hair cycling

2.Establish adipocyte/keratinocyte co-culture systems

3.Isolate cells from mice lacking adipogenesis and analyze gene expression changes

Techniques learned/used: FACS, cell culture, tissue sectioning, Real Time PCR

3.  Role of mechanics in stem cell fate decisions

Background:  Forces transmitted to cells can alter cell fate decisions.  We are using embryonic

         stem cells and keratinocytes to determine how physical alterations in the environment can change

         cell fate

Rotation project: 

1.Analyze fates of cells plated on substrates with different rigidities or in solutions with different osmotic pressures

2.Determine if cytoskeletal elements are altered with mechanical changes in the microenvironment

3.Develop assays for single cell analysis of fate decisions

Techniques learned/used: FACS, cell culture, Real Time PCR