Dr. Wendy Kimber

Investigation of the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells

Student Researcher: Amanda Hieatzman

I am investigating the role of the ubiqutin-proteasome system (UPS) in the differentiation  of embryonic stem (ES) cells.  A stem cell is a undifferentiated (non-specialized) cell which can differentiate into any type of differentiated (specialized) cell with specific functions.   There are many disorders and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or spinal cord injuries which are characterized by loss or damage of a particular cell population, and stem cells have been identified as a potential source of replacement cells. 

The specific aim of this project is to investigate the role of a novel method of transcriptional control in ES cells.  The UPS has a well established role in protein degadation, however recent research has suggested a new role for this system in the control of gene expression.  Microarray analysis has identified a number of genes from the UPS which appear to control ES cell differentiation.  We are investigating the role of these genes in this process by measuring their expression in differentiated and non-differentiated ES cells using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-PCR).  In addition, these genes will be manipulated in ES cells using RNA interference (RNAi), and expression vectors to demonstrate a direct link between gene expression and the  differentiation of ES cells into specific cell types. 

Amanda Hieatzman, a sophomore student began working with me on this project in September 2009, and has developed a panel of cDNA samples from differentiated and undifferentiated ES cells. We are now in the process of analyzing the expression of the UPS candidate genes in these samples using Q-PCR as a first step towards determining their role in stem cell differentiation.

Amanda Hieatzman is a Chemistry major who plans to graduate in the spring of 2012. She will be working as a Research Assistant with Dr. Wendy Kimber in the research project: Investigation of the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells

About her work as a Student Researcher, Amanda explains:

As Dr. Kimber’s student research assistant, I will be dealing with the growth of ES cells, extracting the RNA from differentiated as well as undifferentiated ES cells, and examining the gene Ubiquitin-specific peptidase (Usp24). Usp24 is a gene thought to have a role in the differentiation process of ES cells as well having a role in the expression of late-onset Parkinson’s disease. I will be examining the ES cells throughout the different days of the differentiation process in order to learn more about the habits of Usp24.
 
Working on this research project will benefit me in more ways than one. Since I am still unsure as to whether I want to go on to medical school or to do research, this experience will help steer me in the right direction. I am certain now that I wish to go to graduate school and I know that research experience looks very promising for an applying student. Not only is working on this project helping me with my future but it has become a very exciting part of my week. I do not look at research as a job, but as a fact finding mission. This makes me comfortable thinking about doing such a job for the rest of my life. I enjoy having the responsibility of handling the research of the future and I also thrive on the lab experience I am acquiring. I would surely choose to work as a Research Assistant over and over again.