Project Info
*MECHANISMS OF PANCREATIC CELL DEATH IN TYPE 1 DIABETES
Nikki Farnsworth
nfarnsworth@mines.edu
The goal of this project is to investigate mechanisms of pancreatic beta-cell death in type 1 diabetes, with a focus on pro-inflammatory cytokine mediated cell death. Specifically, this project will help to determine cell signaling pathways involved in regulating cell death in type 1 diabetes and will determine the pharmacological potency of a novel therapeutic target to prevent disease onset. This project is highly clinically relevant as the results from this study will help us to engineering better and more targeted therapies for patients with type 1 diabetes. This is multidisciplinary project that combines biomaterials, quantitative microscopy, cell biology, and biochemistry. Due to the translational nature of this project, the student will also have opportunities to interact with physicians and scientists on the Anschutz Medical Campus to further broaden their experience.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer better medicines
1. Beta-cell death and dysfunction during type 1 diabetes development in at-risk individual, J Clin Invest. 2015 Mar 2; 125(3): 1163–1173.
2. Life and daeth of beta-cells in type 1 diabetes: a comprehensive review, J Autoimmun. 2016 Jul; 71: 51–58.
3. Drug delivery systems for diabetes treatment, Curr Pharm Des. 2019;25(2):166-173.
Primary Contacts:
The primary contact will be myself (Dr. Farnsworth) and Jillian Collins (graduate student).
Student Preparation
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications required for the completion of this project, as it is such a multidisciplinary project my lab will teach the student all of the skills required to complete the project. We would prefer someone with an interest in bioengineering, but previous experience in the field is not required.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
4-5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Cell culture, western blot, immunohistochemistry, live cell fluorescent microscopy techniques, quantitative image analysis, software development for quantitative image analysis, presentation skills, communication skills.
MENTORING PLAN
I (the PI) will meet the student formally once per week to discuss the progress of the project and will meet as needed to teach specific skills needed for completion of the project. The student will be expected to present once per semester at our weekly lab meeting, which I will help the student prepare for. The student will also attend seminars on the Mines and Anschutz campuses as a part of our lab to expand their knowledge of biomedical research. The student will work directly with one of the graduate students in my lab on a day to day basis for guidance with their project and lab etiquette.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior