Project Activity dependent protein synthesis in autism spectrum disorder Program DUIRI - Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship Term Summer 2023 Status Accepted Research Area Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Signal Processing Description Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to affect 1 in 54 children and is often diagnosed in early childhood. More than 200 genes have been implicated in ASD, and recent studies have shed light on the roles of particular proteins in adult brains. Many types of therapies, including pharmaceutical and behavioral, and are being used to alleviate the symptoms of ASD. Another proposed avenue for treatment resistant ASD is deep brain stimulation. To date, little is known about the changes in protein composition in the ASD brain as a function of behavior or in response to electrical stimulation in the brain. In the proposed interdisciplinary project, we will use our recently developed protein labeling techniques and protein enrichment techniques together with tandem mass spectrometry analysis to identify proteomic changes that correlate with behavior and electrical stimulation in the Syngap1+/- mouse model of ASD. Supervisor Tamara L Kinzer-Ursem Mentor Karin F K Ejendal Type of work required Work on this project will include a variety of biochemical methods as well as animal handling, assisting in animal surgery and tissue collection. The specific techniques and training will be taught on site. Websites Qualifications An interest in neuroscience is necessary and familiarity with laboratory work, biochemistry, animal handling, is desired. GPA of 3.0 or above is desired but not necessary. More important is a desire to learn. Credit Hours 0 Weekly Hours 30 (estimated)