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Research Highlights
Vijay sits with his advisor, Dr. David Hyde.
Vijay K. Ramanan
An honors mathematics major, Ramanan is currently pursuing his joint M.D./Ph.D. at Indiana University Medical School Medical Scientist Program.
"My advisor, Dr. David Hyde, is an excellent and accomplished geneticist whose lab uses the zebrafish as an animal model to learn about the behavior of neurons in response to trauma. I began working in Dr. Hyde’s lab during my sophomore year, collaborating on a project which took advantage of my skills in mathematics and biology as well as my interest in basic science research with clinical implications. Dr. Hyde provided me with valuable training opportunities and substantial responsibility in the lab—akin to any of his Ph.D. students. As a result, I have developed, and do continue to refine, the ability to think and perform independently as a researcher.
"In the course of writing my senior thesis, I learned how to write a well-founded scientific paper—a skill that I believe is best gained as a result of execution with the benefit of an experienced and helpful mentor. My work with Dr. Hyde also lead to two other research opportunities during my time at Notre Dame, with funding from the Honors Program: in Summer 2004, I worked with the Bioinformatics Research Group at SUNY-Buffalo; in Summer 2005, I collaborated on a cancer gene therapy project at the National Cancer Institute. I regularly draw upon the lessons of my undergraduate research experience as I work towards becoming a physician-scientist in the combined M.D./Ph.D. degree program at Indiana University School of Medicine. Further, I am most pleased to have the substantial benefit of continued mentorship from Dr. Hyde as I become established in the scientific community in the years to come. "
Abstract
Analysis of Gene Expression during Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration in Albino Zebrafish, directed by David R. Hyde, Professor of BIological Sciences
Dark-adapted albino zebrafish that are exposed to constant bright light exhibit widespread apoptosis of their rod and cone photoreceptors. In response, zebrafish retinal stem cells spontaneously and completely regenerate the lost photoreceptors. To reveal the underlying genetic and molecular factors responsible for this regeneration, we initiated a microarray analysis of gene expression in the zebrafish retina. We examined gene expression for a non-light-exposed control sample and at several time points during light exposure which corresponded to key events in the regeneration process. Statistical analysis of the microarray data identified numerous genes exhibiting significant expression changes during the regeneration time series, potentially indicating their involvement in regulating the regeneration response. Bioinformatics techniques categorized these genes based on their likely functions in regeneration, facilitating the selection of candidate genes for further study. In particular, one such gene, stat3, appears to play a crucial role in signaling the initial regeneration response. This study elucidates the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate zebrafish neuronal cell regeneration. Given that a number of human disorders, such as macular degeneration, are characterized by widespread neuronal cell death, the genetic basis for zebrafish retinal regeneration may ultimately serve as a model for developing gene therapies against these human disorders.
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