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keywords
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Dopamine Transporter
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Post Docs
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I am seeking an accomplished and motivated Ph.D. neurobiologist with significant biochemistry expertise, to undertake an investigation identifying proteins in complex with the cocaine-sensitive transporter, and their role in dopamine transporter regulation and DA-dependent behaviors. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage cutting edge intersectional strategies that integrate proteomic and transgenic mouse approaches to link molecular mechanisms to behaviors. Candidates will have a strong track record of productivity from their doctoral research, with excellent verbal and written skills, with expertise in neurobiology and biochemistry. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references via e-mail to: Haley E. Melikian, Ph.D. Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute UMASS Medical School haley.melikian@umassmed.edu
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Post Docs
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I am seeking an accomplished and motivated Ph.D. electrophysiologist to study the impact of dopamine transporter trafficking and regulation on dopaminergic neurotransmission. This is an exciting opportunity to integrate state-of-art optogenetic, chemogenetic and transgenic mouse approaches to link molecular mechanisms to synaptic physiology. Candidates will have a strong track record of productivity from their doctoral research, with excellent verbal and written skills, with expertise in ex vivo brain slice electrophysiological approaches. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references via e-mail to:
Haley E. Melikian, Ph.D.
Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute
UMASS Medical School
haley.melikian@umassmed.edu
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Rotation Projects
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Potential Rotation Projects
1. The Role of Dopamine Transporter (DAT) Trafficking in Psychostimulant Addiction: This project is to determine whether membrane trafficking of the dopamine transporter is required for cocaine and amphetamine addiction. Our lab has developed a novel, AAV-mediated, in vivo molecular replacement strategy, that replaces wildytpe DAT with DAT trafficking dysregulated mutants in adult mice. Rotation students will assist in behaviorally assessing replacement mice as compared to controls, and will additionally use immumohistochemical approaches to validate mutant protein expression in dopamine neurons in situ. Students will gain experience in mouse behavior, brain dissection, preparation of brain slices, and immunhistochemical techniques in mouse brain.
2. The Role of Distal Translation in Acute DAT Regulation and Cocaine Responses. Recent studies suggest that many proteins that are key for synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity are locally translated in distal processes, such as axons and dendrites. However, it is currently unknown whether DAT is regulated by local translation in striatal terminals and, if so, how cocaine addiction may impact this process. Rotation students will directly test this possibility by examining DAT biosynthesis in striatal tissue. Students will gain experience in brain dissection, protein biosynthesis studies, and quantitative immunoblotting. |