This week I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s chalk talks. It is interesting to learn about all the different types of research people are involved in. I knew that there are many types of research and that we are all involved in differing projects, but I hadn’t realized what different experiences we are all participating in our labs. I feel like I have a slightly better idea of what basic research is open to undergraduates now than before.
One chalk talk in particular that I found exciting was Emily’s research on the gene ZnF804F. It’s been known for a while that there is a genetic component to schizophrenia and now researchers are starting to be able to pin down the most likely genes and mutations that can increase a person’s risk for this important disorder. Emily is studying one gene in particular, ZnF804F, which has to do with dopamine centers in the brain. She is working on a model to see if a specific mutation of this gene, the TT phenotype, is truly linked to schizophrenia. I thought it was interesting how even though the mechanisms of schizophrenia are not well understood, the researchers are able to use a model where they look for correlations between this gene, specific brain patterns, and schizophrenia in order to show ZnF804F is involved in the disorder. If their findings are true, I think this could be a great model for proving that a gene is worth funding and investigating even when the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Hopefully labs like Emily’s will be able to continue to study the genetic components of schizophrenia and fully uncover the mechanisms which can predispose families to this disorder, bringing the medical field one step closer to providing the best treatment possible to help schizophrenics. I think it is great that even undergraduates are able to get involved in such important work for human health!
