2. WHERE?
• One of the worlds leading centers for neuroscience research.
• Center includes neuroscience research, novel therapies and carrying out clinical
trials.
• Works to improve the lives of patients dealing with neurodegenerative diseases
and their families.
3. WHAT DID I DO?
• Worked with a team of researchers.
• Did a range of laboratory work including
biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology,
protein immunoprecipitation, western
immunoblotting, microscopy, genotyping
and many more!
• Completed laboratory chores.
4. I N V E S T I G AT E D T H E R O L E O F VA P B / P T P I P 5 1
I N T E R A CT I O N S I N T H E C R O S S TA L K B E T W E E N
T H E E N D O P L A S M I C R E T I C U LU M A N D
M I TO C H O N D R I A I N A L S
• The area where the mitochondria and
endoplasmic reticulum interact is the
mitochondrial associated membrane
(MAM).
• This is known to regulate many cellular
functions.
• The disruption of these tethers
therefore effects these cellular
functions.
• I focused on VAPB/PTPIP51
5. A TYPICAL WEEK
MONDAY-
- Meeting with the researchers
- Split cells
- Genotyping
- Make cultures
TUESDAY-
- Make new plasmids
- Transfect the cells
- Treat the cells
- Genotyping
WEDNESDAY-
- Scrape cells, calculate concentrations and make
input and IP samples
THURSDAY-
- Run a SDS-PAGE gel
- Western blot
- Add primary antibodies to the membrane
- Split cells
FRIDAY-
- Laboratory group meeting
- Secondary antibodies
- Analyse the results
6. SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES
SUCCESSES-
• Learnt a broad range of techniques.
• Discovered what working in a functioning
laboratory is like.
• Found my interests.
• Overcome challenges
• Experienced working with a range of people.
CHALLENGES-
• First few days or weeks can be difficult.
• Needed to repeat experiments several
times.
