Dr. Rebecca Glineburg
Website: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/rebecca-glineburg
College: Schmid College of Science and Technology
Overview of scholarly research/creative activity:
The Glineburg Lab studies the integrated stress response, a pro-survival pathway essential for development and implicated in a number of human diseases. We use fruit flies as a model organism to investigate this pathway in the context of neurodegeneration, oogenesis, and neuronal development.
Specific projects working on:
Oogenesis: We're investigating the role that ribonucleoprotein (RNA + protein) granules play in oogenesis. We're specifically interested in a subtype of these granules called "stress granules" that form in response to heat, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation, and what their role is in normal oogenesis. We dissect fly ovaries, perform immunocytochemistry and conduct viability assays.
Neurodevelopment: We're investigating the role that stress granules play in neuroblasts (neuronal stem cells) in developing fly larvae. We dissect larval brains, perform immunocytochemistry and conduct viability assays.
Neurodegeneration: The integrated stress response is disrupted in multiple types of neurodegeneration. Our lab is investigating whether activating or shutting down this stress response pathway could be beneficial in a number of disease models including ALS/FTD, parkinson's, ataxias, and Huntington's disease. We perform longevity assays, observe neurodegeneration in fly eyes, and various molecular biology techniques.
Number of students looking to work with:
3-4
When students are needed:
Interterm 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024
What students need to work with Dr. Glineburg:
BIO 208 (preferred)
What students would be doing:
ovary and brain dissections
western blots and qPCR
cloning
rough eye scoring and longevity assays
Time commitment for students:
Variable