Field of Study:
Neurosurgery
Department:
Neurosurgery
Rank of Student:
Sophomore
Desired Majors:
Neuroscience, Biology, any related fields (Students from other majors with strong interest are also welcome)
Hours per Week:
10
Compensation Type:
Voluntary Experience
Application Deadline:
Contact:
apurva.kanagal@osumc.edu
Private
Public
Project Description
Stroke is a major contributor to death and disability, and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach for central nervous system targeting post-stroke. However, the effects of AAV serotype and delivery route on systemic toxicity and targeted transduction efficiency remain incompletely understood. One of our ongoing projects explores how local, intra-arterial (IA) infusion compares to systemic intravenous (IV) delivery in reducing off-target toxicity and improving brain-specific targeting. We utilize the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model in mice, combined with advanced surgical infusions, post-operative care, and MRI-based infarct volume quantification to study these dynamics. To analyze therapeutic biodistribution, we use paraffin-embedded tissue sectioning, H&E staining, fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to map organ-specific transduction and evaluate cellular pathology.
Students in this role will be fully trained across this preclinical and molecular pipeline, actively participating in both the in vivo surgical procedures and wet lab assays. Rather than performing routine or menial laboratory tasks, the student will work closely with mentors to analyze how experimental variables such as stroke severity and AAV serotype impact therapeutic outcomes and peripheral tissue accumulation. The student will actively participate in weekly lab meetings, experimental design, and data analysis.
Students in this role will be fully trained across this preclinical and molecular pipeline, actively participating in both the in vivo surgical procedures and wet lab assays. Rather than performing routine or menial laboratory tasks, the student will work closely with mentors to analyze how experimental variables such as stroke severity and AAV serotype impact therapeutic outcomes and peripheral tissue accumulation. The student will actively participate in weekly lab meetings, experimental design, and data analysis.
Required Applicant Information
A brief introduction, what interests them about the lab, and a CV/Resume
Required or Desired Skills
Comfort with wet lab work and a willingness to handle research animals (mice) for daily procedures, surgeries, and post-operative care are needed. In addition we are looking for someone with high organizational skills, a strong work ethic, accuracy, and a genuine interest and excitement for translational neurosurgery. Preferably, the student will have had prior exposure to a wet lab environment or animal handling, though this is not required.
Faculty Member Lead:
Jennifer Kim
Starting Semester:
Autumn
Length of Project (in semesters):
6