Chronic inflammatory pain is the hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Glutaminase (GLS), the enzyme that converts glutamine to glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter in sensory neurons are at the center of glutamate metabolism and has been shown to be elevated in chronic inflammatory pain. We are interested in finding different epigenetic fingerprints, which are involved in regulating this enzyme to control chronic pain in rat model of colitis.

Research Opportunities with Dr. Das

Research Area: Molecular Biology

Project: Epigenetic Neuroinflammation: Epigenomics is a study of complete epigenetic markers in our genome. These modifications control the gene regulation without affecting the gene sequence. One of these modifications is DNA methylation where cytosines in CpG dinucleotides are methylated. DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides in the promoter region generally leads to gene repression (turning off the gene). Recently, we have seen that DNA methylation also results in gene activation (turning on the genes) in colon inflammation. We are currently studying the different transcriptional activators which get modulated by DNA methylation and results in transcriptional activation. We employ different techniques like Methylation-specific PCR, Bisulfite conversion, ChiP, EMSA and other related techniques to study these epiegenetic modifications.

Currently Seeking Students: Yes

Possible Coauthorship: Yes

Compensation: Unpaid

Location: OSU-CHS campus

Project: Focus on pigenomics in neuro-inflammation. Currently working on many epigenetic modulations like DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNA and lncRNA in rat model of ulcerative colitis. We use many molecular and epigenetic techniques to study these modulators. In this lab, students can become a part of a team finding the underlying mechanisms in epigenetic landscape of ulcerative colitis. They will be learning different molecular and epigenetic techniques and cell culturing. The students can present their data either as a poster or oral presentation at local or national scientific conferences.

Currently Seeking Students: Yes

Location: OSUCOM Cherokee Nation campus