Qun-Tian Wang
Email Address: qtwang@uic.eduCollege: Liberal Arts and Sciences Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: MBRB 4170 Phone: 312-413-2408
Webpage: http://www.uic.edu/depts/bios/faculty/wang/wangq.shtml
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
The making of a mammalian heart requires orchestrated development and differentiation of multiple cell lineages. Chromatin factors play critical roles in this process by regulating gene expression and hence cell fate in various cell populations. After birth, chromatin factors continue to regulate the physiological properties of the heart, both at the cellular level and the organ level. Our lab is interested in the role of two special families of chromatin factors - the Polycomb Group (PcG) and Trithorax Group (TrxG) proteins - in heart development, disease, and repair. We have established mutant mouse models for the PcG genes Asxl1 and Asxl2. We are pursuing research in two major directions using mouse models and cell culture: 1) The role of Asxl1 and Asxl2 in embryonic development. 2) Regulation of progenitor activity and cardiac regenerative ability by chromatin factors in the adult heart. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10 Qualifications of a Student:
Required: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Lab, BioS 100 and BioS 101 (B or above). Preferred: BioS 220, BioS 222 (B or above). Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
The student should have demonstrated a certain level of mastery of basic knowledge in biology and chemistry. In addition, I expect the student to understand the difference between research and a lab course. The former is fueled by the desire to answer scientific questions. A student could be an excellent learner in classroom but lack the intellectual curiosity or motivation to solve real questions.
NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.
