Meet Maneera Chopra
Major: Biochemistry, Psychology minor
Graduation Year: May 2016 Field of Study: Molecular Biology Abstract: The germline stem cell (GSC) niche in Drosophila melanogaster ovaries provides a special environment for stem cells to thrive. This niche is located in a structure called a germarium. The GSC niche helps to keep stem cells in an undifferentiated and self-renewing state (1). Several studies have shown the importance of the niche in stem cell maintenance, although other functions of the niche have not been completely explored. Preliminary data indicate that the cells that comprise the GSC niche may exhibit enriched expression of genes implicated in innate immunity (2). We hypothesize that the niche may be expressing these genes in order to detoxify the environment and serve to protect stem cells from harmful microbes. Adult flies naturally host microbes on their bodies, and this load has been shown to increase with age. We examined the expression levels of several innate immunity reporters in 1-7 day old flies and 30-37 day old flies. We were also interested in examining the extent to which mating influenced the expression of these genes. Immunohistochemistry staining and confocal imaging showed that the reporters of innate immunity such as NP509-UAS-GFP-NLS, P Green Pelican mmp1, Cec (mut)-GFP, and Dro (mut)-GFP exhibit striking cell-specific expression patterns. The expression of these reporters generally decreases during the course of aging. Thus, the innate immune genes are expressed in the GSC niche and may influence the health and activity of resident stem cells. |
My Experience:
I knew that I wanted the opportunity to work at UT Southwestern ever since I enrolled in my first semester of classes at UTD. I had friends who had participated in the program and told me about the great experience. I have a background in various research: nanoscience and chemistry, developmental neurobiology, and marine biology. My future interests would be to pursue a career in medicine and perhaps continue with clinical research. I was initially nervous about taking a semester off to focus solely on research, because I didn't know what to expect from UT Southwestern. I was worried that I wouldn't fit in well with my lab, or that I wouldn't understand or enjoy my project. It turned out that I was worried for no reason because my mentor gave me an interesting project on Drosophila germline stem cells. My fellow lab members were very helpful people who I ended up becoming good friends with. I was intimidated by the fact that I was working alone, but this turned out to be convenient as I didn't have to depend on anyone else. I spent a lot of time reading about my project and everything in my field because there is an expectation to know your topic well. In research there are many ups and downs. Some days will be incredibly slow, while others may be 10 hours long. I came in many weekends during the semester to continue my projects. The more work you put in, the more you get out of the experience. |
My Advice:
Green Fellows is a learning experience, but it is also meant to be fun! Explore the campus and try to visit the different cafeterias. Also, don't let the entire semester go by without spending some time with your lab members. Get to know them because you'll be asking them for help, and it doesn't hurt if they like you. Make friends with other Greenies! You all are in it together, and lunches become more enjoyable. Everyone at UTSW is smart, and you have more in common than you realize. Take the time to learn about other projects, go to seminars, and attend lab meetings. All these will help you grow as a scientist. Finally, keep in contact with your UTD mentor at least once in 2-3 weeks. Let him or her know what you are doing in lab all day long.
Green Fellows is a learning experience, but it is also meant to be fun! Explore the campus and try to visit the different cafeterias. Also, don't let the entire semester go by without spending some time with your lab members. Get to know them because you'll be asking them for help, and it doesn't hurt if they like you. Make friends with other Greenies! You all are in it together, and lunches become more enjoyable. Everyone at UTSW is smart, and you have more in common than you realize. Take the time to learn about other projects, go to seminars, and attend lab meetings. All these will help you grow as a scientist. Finally, keep in contact with your UTD mentor at least once in 2-3 weeks. Let him or her know what you are doing in lab all day long.