Year of Entry into UCI MSTP

2003

Research Interests

cancer research, molecular imaging, chromosome separation, cytokinesis, cell biology

Hobbies and Interests

webdesign, digital photography, weight training

Hometown

San Jose, CA

Website

Department

Bioengineering

Academic Quarter

Summer 2004

Project Topic

Imaging of collagen in the human vocal fold using multiphoton microscopy

Project Abstract

Many studies have looked at the histology of the vocal fold. The use of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to study the vocal fold allows for the imaging of fresh specimens without the need for fixation and desiccation of the specimen, thus providing a more realistic view of the larynx in its hydrated state. MPM resolves fiber orientation, distribution of elastin and collagen, and intricate fiber structure, which are all important variables/components in determining the viscoeleastic properties and vibratory mechanics of the vocal fold. This study imaged collagen and elastin in the vocal folds of rabbit, porcine, and human using Zeiss-Meta multiphoton microscopy. Two-photon imaging utilizing 375-415nm wavelength and 560-715nm wavelenth were used to image collagen and elastin, respectively, without the need for fixation and exogenous dyes. MPM studies reveal low concentration of collagen and high concentration of elastin fibers. Unlike bundled compact fiber bundles seen in collagen, elastin is arranged in clusters. The fibers are coiled and intertwine with other elastin fibers. Each elastin fiber exhibits varying thickness and length. The rabbit and porcine vocal folds of this region show {What do we put here Brian. Can you put something in here from Alvin’s work?} In our work, we have shown the value of the MPM system in selective imaging of collagen and elastin without destruction of the vocal fold architecture from fixation techniques for conventional light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Knowledge of the composition and orientation of elastin and collagen in the Reinke’s space will better aid in reconstruction of the lamina propria after laryngeal scarring to improve patient’s phonation.

Department

Pediatric Genetics

Academic Quarter

Summer 2005

Project Topic

Characterization of the mitochondrial network in XK328 Embryonic Stem Cells containing truncated OPA-1

Project Abstract

In this laboratory rotation, the aims of my research were to maintain and genotype the pups produced from the breeding of male chimeras with Black BalbC female mouse, start production of retroviruses carrying OPA-1 cDNA for OPA-1 rescue in OPA-1 heterozygous ES cells, and optimize mitotracker orange for visualization of the mitochondria network in ES, normal human epithelial fibroblasts (NHF), and MCF7 cells.

Department

Biological Chemistry

Academic Quarter

Fall 2005

Project Topic

Identifying Critical Interacting Regions in Hec1: Requirements for Proper Localization of Hec1 at the Centrosome and Kinetichore

Project Abstract

The continuity of a cell’s genetic material requires that replicated DNA be accurately transmitted to its daughter cells. One critical step in this process is sister chromatid separation, which is highly conserved among eukaryotic species. Numerous proteins are required to orchestrate this process. One such protein is called Hec1, (highly expressed in cancer), which was discovered using the C-terminus of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) as bait in a yeast two-hybrid system. Microinjection of antibodies against Hec1 into individual cells during interphase disrupts normal mitoses. Introduction of Hec1 deletion constructs leads to chromosome missegregation and subsequently leads to growth arrest and ultimately cell death. Previous studies have shown that the human Hec1 homolog in yeast, Ndc80, was phosphorylated by Ip11p, which is a member of the Aurora kinase family, suggesting that the human family of Aurora kinases could potentially serve as a key regulator of the Hec1 protein in eukaryotes . Using the consensus phosphorylation motif ({RK}X{TS}{ILV}) for Aurora A kinase, we have identified five putative Aurora kinase phosphorylation sites at the N-terminal regulatory region of Hec1. Interestingly, mutation of serine 295 to alanine produces an interesting monopolar spindle phenotype suggesting that Hec1 phosphorylation at serine 295 is required for proper bipolar spindle formation.