Memory is a basic function of our brain that enables us to use the past experiences to service the present and future on a daily base, and memory function is often disrupted in neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and posttraumatic stress disorder. To understand the molecular mechanism of memory storage, we will focus on DNA methylation, a chemical modification of our genome, that is hypothesized to play a critical role for memory. We have identified thousands of DNA methylation changes at numerous genomic loci occurred during the formation of fear and reward memory in the mouse brain. We will develop new computational tools to analyze these changes of DNA methylation and search for the common sequence features of these genomic loci. The result of this project will lead to a systematic understanding of the principle on the function and regulation of DNA methylation in memory, and will pave the way to develop new therapeutic strategies for diseases involved memory defects.

This is an UNPAID research project.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Shawn Liu
  • Lab: https://epibrain.info
  • Department/School: Physiology and Cellular Biophysics/Columbia University Medical Center
  • Location: Russ Berrie, Room 403
  • Our lab focus on the role of epigenomics in brain function and disorders

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 10/5/2020
  • End date: 8/2/2021
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2020: ~20

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Python, R Studio, and basic knowledge on biomedical research
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
  • Academic Credit Possible: Yes