Cell Biology
Employ cutting-edge gene editing techniques in yeast to determine the impact of altering cell cycle genes.
About the Program
Participants in the Summer Science Program in Cell Biology will use CRISPR gene editing to study cancer-relevant genes in our model system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast). After learning the basics of molecular biology and CRISPR gene editing, participants will identify cell cycle genes that could impact cell replication in all eukaryotes (including humans) and inhibit their expression using CRISPR-based gene editing. Through this process, participants will gain hands-on experience with cell culture, molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics. They will use these skills to generate mutants, characterize phenotypes, and (eventually) make broader connections to human health.
The Cell Biology program provides participants with the skills to conduct lab experiments and research that can tackle complex, real-world life science problems that could impact our understanding of how cells control, or fail to control, their growth. Participants will be mentored by trained scientists and have the chance to meet with guest lecturers and speakers who are excited to share their life story, research, and time.
Key Dates and Deadlines
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December 12th, 2024
Applications Open -
January 24th, 2025
Deadline for international applications -
February 21st, 2025
Deadline for domestic applications
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Mid-April 2025
Admissions decisions released -
June 2025
Programs begin mid-late June
“The essence of SSP is learning to story of everyone around you. Every single person deserves to be here, but what got them here is what is the most intriguing aspect of that person. Their motivations, passions, work eithic, those are all things that you can learn by listening to the people around you.”
"SSP is made magical by the friends you surround yourself with– sharing smiles after surviving a lab, laughing in the common room, or crying because you know how much these people have come to mean to you. These moments are ones I will take with me for a lifetime."
“SSP was a place where I was enriched beyond my wildest dreams. Though the material was challenging, it was always a treat to learn more and more about subjects that I previously knew nothing about. I've met so many unique and wonderful people at SSP – they've made this experience one that I'll never forget!”
Is the Summer Science Program in Biochemistry Right for You?
Applications are open each winter to current high school juniors who have completed or are in the process of completing any level of high school biology and chemistry by June for credit and a grade. Strong algebra skills are highly recommended. We do NOT require AP or advanced-level classes. Self-study does not qualify.
Applicants must be at least 15 years old but not yet 19 during program operation. Current freshmen, sophomores, and seniors are not eligible.
Program Dates & Campuses
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New Mexico State University
June 15 – July 21
2025 Research Project: Targeting Cell Cycle Genes Using CRISPR Gene Editing
From microorganisms to humans, having precise control over when and how often our cells divide is essential. This is a complex process in all organisms, with dozens of proteins being responsible for the division process itself, not to mention all the genes and proteins necessary to safeguard the process. When any of these processes or safeguards go awry, cells might fail to replicate or replicate with reckless abandon. The former can lead to a stagnation of cell growth, while the latter can have far-reaching effects such as cancer. With such relevance to human health, scientists have studied the proteins and processes that underlie this important process for decades – but fear not, there is plenty left to be discovered.
In SSPI’s Summer Science Program in Cell Biology, you will learn the basics of DNA manipulation and gene editing, identify a cell cycle gene that needs additional study, and carry out CRISPR-based gene editing of that gene. If your edits are successful and able to be validated, you’re free to move on to analyze the downstream effects the disruption of your target gene edit had on our model organism (the common yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Your team might find that your target enzyme functions similarly to another well-studied enzyme, that disruption of your gene has a significant effect on the cell cycle, that its removal had little-to-no effect, or a variety of other possible conclusions. While the literature might provide hints, it is up to you and your group to do the research and get the answers.
A Preview of the Experience
You will work with a team of three to learn the basics of molecular biology and CRISPR gene editing. This, along with gaining familiarity with scientific literature, will empower your group to propose a cell cycle gene to target. Targeting this gene using CRISPR is no small feat, but each group will make their own guide RNA, proceed through the full CRISPR protocol, and verify that their edits hit the desired target. By the mid-point of the program, you will largely be self-sufficient – carrying out your gene edits, characterizing the downstream changes to cell physiology, and drawing correlations between your results and published work.
Summer Science Program faculty will teach the underlying science and hands-on techniques that teams will use in their research, including:
- Cell Biology: aseptic technique, cell culture, transformation, and phenotypic and genotypic characterization of yeast
- Molecular biology: genomic DNA and plasmid DNA extraction and characterization, PCR and PCR cleanup, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes, guide RNA design, and CRISPR gene editing
- Instrumentation: micropipettes, microplate readers, light and fluorescent microscopy, e-lab notebook software
- Bioinformatics: online tools to identify and characterize potential gene targets, design CRISPR guide RNAs, and perform sequence analysis
- Academic reading, writing, and presenting: data visualization, journal article comprehension and summary, collaborative manuscript authorship, collaborative poster authorship and defense