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LEAP! Launch into Education About Pharmacology: Transforming Students into Scientists
Table 2
Method Templates Developed for LEAP High School Student Researcha
| Template Title | Template Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular | |
| Gene Expression During Inflammation | Changes in the expression of inflammatory genes can be monitored using real-time quantitative RT-PCR techniques. Inflammation is stimulated in cultured mouse macrophage cell lines using bacterial lipopolysaccharide. This method can be used to examine genes that may modulate inflammation. |
| Mutation-Sensitive Gene Expression in Bacteria | Bacterial colonies (Serratia marcescens) change color from red to white when a mutation interrupts expression of the pigment-encoding gene (prodigiosin). The frequency of red and white colonies can be quantified. Environmental exposures (including UV light) and toxicants can be assayed for their potential to induce mutations in these bacteria. |
| Cellular | |
| Migration of Cancer Cells | Migration of tumor cells (metastasis) can be modeled in cultured cancer cells. Cells maintained in nutrient-free media migrate through pores in transwell dishes to reach a nutrient-rich environment. Relative potential of compounds to reduce cell movement can be examined. |
| Cell Proliferation in Cultured Cell Models of Cancer | Cells labeled with a fluorescent dye (CSFE) can be sorted by size and fluorescence intensity using flow cytometry. Fluorescence intensity quantifies cell proliferation because CFSE is evenly diluted among daughter cells with each round of mitosis. Mitogenic compounds induce proliferation of normal cultured cells, whereas compounds with growth inhibitory potential can be tested in cancer cell models. |
| Growth Inhibition in Bacteria | Growth inhibition of bacteria in culture can be quantified by measuring the radius of inhibition from the site of drug application. The disc diffusion method is used to apply compounds with potential antibacterial properties in gram positive or negative bacterial strains. |
| Behavioral | |
| Acoustic Startle Response in Zebrafish | The acoustic–startle response in larval zebrafish (3–6 days) can model damage to neurons in the vestibular system. This method can be used to test the neuroprotective potential of compounds against oxidative damage to the zebrafish neuromast. |
| Swim Stress in Zebrafish | The amount of time a fish spends swimming in the bottom third of a novel tank can be measured as an index of stress and anxiety. Fish are observed over a 5-minute interval following drug treatment. Compounds with anxiolytic potential can be examined in adult zebrafish. |
| Learning & Memory in Zebrafish | Learning and memory is modeled in the adult zebrafish using a position discrimination task. Fish are trained to swim against their naturally preferred direction in a 10-trial training paradigm. Latency to learn and accuracy of choice are subsequently measured in 10 test trials. This method can assay compounds with memory-enhancing potential. |
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↵a The eight method templates developed in the LEAP program for use by high school student participants are detailed online (www.rise.duke.edu/leap).
