Congratulations to our lab members who won the outstanding poster presentation at the 2024 Trailblazer Symposium!
Avery Zentner, Kasia Poulson, Syrus Miner, & Yu-chien Liu
Generation and Characterization of a Zebrafish 4H Leukodystrophy Model
Reagan McKee & Reign Kreiger
Freeze Response Proteins and Zebrafish Development
2024 Microscope training
Lab exercise
2023 April Lab luncheon
2023 Dr. Smith and Mr. Sainsbury
Courses
BTEC 2050 - Zebrafish Maintenance and Methodology
This course will give a broad introduction to zebrafish husbandry, maintenance, breeding, egg collection, and embryo microscopy. It will prepare students for advanced functional genomics coursework and research.
BTEC 3050 - Gene Knockout: RNA Interference & CRISPR
This course will introduce foundational techniques of gene knockout using the CRISPR/Cas9 System. Students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of techniques and carry out several experiments using CRISPR/Cas9. This class will prepare students for advanced functional genomics coursework and research.
BTEC 4050 - In Situ Hybridization
This course will introduce foundational techniques of in situ hybridization, and provide applied lab experiences in identifying abnormal phenotypes using in situ hybridization techniques. It will prepare students for advanced functional genomics coursework and research.
BTEC 4060 - Variant Validation in Zebrafish
This applied lab allows students to perform a functional genomics validation experiment in the zebrafish model. Students will be given a variant of unknown significance identified by hospital collaborators, and will carry out all steps required to validate the variant of unknown significance including: zebrafish mating and effective collection, microinjection, microscopic and in situ hybridization identification of phenotype, knockout rescue and variant validation.
Research projects
4H Leukodystrophy
4H leukodystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that affects the white matter of the brain, leading to its progressive degeneration. This disorder is characterized by four significant symptoms: hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Its symptoms usually develop during infancy or early childhood and include developmental delays, motor impairments, seizures, and cognitive decline.
The disorder is caused by mutations in genes such as POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR3K, POLR3G, and POLR1C, which disrupt the function of RNA polymerase III, crucial for cellular processes. Due to it is incurable severity, our research team is focusing on generating zebrafish models to understand the pathological mechanisms of the disorder better. We also conduct compound screening to discover therapeutic drugs for individuals and families with rare genetic conditions.
Wolfram Syndrome (DIDMOAD)
Wolfram syndrome, also known as DIDMOAD (Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness), is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus and progressive optic atrophy. It is caused by mutations in the WFS1 gene (WS1), which encodes the protein Wolframin, and in some cases, by mutations in the CISD2 gene (WS2).
The syndrome presents a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness, with additional features such as neurodegeneration, renal anomalies, and primary gonadal atrophy. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for WS2. Our team aims to uncover the pathological mechanisms for discovering therapeutic drugs.
Validation of Gene Variants
Validation of gene variants is a crucial aspect of scientific inquiry, which ensures the accurate interpretation of genetic data. Various rigorous methodologies, such as PCR, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing, are utilized to identify and confirm these variants.
Functional assays are also important as they help in understanding the effects of these variants on gene expression, protein function, and cellular pathways. The validation processes help maintain data integrity, thereby enabling robust conclusions in the field of genomics research and clinical diagnostics.
Gene Function in Neural Development
Gene function in neural development orchestrates the construction of the central nervous system. Genes regulate crucial processes like cell proliferation, migration, and synapse formation. They specify neuronal cell types, ensuring precise neural circuit assembly.
Dynamic gene expression refines connections, guiding axons and modulating synapses for adaptability and learning. Dysregulation leads to neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding gene roles illuminates brain complexity and disorder origins, offering therapeutic avenues.
Our Team
Hung-Yu Shih
Principle Investigator
Dr. Hung-Yu, Principal Investigator and molecular geneticist, serves as an assistant professor in Utah Tech University’s Department of Biological Sciences. Following his degree from Chang Gung University (Taiwan) and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Utah, he balances his academic career with fishing, gardening, and family meals.
Yu-Chien Liu
Program coordinator
Research: Yu-Chien Liu focuses on establishing zebrafish disease models of Wolfram Syndrome 2 while mentoring undergraduates in biotechniques for zebrafish care and lab maintenance.
Bio: Taiwan-native Liu coordinates Utah Tech University’s Zebrafish Research Lab, enjoying basketball, badminton, and volleyball, which balance her work and foster collaborations.
Avery Zentner
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Avery is primarily focusing on the role of polr3a dysfunction in the progression of 4H Leukodystrophy disease.
Bio: Avery, raised in Alpine, Utah, is an undergraduate pre-med student studying biomedical sciences at Utah Tech University. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, reading, boating, and making ceramic art.
Syrus Miner
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Syrus Miner is working on developing the 4H-Leukodystrophy zebrafish model through polr3b mutation.
Bio: Syrus Miner is from Northern Utah and is currently an undergraduate pre-med student studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He enjoys riding his bike and eating delicious food.
Kaisa Poulson
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Kasia is characterizing zebrafish in the 4H leukodystrophy model, investigating hypomyelination causes and pituitary gland effects.
Bio: Originally from Brighton, Colorado, Kasia is an undergraduate Biology student who enjoys running and spending quality time with her family.
Corbin Arnold
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Corbin, a new undergraduate research assistant, he’s learning about lab projects while practicing laboratory techniques, and aiming to contribute more with experience.
Bio: From Los Angeles, relocated to Utah in 2020, this pre-med student aspires to become a surgeon. He’s also a Star Wars enthusiast who enjoys fitness and outdoor activities.
Marli Wakefield
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Marli, a new undergraduate research assistant, is learning about various lab projects and experiments. She hopes to contribute more significantly once she gains sufficient practice and experience.
Bio: Born and raised in Mesquite, Nevada, Marli is an undergraduate pre-med student studying Biomedical Sciences at Utah Tech University. She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Ashton Gardner
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Ashton, a new undergraduate research assistant, is learning about various lab projects and experiments. He hopes to contribute more significantly once he gains sufficient practice and experience.
Bio: From Enterprise, Utah, Ashton is an undergraduate pre-med student studying Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish at Utah Tech University. He enjoys playing basketball and spending time with family.
Troy Webb
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Troy, a new undergraduate research assistant, is currently learning about various lab projects. He is practicing cutting-edge techniques aiming to contribute to the research.
Bio: Born in Wyoming and raised in Utah, Troy studies Biomedical Science at Utah Tech University. Aspiring to become a pediatrician, he enjoys camping, hiking, exercising, and spending time with loved ones.
Tyler Kline
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Tyler is a new undergraduate research student who is currently learning the research projects and techniques used in the lab.
Bio: From St. George, Utah, Tyler recently earned a BFA in theatre with an acting emphasis from the University of Utah. Completing pre-med prerequisites at Utah Tech, he plans to attend medical school. He enjoys family time, acting, music, and writing.
David Shropshall
Undergraduate researcher
Research: Dave explores controllable methodologies for stroma regulation in desert agriculture, studying molecular and environmental factors to enhance tomato crop resilience across various climates.
Bio: Former surfer, military veteran, and music industry professional, Dave now pursues plant science as a chemistry major, tending his greenhouse while enjoying golf.
Former members
Youssef Harraq
Rosemary Mwithiga
Kaleb Corbett
Raul Ruiz
Reagan McKee
Reign Krieger
Jared Thiriot
Isadora Mageo
Isabel Rhodes
Office Hours
Sunday
- Closed.
Monday
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
- Closed.
Contact Us
The Shih Lab is always seeking new opportunities for collaboration with potential partners in the academic and industry sectors. We also share our fish lines and materials for other researchers to use in their projects. If you are interested in working together or would like to request research materials, please contact us via phone, or email.
Hung-Yu Shih, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Email: hung.yu.shih@utahtech.edu
Phone: 435-652-7752
Office: SET 510