Thursday, March 27, 2008
by: Dr. Jane Ko

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has awarded Dr. Jane Ko, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, with a Year 5 grant of $162,531 for her research in the study of mu-opioid receptor gene expression.

The cellular distribution of a transcriptional regulator in a neuronal cell The genomic DNA in nucleus The overlapping nuclear area from green and red color images is shown in yellow color

This independent research grant supports Dr. Ko’s laboratory research to examine mechanisms underlying the regulation of mu-opioid receptor gene in the neuronal system using various biotechniques. For example, using the Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy, the cellular distribution of a transcriptional regulator (green color) in a neuronal cell can be visualized at single cell level. Simultaneously, the genomic DNA in nucleus (red color) can also be viewed in the same cell. The overlapping nuclear area from green and red color images is shown in yellow color. Experimental data are published in the peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as present in the local and national/international scientific meetings.

Key to the success of Dr. Ko’s research is the participation of the undergraduates, M.S. and Ph.D. students from the Department of Biological Sciences in this study. By working on federally-funded research projects, students learn valuable skills, which help them to further prepare for or grow in their professional careers as scientists. Several Seton Hall students also received presentation awards and/or travel awards to attend local, national/international scientific meetings. 

Department of Biological Sciences faculty have been successful in acquiring federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as from the State of New Jersey and several research foundations. Seton Hall University is also recognized locally, nationally and internationally for its research in the bioscience area.

For more information please contact:
Dr. Jane Ko, Assistant Professor
(973) 275-2053
kojane@shu.edu