School: Experience Academy at Foster High School
City: Tukwila, WA
Grades taught: 9-12 (Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, Algebra, Geometry)

Principle Investigator: Debbie Nickerson, Ph.D.
Department: Genome Sciences
Institution: University of Washington

Project Description
The Nickerson lab is focused on identifying and typing Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to gain understanding of genetic variation as it relates to numerous topics such as drug addiction and disease.

My research focused on two aspects: Background research for the StarNet Staff for the grant renewal process, and sequencing the FAAH gene.

First, the background research: The current StarNet project involves teachers spending a week getting trained in DNA sequencing, then using the knowledge and a kit on loan, taking the sequencing to their classrooms. The new grant will focus on genotyping using a technique known as reverse-dot-blot assay. PTC tasting is being used as a model to prove the efficacy of the technique, with the hope of using the technique in the classroom setting to genotype genes relevant to drug addiction.

Second, the FAAH gene: Our brain and nervous system have many receptors for endogenous ligands. One of these ligands is anandamide, which binds to the Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. Yes, that Cannabinoid receptor; one of the destinations of THC from marijuana. FAAH, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, is responsible for the degradation of anandamide after attachment to the CB1 receptor. Sipe et al identified a SNP within the FAAH gene that has a possible link with problem drug use. The SNP (385 C à A) converts a conserved proline residue (129) to threonine. I worked with two scientists in the Nickerson Lab, Bob Livingston, Ph.D. and J. Tucker Jackson, to sequence the FAAH gene and look for linkages with the 385 SNP and identify other areas of interest.

The data analysis continued after I left, and the final results are yet to be published.

Bibliography:
Sipe JC, Chiang K, Gerber A, Beutler E, Cravatt BF (2002).  A missense mutation in hyman fatty acid amide hydrolase associated with problem drug use. Proc Natl Acad Sci 99: 8394-8399.

Acknowledgements
Thanks to all of the eclectic and unique folks at the Nickerson Lab for allowing me to intrude on their space for the summer. Specifically: Chris Carlson, Ph.D., for answering my ubiquitous questions; Bob Livingston, Ph.D., for teaching me to analyze the DNA Chromatograms for sequencing; J. Tucker Jackson, for helping with the actual sequencing; and Debbie Nickerson, Ph.D., for being a gracious host and mentor. Thanks also to Maureen Munn, Ph.D. and Kristi Martinez of the StarNet Program for the opportunity to work on such a great project.