Science Concepts:  protein synthesis, intracellular communication, function of the respiratory tracts, protein assays, in vitro testing, osmosis/diffusion, cell structure and function

Activities featured: simulated ELISA, construction of a dose-response curve for a chemical treatment, handling of mammalian cell cultures, construction of a standard curve/use of a spectrophotometer, interpretation of experimental data.

Standard Course of Study Objectives addressed: 1.01-1.05, 2.01-2.03, 3.01, 3.03, 3.04, 4.03, 4.04

            In 1989, the gene responsible for Cystic Fibrosis was first cloned.  Finally, the basis for the most common lethal genetic disorder in humans was known.  Since that time, research efforts have multiplied and several possible treatments are in the process of being developed.  One of those treatments was developed by a local company, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, based on research done at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

            Students attending the Biology Field Study will study the methods employed by researchers at Inspire to develop a drug for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis.  They will review the basics of cell structure and function and then look in-depth at a signaling process that is defective in CF patients and use their newfound understanding of how the disease works to propose and then evaluate a potential treatment.

            Students will become proficient with the use of a digital pipettor as they treat lung cell cultures with candidate drugs, evaluate their effects, and then present their findings to their classmates.

Student Profile