California State University, San Bernardino
Presenter: Richard Corsey, California State University, San Bernardino
Project: Using gene editing technology and AI to advance scientific investigation
Description of the project: My research objectives are to determine the multiple mutations present in the original ypt7-38 allele using thermal self-regulation technology and diagnostic genetic approaches that incorporate temperature shifts, fluorescent dyes, and molecular readouts. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, vesicle and membrane fusion events at endosomes and lysosomes are regulated by the Rab GTPase Ypt7, the ortholog of human Rab7, which controls the delivery of proteins and membranes for lysosomal degradation. Eukaryotic cells are defined by membrane-bound compartments known as organelles, and Rab GTPase signaling proteins function at organelle membranes to regulate fusion between transport vesicles and target compartments. When bound to GTP, Rabs are in their active state and recruit membrane tethers and fusion factors; when bound to GDP, they are inactive.
The temperature-sensitive allele ypt7-38 was generated through random mutagenesis, yet its exact nucleotide sequence has not been reported. To resolve this, genomic DNA will be extracted from candidate ypt7-38 strains and amplified using thermocycler-based gene replication technology. The resulting products will be analyzed using polar-mediated diffusion and fluorescent labeling techniques to identify sequence variations and assess their functional relevance under different temperature conditions. These experimental methods provide students with direct, hands-on experience using advanced molecular biology technologies, including thermocyclers, fluorescence-based diagnostics, and temperature-regulated genetic assays.
In parallel, AI-assisted analytical tools will be used to support data interpretation and experimental design. Machine-learning–based pattern recognition and structured journal analysis will help correlate mutation profiles with observed temperature-sensitive phenotypes and vesicle trafficking defects. These analytics-driven approaches not only enhance experimental accuracy but also enable the development of new academic initiatives by training undergraduate researchers to integrate computational analysis with wet-lab experimentation. Understanding and contextualizing prior research through AI-assisted literature analysis is essential for interpreting results and preparing students to engage critically with complex biological data. Overall, this research will advance scientific investigation by combining gene editing, thermal regulation, and AI-assisted analysis to dissect Rab-mediated membrane trafficking. Insights gained from the ypt7-38 allele will not only clarify fundamental mechanisms of vesicle fusion in yeast and human disease; in addition, to active hands-on learning with advanced technologies and the use of data analytics to shape research-driven academic development.
Biography:
My name is Richard Corsey. I’m a senior at California State University, San Bernardino, double-majoring in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. I have been a research student for a little over a year and a half, which has given me great opportunities to work on active research projects across various scientific and medical topics. In addition to hands-on work with today’s prevailing technology across different fields, jumpstarting my research career insight and advancing my practical hands-on knowledge.