CUR(E)ating a new approach to study fungal effectors and enhance undergraduate education through authentic research.

Autor: Li G; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., McWilliams M; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Rodrigues M; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Mearkle B; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Jaafar N; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Golla V; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Yu H; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Yang H; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Ayhan DH; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Allen K; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Martínez-Soto D; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Springer A; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA., Ma LJ; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.; Plant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [Biochem Mol Biol Educ] 2024 Jan-Feb; Vol. 52 (1), pp. 6-14. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Sep 13.
DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21783
Abstrakt: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) integrate active, discovery-based learning into undergraduate curricula, adding tremendous value to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) education. There are multiple challenges in transforming a research project into a CURE, such as the readiness of students, the time commitment of the instructor, and the productivity of the research. In this article, we report a CURE course developed and offered in the University of Massachusetts Amherst BMB Department since 2018 that addresses these challenges. Our CURE focuses on fungal effectors which are proteins secreted by a destructive pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, one of the top five most devastating plant pathogens. By studying this group of proteins, students are connected to real-world problems and participate in the search for potential solutions. A 3-week "standard Boot Camp" is implemented to help students familiarize themselves with all basic techniques and boost their confidence. Next, molecular cloning, a versatile technique with modularity and repeatability, is used as the bedrock of the course. Our past 5 years of experience have confirmed that we have developed a novel and feasible CURE protocol. Measurable progress documented by students who took this course includes stimulated active learning and increased career trajectory to pursue hypothesis-based research to address societal needs. In addition, data generated through the course advance ongoing lab research. Collectively, we encourage the implementation of CURE among research-intensive faculty to provide a more inclusive research experience to undergraduate students, an important element in predicting career success.
(© 2023 The Authors. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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