Meet Casey Wing
Major: Biochemistry
Graduation Year: May 2016 Field of Study: Pathology Abstract: Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a key component of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS). MBP exhibits high microheterogeneity due to alternative splicing and numerous post-translational modifications (PTMs). Anomalous PTM/splicing combinations may drive the pathophysiology of demyelination and remyelination in the autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis (MScl). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model used to recapitulate mechanisms of MScl in rodentsl; however, rodent models do not perfectly reflect the human condition. For example, MScl primarily affects the brain in human patients, while EAE tends to target the spine in rodent models. We hypothesize that MBP microheterogeneity differences between the spine and brain may promote tissue-specific responses observed in rats and humans. We will begin to examine this hypothesis with a unique top-down mass spectrometry workflow. First, we optimized isolation of MBP to allow for interrogation of lesion-sized (~1 mm3) tissue. We then assessed MBP proteoform variation in rat brain and spine tissues. |
My Experience:
The Green Fellowship was my first true research experience in a lab setting, and there were many "learning moments" for me. Going in, I already knew that the life of a researcher isn't filled with novel discoveries left and right, but I hadn't really known how involved certain aspects of research can be. Because the research we conducted is so novel, we needed to develop the protocols used for tissue preparation, which was a rigorous and demanding process. However, it challenged me to think critically about variables affecting the quality of my work and improved my research skills significantly. Although the research I was involved in was slightly different than what I had originally had in mind, it enlightened me to the fact that I enjoy the more analytical aspects of science and gave me new direction for my future in research. Dr. Patrie was very encouraging and supportive, and I was very lucky to work in his lab during the Green Fellowship. Although the research I was involved in was slightly different than what I had originally had in mind, it enlightened me to the fact that I enjoy the more analytical aspects of science and gave me new direction for my future in research.
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My Advice:
Never be afraid to ask questions. There is a lot to learn when you are going into a new lab, and asking questions shows your interest in the lab’s research. Also, make sure you share your ideas. Not everyone will agree with your suggestions all the time, but when they do, it feels so rewarding! Finally, be sure you are reading papers and thinking about your poster from day one. You don’t need to have every aspect planned out, but it certainly helps if you have a plan early on.
Never be afraid to ask questions. There is a lot to learn when you are going into a new lab, and asking questions shows your interest in the lab’s research. Also, make sure you share your ideas. Not everyone will agree with your suggestions all the time, but when they do, it feels so rewarding! Finally, be sure you are reading papers and thinking about your poster from day one. You don’t need to have every aspect planned out, but it certainly helps if you have a plan early on.