Major: Biology Research Department: Molecular Biology Graduation Date: December 2020 Abstract: Lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, comprising up to 25% of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Among lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) account for the vast majority of cases, and have poor prognosis. The poor outcomes of these types of cancers are partially due to the lack of actionable targets. As such, there is significant interest in identifying tumor-specific genes that can potentially serve as targets for therapy. One such gene identified by the O’Donnell lab is the novel oncogene Transmembrane Serine Protease 11B (TMPRSS11B), which is often over expressed in lung squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). The lab has previously determined that TMPRSS11B is capable oncogenic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Enforced expression of catalytically active TMPRSS11B increased colony formation as well as migration in HBECs. These phenotypic changes confirmed the oncogenic potential of the protein. TMPRSS11B has been shown to be coupled with higher levels of glycolysis, indicating less aerobic respiration. Our lab has also shown that while lactate export through Basigin and MCT4 occurs in various cells throughout the body TMPRSS11B is upregulated in tumor cells, indicating a possible actionable target. (Updegraff et al.). With this in mind, we sought to determine whether TMPRSS11B interacted directly with Basigin to facilitate lactate transport or through an intermediate substrate. Determining this facet of functioning would allow future research to better ascertain the method of functioning of TMPRSS11B. To do so, we planned to perform various knockout studies of several protein that were shown to be upregulated in similar circumstances as TMPRSS11B. Email: [email protected]
What does research mean to you? Throughout my undergraduate career as a biology major, I’ve been inundated with facts, laws, theories. This pleothora of knowledge, to me, is something we take for granted much of the time. Behind the things we “know” today, there were multitudes of individuals, labs, and groups putting in countless hours and days working painstakingly to expand the frontiers of science. Research to me is something that allows me to contribute to this ever growing accumulation of human knowledge. It allows me to put the information garnered from years in school to the test and discover things that were previously unknown. Taking that journey through the unknown and building off the work of many before me, research is my way of giving back to the field of science. Tell us about your journey. I first was introduced to research in a summer program before my freshman year of university through a research program named LEADER, offered to National Merit Finalists by UTD. I had the opportunity to join the Stefan Organic Chemistry Lab at UTD. That summer I worked full-time with an incredibly nurturing team, exploring new ways to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in order to lessen the damages with current oncological treatment. Teaching me how to critically think, problem solve, and trouble shoot unsuccessful experiments, I was amazed at the interest I gained in research in such a short amount of time. I continued in the Stefan lab for a few more years of my undergraduate degree, intrigued by the fact that I could apply the principles and knowledge gained in my various chemistry courses to my time in the Stefan lab and vice versa. When I applied to the Green Fellows Research Program, I initially went in with the mentality that it would be similar to my time at UTD. However, working full time in Dr. O’Donnell’s Molecular Biology Lab, was a completely new, and amazing, experience. I received the opportunity to push myself and truly immerse myself into research. I gained even more respect for research and hope to continue to give back to the scientific community in later years.
How did the pandemic affect me? Working in Dr. O’Donnell’s lab full time gave me a true taste of being held to a higher standard in a research environment. When we were notified of the changes due to COVID-19’s spread, my amazing PI and the rest of the lab transitioned to supporting each other online through multiple video calls weekly. We made sure to check up on each other personally as well as continually grow our knowledge of the scientific body as much as we can. Though due to the unfortunate closure of the UTSW campus, my project wasn’t able to be finished during the Green Fellows semester. However, I gained the necessary skills to critically read and analyze scientific literature, broadened my knowledge on already published work, and improved my presenting skills the time online I spent with my lab was just as valuable. Two of the graduate students in my lab, Nicole and Bethany, offered me priceless support throughout the experience, even when we were unable to meet in person. The experience, and pandemic, taught me valuable research and communicative skills but also showed me that a career in research is very cooperative, with lab groups always supporting each other.
Where am I now? As far as Alumni information and where I am now, I pre-matched to UTSW last October and I am currently in the process of getting ready to attend there this fall (so I'm an "MS0"). I graduated last December Summa Cum Laude and I hope to pursue an MD degree and graduate with the class of 2025 at UT Southwestern, and hopefully pursue a form of surgery residency: either neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, or plastic surgery.
Advice for Future Green Fellows
Try your best to develop a strong bond with your PI, graduate students, and everyone else in your lab. Everyone will support you in your development in crucial skills. Though they’ll hold you to a high standard, they all want you to succeed. This advice also applies to your fellow Green Fellows: talk about your research and get to know there’s. A research career entails communicating and presenting your work! Most of all, do not be intimidated by the change in scenery: ask questions, stay motivated, and most of all, BE CURIOUS!