Research
Current Work
Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma
PI - Jack Shern, MD
During my research tenure at the NIH's Medical Research Scholars Program, I've been deeply engaged in investigating a significant mutation in rhabdomyosarcoma. This mutation holds significant clinical relevance due to its strong correlation with a markedly increased mortality rate, with affected patients often succumbing within a mere two years.
To unravel the complexities of this mutation, I've employed advanced techniques such as CRISPR-edited iPSCs and directed differentiation. Additionally, I've incorporated the use of immortalized muscle satellite cells for specific segments of my study. These methodologies allow for a detailed examination of the mutation's influence at both the genetic and cellular levels.
While my earlier research laid a foundation in galectins and their implications in oncology, my current endeavors at the NIH represent a deep dive into the specifics of oncogenic mutations, furthering my experience in this domain.
The goal of this research is not just academic. With the potential to significantly enhance our comprehension of the oncogenic mechanisms of the mutation, the findings could pave the way for more effective therapeutic targeting, potentially altering the prognosis for patients affected by this mutation in rhabdomyosarcoma.
Previous Work
Galectins and Cancer
PI - Dr. Anna Blenda, PhD
During my tenure with Dr. Anna Blenda, our collaborative efforts centered on investigating galectins as potential biomarkers for cancer. A significant portion of our research dissected the serum levels of various galectins in patients with breast, lung, and colon cancer. Notably, we discerned associations between heightened galectin concentrations and certain mutations, like the KIT proto-oncogene in breast and non-small cell lung cancer patients. Additionally, we found particular galectins showing consistent increases across all stages of breast, colon, and lung cancer, suggesting their roles early in the disease's pathogenesis. One of our promising leads was the potential finding of a novel marker for squamous cell lung carcinoma.
Throughout this research journey, I've had the privilege of authoring two first-author publications, presenting our findings at several renowned conferences, including AACR, and receiving numerous accolades. Our work, spanning from probing serum galectin profiles to integrating multifaceted cancer patient data in a relational database, has consistently aimed to refine our understanding of cancer's molecular intricacies. This, in turn, we hope would pave the way for improved diagnostics, prognostics, and tailored treatment approaches.
Acetaminophen Toxicology
PI - Dr. Derrick Glasco
During my undergraduate studies, I deeply investigated the effects of acetaminophen, a common analgesic, on early embryonic development using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model. While prior research had primarily focused on its effects on liver development, our study specifically centered on its potential impact on craniofacial cartilage development. Our research revealed that high, non-lethal doses of acetaminophen led to significant craniofacial cartilage defects, particularly in the cartilages derived from the pharyngeal arches of the viscerocranium. Our findings, published in the MDPI Journal of Developmental Biology, proposed that high levels of acetaminophen might endanger various aspects of craniofacial development in zebrafish.
