Amareesa Robinson
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Priyan Weerappuli, Postdoctoral Scholar
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Biological and Material Sciences, School of Dentistry
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 2 (11am – 11:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 10
Presenter: 2
Abstract
This study analyzes the role neutrophils play in tumor metastasis within the context of triple negative breast cancer to investigate which genes and signaling pathways are most significant in this process. Many experiments have been conducted thus far, though the work done that is most relevant to the current study is one conducted by the Cold Spring Harbor Lab. From this, it has been clarified that there are two specific cell lines; 4T1 and 4T07 that are imperative to understand how the 4T07 lines are using these neutrophils to metastasize. It is known that neutrophils have many different abilities within cells, though this research has narrowed the focus to the production of NET’s (neutrophil extracellular traps). From this background it has been clear that the CXCR-2 ligands are significant to this promotion of tumor growth and metastasis as inhibiting this also inhibits neutrophils from entering the cell. Thus, the research currently being conducted focuses on specific signaling pathways and the manipulation of the CXCR-2 ligands. The beginning of the research conducted through this project was focused on learning about research that has already been completed and understanding where the field is currently. We then analyzed publicly-available 4T1 transcriptomic data from the Siegal Lab. This data helped identify baseline changes in 4T1 cells that distinguished cells cultured in vitro from those cultured (as tumors) in vivo. Then, the team began conducting research on signaling pathways that are significant to cancer development. Each of the individuals in the lab spent time with three to four signaling pathways with a focus on how the pathways were discovered, how the proteins function, what ligands are involved, how the downstream pathway occurs, and the role this pathway may play in the production (directly or indirectly) of CXCR-1/2 ligands.
Authors: Amareesa Robinson, Guneet Shah, Priyan Weerappuli
Research Method: Qualitative Study
