Helen Satsu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Lauren Surface
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prothodontics / Dentistry
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Lauren Surface, Helen SaTsu
Presenter: 96
Abstract
Osteoporosis and bone diseases affect more than half of the U.S. population that is over the age of 50, and, often, these conditions reduce the quality of life for patients greatly. Bisphosphonates are a commonly prescribed drug to treat osteoporosis, however, its recent sales have plummeted by about half due to fearful notions about the drug’s rare, but traumatic, side effects. This study will investigate the role of FOXK1 and NFIC genes on the impact of bisphosphonates. Loss of these genes sensitizes cells to the effects of bisphosphonates. Our study investigates the relationship between these genes and the mechanisms by which bisphosphonates act. In this study we have utilized osteoclast-like cells that have one of the two genes knocked out. Our results suggest that loss of FOXK1 leads to an increased flux in the mevalonate pathway. Treating cells with bisphosphonates during this increased flux causes build up of a toxic metabolite that can damage DNA. This study will expand the current understanding of the mechanisms of bisphosphonates and bone physiology, two topics that have little research. It may also provide a way to improve bone disease treatment, so that patients can have a safer and effective option to mitigate their conditions.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary
