2022 Undergraduate Summer Studentship
Project title: Investigating secreted glycoproteins in breast cancer
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
The objective of the project is to understand the development of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells are actively secreting vesicles which contain polysialic acid (PolySia), a sugar molecule with an established correlation to low estimated chances of recovery from disease. The first part of the project investigates if a newly discovered protein — QSOX2 — with PolySia properties, is linked with breast cancer. This will be done through assessing the levels of this protein in breast cancer cells. Secondly, the project will focus on determining the role of PolySia in the suppression of the human immune system. This part will involve the isolation of PolySia from cancer cells followed by subsequent testing with immune cells.
What impact do you hope this project makes once completed?
We hope to confirm the presence of polysialic acid in a recently discovered protein associated with breast cancer and to understand how polysialic acid can potentially attenuate the anti-tumor response. Results from this lab will contribute to the overall knowledge in the mechanism behind cancer and the immune system which will undoubtedly be integrated with the work of many other researchers throughout the world.
How will the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology help you?
The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology is a valuable outlet to establish connections with other researchers and scientists who share similar interests in specific sub-sections of biology. These connections allow me to better understand the intricacies of biology and gain a finer appreciation for the entire field.
What is it about your field of study that speaks to you?
I am currently studying immunology and infection. Learning about the battle between the immune system and pathogens, as if it was a physical confrontation, is personally appealing to me. Growing up, I had an interest in historical events and understanding the adjustments that nations make in accordance to the challenges they face. However, the idea of our body and microbes acting as objective conscious beings with the goal of transmitting their genetic information combines my passion in both science and history.
What is your favorite distraction or hobby?
Chess! I have spent countless hours playing and studying the game. Whenever I’m free (or more likely, procrastinating), I load up a game online or head over to my local chess club. My dad introduced me to the game when I was 8 years old, and ever since, I have competed both nationally and internationally. Something about the game speaks to me and I hope that one day, I can teach the game to my children as well.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
Oxygen, duh. Just kidding. I don’t think I can live without the Internet. Although living without social media would be painful, the real killer would be not accessing the vast amount of knowledge that the Internet offers. Often, I like to read material I find online, whether it be scientific papers or news articles. Even if I could potentially find those offline, I find that reading other people’s thoughts on certain topics gives me a much deeper understanding.