2023 Undergraduate Summer Studentship
Project title: Investigating the oncolytic mechanisms behind reovirus variants containing mutations in the σ1 cell attachment protein
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
Reoviruses are unique because they will specifically kill cancer cells but are harmless to healthy cells. They are currently being investigated as a cancer treatment, but results have been far from ideal in fighting cancer. The Shmulevitz lab had previously found a subset of reoviruses that contain modifications in the protein responsible for binding to cancer cells and initiating its killing, which has resulted in promoting increased destruction of cancer cells. The overall objective of this project is to determine how these modifications improve reovirus cancer killing abilities and further enhance reovirus as a cancer treatment.
What impact do you hope this project makes once completed?
Numerous clinical trials have investigated wild-type reovirus as an oncolytic (cancer killing) virus for cancer therapy, but its performance has been underwhelming. By understanding the mechanisms of how genetic modifications can enhance the reovirus’s ability to kill cancer cells, we can exploit the reovirus for greater success as an oncolytic therapy. Furthermore, these modifications may be combined with other cancer therapies in a synergistic approach to fight cancer.
How will the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology help you?
The support from the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology provides me the opportunity to be a full-time summer student and devote 100% of my efforts into my project of characterizing the oncolytic ability of reovirus. I have always been fascinated with the contradiction of oncolytic viruses. The initial thought surrounding viruses is a negative notion of causing harm. On the otherhand, the reovirus can be used as a potential treatment for killing cancer cells.
This opportunity will help establish my career and further my curiosity and interest in scientific research. Additionally, by being in the Shmulevitz lab, with the hands-on laboratory training and introduction to numerous methods in virology, I will enhance my technical skills, critical analysis, diligence and independence as a scientist. I will also improve my oral communication and presentation skills by presenting my results at lab meetings and local conferences, while also learning how to effectively integrate constructive feedback to improve my project. All the skills and knowledge that I will acquire over the summer will ultimately prepare me for future research aspirations in immunology and infection.
What first attracted you to science?
What attracted me specifically to science is the overall end goal — how you’re trying to find an explanation for something that no one has ever considered or thought about before. I compare it to an example of trying to discover a new colour — I personally do not know where to even begin doing that. In reality, there’s so much that we don’t know compared to what is known. I just find science research fascinating in trying to find answers to the unknown.
What is something your colleagues do not know about you?
I was actually born on Christmas, as well as on my Mom's birthday! So my Mom and I are both Christmas babies!
What is one thing you cannot live without?
I absolutely cannot live without ice cream — it’s my favourite dessert! My perfect combination is anything chocolatey or fudgy with brownies and nuts!