Home Department: undeclared
Mentor: Julien Sage, Pediatrics (Hematology & Oncology)

The retinoblastoma (RB) gene is a crucial tumor suppressor that regulates cell cycle progression. It has been shown from previous studies that the loss of RB function in humans and mouse models leads to cancer initiation and progression. While there have been numerous studies regarding RB’s cellular function with other proteins in various pathways, there continue to be gaps in understanding RB’s effect on aging and tumor formation. Alex is analyzing the phenotypic effects in mice models caused by varying different levels of RB expression throughout their lives. The study will help in the development of therapeutic methods for humans to slow the effects of aging or prolong tumor development through the manipulation of RB gene expression.