Home Department: Engineering
Mentor: Michelle Monje (Pediatric Neurology)

“Investigating the Influence of Neurons on IDH Mutant Glioma Proliferation"

This project investigates neuronal influence on proliferation of IDH mutant gliomas, which make up most brain cancers in adults under 50. While previous research has shown how neuronal hyperexcitability can influence tumor growth, the relationship between neurons and IDH mutant gliomas remains unclear. Linh will analyze RNA sequencing data to identify genes responsive to neuronal activity and test whether factors secreted by stimulated neurons influence glioma growth using conditioned media and mouse models with optogenetics. The results will reveal how the tumor microenvironment, particularly neuronal activity, influences glioma growth, paving the way for developing more targeted therapies for brain tumors.