Home Department: Computer Science
Mentor: Michelle Monje (Pediatric Neurology)

“Adrenergic Neurons of the Locus Coeruleus Promote Diffuse Midline Glioma Growth"

Adrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus promote diffuse midline glioma growth. Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is an exceptionally lethal pediatric brain cancer. Recent work has identified synaptic connections between glioma cells and their surrounding neurons, suggesting that neuronal activity is a contributor to glioma progression. However, despite these advancements in understanding, survival is still low, with most patients dying within a year of diagnosis. Natalie’s project aims to further explore the relationship between DMG and norepinephrine (NE) secreted from adrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus to better understand the mechanism by which NE aids glioma progression and identify possible therapeutic targets.