Home Department: Human Biology
Mentor: James Chen, Chemical & Systems Biology and Development Biology

ARHGAP36 is highly expressed in certain forms of medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Why ARHGAP36 is upregulated in these pediatric malignancies remains unknown, and Olivia will investigate whether ARHGAP36 promotes the differentiation of these cancer cells or maintains them in a stem cell-like state. Her studies will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive these deadly childhood cancers and assess the potential of ARHGAP36 as a therapeutic target.