Home Department: Biology
2020 Mentor: Sharon Pitteri (Radiology)
2021 Mentor: Sergiu Pasca (Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences)

2020 Research Project: “Glycoproteomic Analysis of a Patient Derived Renal Cell Carcinoma Xenograft Mouse Model for Cancer Early Detection”

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a poor prognosis for most patients, unless it is detected at an early stage. To facilitate the discovery of novel blood-based protein biomarkers for early detection of RCC, Sergey will use patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models and analyze liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data on the mouse serum and tumors, in order to identify and characterize glycoproteins that could serve as potential biomarkers for RCC.
 

2021 Research Project: “The Role of the Circadian System in Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells in Development and Disease”

Chemotherapy often results in a host of neurological deficits, including cognitive and mental health disruptions, colloquially referred to as “chemobrain”. Jacob will determine the role of the circadian system in the regulation of glial cells, which surround the neurons to support and insulate them, in the etiology of chemobrain. The characterization of this system could yield neuroprotective strategies aimed at minimizing the effects of chemobrain, and could have implications for other mental health disorders.