Presenter(s)

Khadija Fatima

Comments

Presentation: 9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and fatal forms of brain cancer. Despite the multiple advances in treatment, median survival is only about 15 months upon diagnosis. Hence, multiple studies have been conducted to further our understanding of GBM tumor biology and the mechanisms underlying its malignancy. I am particularly interested in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of GBM cells that have been shown to enhance its migratory and invasive capabilities. In this study, I aim to investigate the specific effect of TGFβ inhibitor, SB-431542, on the EMT as well as other aberrant outcomes. Using the non-adherent method and microfluidic technology, I can generate a model of three dimensional GBM spheroids surrounded by physical constrictions, which mimics the GBM tumor microenvironment. The TGFβ inhibitor will be introduced and the resulting sprouting and migrating behaviors of the invasive cells will be quantified. I hypothesize a detectable decrease in the level of invasion among the treated spheroids compared to the control. Furthermore, I plan to isolate the cells for transcriptomic analysis, particularly on the mRNA expression of EMT-related genes. The findings of this proposed study will broaden our knowledge of the complexity of EMT and its role in GBM cancer development and metastasis. Moreover, I hope my work will provide the means to improve therapies that can inhibit cancer cell dissemination in GBM patients.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Loan T. Bui

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship

Understanding the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Glioblastoma Multiforme on a Microfluidic Model

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