Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cancer Research
Briana Spruill-Harrell - Norfolk State University
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in women. Due to the lack of symptoms and early screening tests, ovarian cancer is diagnosed at more advanced stages resulting in high mortality rates. Most ovarian cancer are non-responsive to cisdiammine-dichloro-platinum, or cisplatin, one of the most potent antitumor agents in chemotherapy. This drug targets DNA replication during cellular repair of damaged DNA as well as activates apoptosis. Cisplatin has an initial response rate of 70%, however treatment only results in a 5-year patient survival rate of 15-20%. In this study, we evaluate biological responses of cisplatin-resistant and parental cells. Ovarian cancer cell line, Caov-3 response to cisplatin is assessed by dose-curve experiments. Resistant cells are generated by exposure to sub-lethal dose of cisplatin. Biological responses of parental and cisplatin-resistant cells are evaluated in the absence or presence of lysophosphatic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid that is highly expressed in ovarian cancer patients. Our long-term goal is to identify novel cellular targets that may drive chemoresistance in ovarian cancer subtypes.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): WBHR-LSAMP Grant (Howard and NSU) P2040007
Faculty Advisor: Regina Oyesanya, raoyesanya@nsu.edu
Role: I had hands on with the whole research project. I cultured cells, did the MTT assay and assisted my advisor with the wound closure assay.