Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cancer Research
Nadya Ali - Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine
Co-Author(s): Long Hung and Shahab Asgharzadeh, American Pediatric Society & Society for Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Neuroblastoma is an embryonic tumor that most commonly affects children under 15 years of age. Although the underlying biology of the disease remains unknown, previous data has shown that a metabolic enzyme, 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) plays a role in certain types of neuroblastoma cancers. The goal of this project was to establish a model with neuroblastoma cell lines that will allow for genetic manipulation and further mechanistic studies. An additional goal was to understand the role of PHGDH in the pathogenesis of non-amplified MYC neuroblastoma. To do this, we silenced the PHGDH gene in non-amplified MYC neuroblastoma cell lines, and subsequently looked at the protein and mRNA levels of the enzyme and other potentially affected proteins and metabolites. These results will allow for a target molecule to be manipulated as a potential therapeutic tool for neuroblastoma.
Not SubmittedFunder Acknowledgement(s): American Pediatric Society & Society for Pediatric Research
Faculty Advisor: Long Hung, Lung@chla.usc.edu