Hyewon Lee - Advisor, Hang Lu, PhD
"Quantitative Screening of C. elegans using Microfluidic Devices and Adaptive Algorithm"

Forward genetic screening is a powerful tool to identify components in pathways in model organisms such as the nematode C. elegans. We use a single-layer microlfuidic device and quantitative analysis to screen a large number of animals in a high-throughput manner. This technology allows us to identify rare mutants that are difficult to find by eye. In a screen, we found many mutants that act to regulate tryptophan hydroxylase. 

Catera Wilder - Advisor, Manu Platt, PhD

"Fight for the Niche: Invasive Breast Cancer Cells Influence Msc Differentiation and Survival in a Co-Culture Model"

When metastatic tumors reach the bone marrow the cancer cells will alter the microenvironment to promote their survival. Studies have shown a link between increased fatty bone marrow and a risk of cancer. The protease cathepsin K is associated with adipocyte differentiation and is upregulated in cancer. We hypothesized that cancer cells are promoting adipogenesis using cathepsin remodeling of the ECM as a mechanism to alter the microenvironment. 

The Graduate and Post-Doc (GaP) Seminar Series is a weekly event of research presentations by two graduate students or post-docs conducting bio-related research.  The series is organized and sponsored by the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) with additional support from the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. It is held every Wednesday at 12:00pm in IBB 1128 and refreshments are provided. If your research group or department would like to present at future seminars, please contact Manu Platt, PhD at manu.platt@bme.gatech.edu.