Team Leader
Hasara Abeygunaratne
Texas A&M University
Cell Biology of Genetics
hasara.a@tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of grade IV brain cancer. It is extremely difficult to treat and often returns even after therapy. Microglia — the brain’s resident immune cells — play a major role in driving GBM growth, therapy resistance, and tumor recurrence. Microglia make up over 30% of the tumor mass and are hijacked by GBM cells to suppress anti-tumor immunity and remodel brain tissue to promote invasion. This project investigates how NF-κB-Inducing Kinase (NIK), a master regulator of inflammatory signaling pathways, rewires microglia within the brain tumor microenvironment to promote GBM progression. Using a combination of molecular techniques, microscopy, and in vivo models, we aim to uncover how NIK influences microglial communication with tumor cells, with the goal of finding targets to disrupt their tumor-promoting functions. This project will help you better understand brain tumor biology, neuroimmunology, and hands-on research in a collaborative setting. No prior lab experience is required.
Team Needs
Looking for motivated students with an interest in neuroscience, cancer biology, and/or immunology.
Mandatory requirements are:
– Coursework in Biology or related fields (E.g., Biostatistics, Cell Biology, etc.)
– Motivation and interest in learning new things.
Preferred (but not required) experience includes,
– Basic molecular biology lab skills such as pipetting, media preparation, microscopy, and DNA/RNA extraction.
– Analysis of gene expression by RT-qPCR
– Western blotting
– Mouse handling and dissections
Special Opportunities
– Hands-on experience with cutting-edge research in brain cancer and neuroimmunology.
– Mentorship on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific presentation.
– Exposure to analyzing scientific literature.
– Opportunities for research credit, poster presentations.