FURI | Fall 2021

Assaying the Effect of Knock-Down of Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Health icon, disabled. A red heart with a cardiac rhythm running through it.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive cancer that resides in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While treatment options are available, the median survival rate for MPM remains poor. Biological processes, such as ubiquitination, are known to influence protein and cell function. Hence, this research initiative examines cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in MPM by knock-down of ubiquitin-specific protease genes through lentiviral transduction. The shRNA molecules used for transduction have been designed and used in silencing the intended target gene. Upon completion, this research will provide newer methods of treatment for pleural mesothelioma.

Student researcher

Margarito Hernandez Fuentes

Margarito Hernandez Fuentes

Biomedical engineering

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Graduation date: Spring 2022