Rachel Sang Rose Hills
Translation Factor Mediated Stress Responses in C.elegans
When cells are subjected to environmental stress, they must balance protein production with energy conservation. This results in increased quality control of protein production, ensuring cellular viability. Translation is a known mechanism that maintains protein balance and regulates stress responses. In the Titov Lab, we CRISPR engineered multiple strains of C.elegans to degrade specific translation factors. We identified 5 factors that when degraded, reduced overall translation and altered lifespan. As an extension of this finding, this project strives to investigate how the degradation of these 5 translation factors affects environmental stress response.
The findings of this project extend beyond just C.elegans. Approximately 60-80% of human genes have a functional equivalent in C.elegans. Many pathways studied in this project reflect pathways in humans that regulate healthy aging. By studying the role of specific translation factors on stress tolerance, my research will provide insight on identifying the primary drivers of cellular resistance to environmental stressors.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you for your support in continuing this research project. The opportunity to make scientific contributions is invaluable, and this could not have been possible without your support. I am grateful to have the opportunity to inform healthier aging strategies.