Diamond Luong
The Role of Prdx6 in Ferroptosis in Human Lung Endothelial Cells
Ferroptosis is a newly described form of iron-mediated cell death, triggered by intracellular increases in lipid hydroperoxides. Gpx4 has been identified as an important modulator of this process as it participates in the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides. Prdx6 is highly expressed in the lung, and it is also capable of reducing lipid hydroperoxides and repairing lipid peroxidation (oxidative degradation of lipids). Over the course of this summer, I will be comparing the relative roles of Prdx6 versus Gpx4 in reducing lipid peroxides and mediating ferroptosis in mouse and human lung endothelial cells. I will use cells isolated from Prdx6 KO animals and will also silence Prdx6 expression using siRNA and generate CRISPR Prxd6 knockouts in human primary cells.
Message To Sponsor
I have participated in URAP over the course of this academic year and this experience has opened my eyes to the many fascinating facets of research. Conducting research under my PI has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the hours upon hours that is poured into each research project and the need for a researcher to willingly adapt to new findings and unexpected data. This experience has helped me grow in dedication and excitement for advancing science. I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue my research journey this summer and I am so excited to become more submerged in my work, without the scheduling barriers that come with a regular academic semester. Thank you for your generosity and for allowing me to continue developing as a researcher through grappling with my project.