Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
Biology Department
Faculty Mentor
Zhongde Wang
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to identify and characterize neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Naked Mole Rats (NMRs) as a step towards understanding their remarkable cancer resistance. The vision is that in doing so we can translate this understanding to human cancer research in ways that could eventually open new clinical treatment methods. Naked mole-rats are incredibly cancer resistant, and yet they possess immune cell ratios more similar to humans than to mice. Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cell in humans. They release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a process referred to as NETosis, as part of an immune response to trap diseases. Unfortunately, NETs also worsen the effects of many diseases. NETs significantly contribute to the growth and metastasis of cancer. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are extremely cancer resistant, but still have a high percentage of neutrophils in their immune system. Studying how their neutrophils and NETs are different than ours could lead to better cancer treatments and increased survival.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-12-2023 12:30 PM
End Date
4-12-2023 1:30 PM
Included in
NETosis in Naked Mole-Rats: A Step Towards Cancer Resistance
Logan, UT
The purpose of this project is to identify and characterize neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Naked Mole Rats (NMRs) as a step towards understanding their remarkable cancer resistance. The vision is that in doing so we can translate this understanding to human cancer research in ways that could eventually open new clinical treatment methods. Naked mole-rats are incredibly cancer resistant, and yet they possess immune cell ratios more similar to humans than to mice. Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cell in humans. They release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a process referred to as NETosis, as part of an immune response to trap diseases. Unfortunately, NETs also worsen the effects of many diseases. NETs significantly contribute to the growth and metastasis of cancer. Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are extremely cancer resistant, but still have a high percentage of neutrophils in their immune system. Studying how their neutrophils and NETs are different than ours could lead to better cancer treatments and increased survival.