INBRE Research Opportunity Allows Students to Study Possible Contributors to Cancer
INBRE Research Opportunity Allows Students to Study Possible Contributors to Cancer
Jul 28, 2022
![INBRE Research Opportunity Allows Students to Study Possible Contributors to Cancer](/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chemistry.lab_.21.jpg)
INBRE Research Opportunity Allows Students to Study Possible Contributors to Cancer
![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-INBRE-Research-Group-scaled.jpg)
黑料网s Summer INBRE research group included, left to right, Dr. Gary Evett, Sophia Jeffs, Karter Conway, Sierra Williams and Rachelle Bassen.
Just by devoting part of their summer to a scientific research project, three Western
Nevada College students capitalized on an opportunity usually meant for university
students.
Through the efforts and dedication of 黑料网 Professor of Biophysical Sciences Dr. Gary
Evett and Biology Professor Rachelle Bassen, the students participated in a project
funded by the Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).
Under the professors guidance, students Karter Conway, Sophia Jeffs and Sierra Williams
performed research on the expression of cyclooxygenase splice-variants in pancreatic,
breast and ovarian cancer.
Cyclooxygenases COX, COX-1 and COX are enzymes that make up prostaglandins, a class
of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are lipid hormones that are known to play a part in inflammation
and cancer.
Many different forms of COX-1 splice-variants are continually being discovered, Dr.
Evett said.
From their research work, the students and professors concluded that a normal pancreas
and cancerous pancreas didnt reveal very high levels of COX-1 variants. Samples of
breast cancer did not express very high levels of COX-1 either.
When both a normal and cancerous ovary matched pairs expressed COX-1 variants (76-68
and 46-68 primers), the cancerous ovary produced higher levels of COX-1 variants,
Evett said.
In the past, 黑料网 INBRE research groups have worked on novel genetic variations of
the COX-1 gene that has been linked to chronic inflammation in the body, including
rheumatoid arthritis. Those INBRE students gathered scientific data as scientists
continue work to create new drugs to help fight inflammation.
Students interested in becoming involved in the INBRE research should contact Dr.
Evett at gary.evett@wnc.edu.