The Role of Genes in Proton Radiation-Induced Lung Injury

Abstract

By Lin Abigail Tan , Medical Sciences

Advisor: Kyle Key

Abstract: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in American men and women, with about 200,000 new cases estimated to occur in 2020. One of the treatments for cancer is radiation therapy. Although radiation can kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA, they can also cause damage to the lung tissue in which it was targeted. I worked in the Kalin Lab at Cincinnati ChildrenÕs studying the role of FOXM1, a proton-coding gene, in proton radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis.
During my time in the lab, IÕve learned more about the research process and thinking like a scientist: integrating material learned from textbooks into a viable scientific experiment, constantly making inquiries, testing a hypothesis, and more. Additionally, I was introduced to a variety of basic laboratory techniques, from PCR to cell culture to animal surgeries, to overall execute the experimental procedure.
I want to continue doing research; I enjoy how itÕs a process of constantly learning--sometimes failing, but always re-trying. I had expected to stay in the Kalin Lab during the summer for SURF, but the COVID-19 situation is still fluid. If IÕm not allowed to return to the lab this summer, I hope to complete a RaMP continuation this fall.