Investigating the Role of GAS6, a Molecule Associated with Resistance to Chemotherapy

Abstract

Record ID: 238

Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive type of invasive brain tumor resulting in a median survival rate of just 18 months. The progression of GBM involves the activation of specific cellular pathways, one of which is the AXL pathway. AXL is a receptor that, when activated by the molecule GAS6, has been shown to promote resistance to a wide range of cancer therapies. When GAS6 attaches to AXL, it triggers the activation of signaling events that ultimately lead to resistance against therapies. This project aimed to investigate the role of GAS6 in therapy resistance by removing (knocking-out) GAS6 from GBM cells. The findings from this experiment hold promise for advancing our understanding of how the activation of the pathway contributes to drug resistance in GBM. Such insights could potentially pave the way for the development of therapeutic strategies to fight treatment resistance and improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.