BATS

Date/Time: 

Nov 17, 2017 - 12:00 PM EST

Title: 

Disrupting an Oncofetal Feedback Loop Through Small Molecule Screening

Abstract: 

Elevated activity of the transcription factor MYC is a prevalent characteristic of cancer. In a subset of cancers, this is correlated with expression of the fetal pluripotency factor LIN28 through a positive feedback loop which is normally suppressed in healthy tissues. This regulatory axis is associated with metastasis and a de-differentiated phenotype. My research intends to develop small molecules capable of interrupting this feedback loop in order to study its contribution to cancer initiation and maintenance.

Title: 

Investigating the Mechanism of Anti-fibrotic Molecules for Rational Biomaterial Design

Abstract: 

The foreign body response is a significant challenge in the development of implantable biomaterials. The resulting inflammation and fibrosis can be detrimental to both material function and the recipient. Our lab has previously identified materials which mitigate the foreign body response with an in vivo library screen. In order to translate this success towards rational biomaterials design, this work aims to identify the mechanism of action of our lead materials.