The basic research question that I am conceptualizing is if it is feasible to characterize the aggregation of proteins in HCT116 colon cancer, a known aggressive form of colon cancer. This colon cancer cell line can also be used as a model for apoptosis resistance, and the mechanisms of apoptosis resistance still require further studies in many cancer types. I would like to know whether the aggregation of proteins has a direct role in the repression of apoptosis. The proposed methods that I am thinking can be employed by undergraduate students include non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, thioflavin staining of aggregates, and dot blot assay with the focus on determining the expression of PTEN and Akt if these antibodies are available in our laboratory.
Thank you for your insights.
The potential basic research topic you have described focusing on characterizing protein aggregation in HCT116 colon cancer cells and its role in apoptosis resistance sounds like a promising and relevant area of investigation in the field of cancer research. Understanding the mechanisms of apoptosis resistance in cancer cells is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
By exploring the potential role of protein aggregation in apoptosis repression, you are addressing an important aspect of cancer biology that is still not fully understood. Investigating whether protein aggregation directly contributes to apoptosis resistance in HCT116 cells could provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of this aggressive form of colon cancer.
The proposed methods you mentioned, such as non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, thioflavin staining, and dot blot assays, are appropriate techniques for studying protein aggregation. They can help you visualize and quantify the presence of protein aggregates and determine the expression levels of relevant proteins, such as PTEN and Akt.
Engaging undergraduate students in this research project can be a valuable learning experience for them, providing them with hands-on laboratory skills and exposure to cancer research. It's important to ensure that you have the necessary resources, including antibodies and equipment, available in your laboratory to carry out the proposed experiments.
Your proposed research topic has the potential to generate new data and insights into the relationship between protein aggregation and apoptosis resistance in HCT116 colon cancer cells. It aligns with the current challenges in cancer research and may contribute to our understanding of cancer biology and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
These video playlists might be helpful to you:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBiAPKi8vOPbE7Db9mKwloe34E8rXXEU
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBiAPKi8vONSqjcweFWHMRy13y3484bE
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBiAPKi8vOMheKwb0mu1dcZRaeGUFSlw
Sir Nikolay Klyashtornyy thank you very much for your insightful feedback to my inquiry. I will look into these youtube videos to review our proposed methods to answer our research questions. I have an additional question, if it's alright. There are no students of mine that grab this research topic, and I have been thinking if I can elevate it as my dissertation research since I am also looking for my PhD school very soon that will accept me with this research. One of my suggestions to elevate this research topic is to expand the target proteins involved in protein aggregation which will now encompass the associated adapter proteins involved in the PI3K/PTEN-Akt pathway, a known pathway involved in cancer chemoresistance.
Thank you very much again for your feedback.
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