In the summer of 2019, I had the unique opportunity to work at the Schiffman Lab at the University of Utah, researching cancer in elephants. Of course, this leads to the story of:
Why Elephants?
With their large size and long lifespan (i.e., more diving cells), one would expect elephants to have a higher cancer incidence. However, elephants rarely get cancer! This suggests an evolution of specific cancer-resistant strategies across species.
As it turns out, elephants are unique in their p53 protein. p53 is often called "the guardian of the genome" for its essential role in cancer prevention. Nonfunctional p53 leads to the loss of apoptosis (programmed cell death), increased cell proliferation, and genomic instability - all hallmarks of cancer.
We humans have 2 copies of TP53 - the gene that encodes p53 - in the genome. Elephants have 40.
At the Schiffman Lab, we work together to understand how elephant p53 function is enhanced compared to human p53, and how we can apply these mechanisms of cancer resistance to new and effective treatments.
I especially loved working in a lab that has been so active in the public sphere. From partnering with local bakeries to sell elephant cookies (who doesn't love elephants?) to writing children's books about elephants and cancer, we've been bridging the gap between scientists and the public.
Why Elephants?
With their large size and long lifespan (i.e., more diving cells), one would expect elephants to have a higher cancer incidence. However, elephants rarely get cancer! This suggests an evolution of specific cancer-resistant strategies across species.
As it turns out, elephants are unique in their p53 protein. p53 is often called "the guardian of the genome" for its essential role in cancer prevention. Nonfunctional p53 leads to the loss of apoptosis (programmed cell death), increased cell proliferation, and genomic instability - all hallmarks of cancer.
We humans have 2 copies of TP53 - the gene that encodes p53 - in the genome. Elephants have 40.
At the Schiffman Lab, we work together to understand how elephant p53 function is enhanced compared to human p53, and how we can apply these mechanisms of cancer resistance to new and effective treatments.
I especially loved working in a lab that has been so active in the public sphere. From partnering with local bakeries to sell elephant cookies (who doesn't love elephants?) to writing children's books about elephants and cancer, we've been bridging the gap between scientists and the public.
Values:
Communication • Collaboration • Endless Learning
Communication • Collaboration • Endless Learning