| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Selene Howe syf@tamu.edu |
| Faculty Mentor: | David Threadgill, Ph.D. |
|
Meeting Times:
|
Summer 2016 (complete) |
|
Team Size:
|
10 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
|
|
Team Needs:
|
Previous laboratory experience is not required, and all science-related majors are invited to apply. Candidates must be willing to work with mice and take the required mouse handling trainings. |
|
Description:
|
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are used in the clinic as a molecule-targeted cancer therapeutic. There is evidence that treatment is most successful before cancer is established, therefore raising the question of whether this drug can safely be used as a chemo-preventative. Additional evidence suggests that EGFR inhibitors may reduce the deposition of fat reducing the incidence of metabolic syndrome. Factors that may limit the success of this drug are cardio and other toxicities. This project will be looking at the success of sub-therapeutic doses of an EGFR inhibitor on preventing spontaneous tumors in four genetically different lines of mice. The metabolic and toxicity state of mice is to be observed through a series of tests that will occur monthly. Students will clinically phenotype mice using measurements like blood pressure, cardiac ultrasounds, MRI, glucose tolerance, urine collection, and food and water consumption. |