Colorectal cancer physiology
Alessandra Ferrari, Professor
Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies of the digestive system and a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of current therapies, patient outcomes remain poor and mortality rates high, underscoring the urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. Our research interests focus on investigating whether inhibition of Phosphoserine Aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), in combination with a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)- rich diet, can enhance the sensitivity of CRC cells to ferroptosis, a recently discovered regulated form of cell death, in order to improve treatment outcomes. This study will employ in vivo mouse models, alongside molecular and biochemical analyses.
Role: Students will gain proficiency with cross disciplinary training of molecular biology, metabolism, mice handling, and computational techniques with the goal of becoming an independent researcher. Many more skills can be taught depending how engaged and eager the student is to learn.
Qualifications: Undergraduates seeking to apply should be eager to learn, have high attention to detail, and highly motivated and organized. Although previous research experience is not required, experience in working with molecular experiments in both vivo and in vitro model systems would be considered valuable. Significant hands on mentorship will be given and therefore the amount of time the student has to commit will be taken into consideration. Students will learn how to perform genotyping, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, western blot, and cell culture.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Melania Montes-Perez, Staff Researcher
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: https://www.aleferrarilab.org/