Research Symposium

BIO

I am a second year Cell and Molecular Neuroscience student from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, dedicated to expanding my knowledge in the world of science, engineering, and medicine. I aspire to pursue a career in the medical world as a physician, with the hopes of combining both my research skills as well as my passion for helping others. My main goal is to discover new treatments and medication to assist people in need.

Genetic Engineering of Cell Cycle Genes in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans every day. This illness stems from the body’s inability to use insulin effectively and produce sufficient insulin. Our bodies contain specialized cells called pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for fabricating insulin and play a crucial role in storing and transporting glucose in our bodies for cells to use in later processes. Through a series of meticulous procedures and testing, this research explores the idea of developing an effective system that will allow us to manufacture an adenovirus which later will be used to infect these pancreatic beta cells to promote cell proliferation. Using different procedures such as mini prep, enzyme digestions, DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, and gateway cloning systems, we have been able to first develop a plasmid which we can introduce into a viral vector to create the adenovirus. Through our use of CRISPR and CRISPRa technology, we will be able to screen the adenovirus and target different genes, as well as locate specific cell cycle inhibitors and activators that could be responsible for regulation of cell proliferation in pancreatic beta cells. This experiment is significant in the advancement of medicine, treatments, and technology for diabetes. It will provide a new alternative and treatment to regulate and treat diabetes. Our research is ongoing, and new results are continuously collected. 

Keywords: Genetic Engineering