Internship

Abstract

This study examines the influence of sex chromosomes on bone formation in an animal model for increased susceptibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For this, we used four core genotypes (FCG) mice, with dissociation of the gonadal and chromosomal sex. The structure of the bones was analyzed by micro-computerized tomography (μCT). My role in these studies was to evaluate bone formation parameters, following the incorporation of fluorescent dyes in bone . Animals were injected with Calcein green and Alizarin red, compounds that bind to the mineral in bone bone, at two time points: 7 days before (green) and 4 days later (red). The incorporation of these dyes into the bone was measured to assess bone formation .

Bone formation was assessed by determining Mineral Apposition Rate (MAR), Mineralized Surface/Total Surface (MS/BS) ratio, and the bone formation rate.

Results revealed significant sex differences in bone morphology and cortical femur structure. Mice with ovaries showed notable changes in response to the injections, while males exhibited no similar alterations. The study also found that sex chromosomes influence bone formation rates, affecting both the periosteal and endosteal sides of the cortical bone. These changes were associated with variations in bone marrow amount and bone formation on the outer surface of the femur. The findings suggest that sex chromosomes play a crucial role in bone formation in the animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, with gonadal females showing a more pronounced response. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind these sex-specific differences.

Successes and Challenges

One of my biggest successes so far has been working on my own project, which involves measuring bone density in male and female mice, specifically focusing on the tibial bone. This has required me to not only take precise measurements but also learn to distinguish between trabecular and cortical bone, both of which are important for understanding bone health. I've also gained experience in identifying the live differentiation of apoptotic cells, which has expanded my understanding of cell death and its role in bone metabolism. These tasks have been challenging but rewarding, pushing me to develop new skills and knowledge. A key resource that has helped me overcome initial challenges is the mentorship from my team. Their guidance in bone analysis has helped me refine my techniques, become more confident in my work, and handle more complex tasks. Going forward, I will continue to rely on my team’s expertise and the available research tools to improve my work. Another success has been completing all the required training to gain access to the Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC). This training has been essential because it allows me to interact with animals in a safe and ethical way. The hands-on experience with animals is crucial for understanding their role in the research and meeting the required standards. The LARC training not only helped me become familiar with animal welfare guidelines but also provided valuable resources like instructional videos, guides, and expert staff. This experience will be beneficial as I continue to work in research, where animal care is a vital component. I will continue to rely on LARC for support, especially as I take on more advanced tasks involving specialized animal care.

In February, I reflect on one particular success that stands out. During the final phase of one of my assigned projects, I was tasked with gathering and organizing data collected over the past few months. At first, the task seemed overwhelming because I wasn’t familiar with the software my lab uses to plot data. However, I approached the challenge step-by-step, breaking the project down into smaller, manageable sections. With the help of some of my amazing peers, I learned how to navigate the software, organized the data, and presented it to the team for analysis. This was an incredibly rewarding accomplishment.

This experience taught me the value of perseverance and teamwork. By breaking down the task and seeking support when needed, I was able to overcome obstacles and complete the project. Moving forward, I will apply these lessons—approaching challenges with a clear, methodical plan and collaborating with others when necessary—to ensure continued success in my academic and career goals.

However, managing my time has been an ongoing challenge. Balancing my internship, schoolwork, part-time job, and social life has at times felt overwhelming. Initially, I struggled with organizing my schedule and ensuring that I had enough time to focus on each of my responsibilities. I quickly realized that to manage my time effectively, I needed to become more intentional about setting clear priorities and creating structured time blocks for each task. The team I work with in the lab has been understanding about my busy schedule, and they’ve offered flexibility when needed. Additionally, I have learned from my colleagues in the lab how to manage time more efficiently in a research environment, where tasks can vary in urgency and complexity. Their advice on time management and project prioritization has been helpful, and I’ve applied it to my own work by setting realistic goals and breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Going forward, I plan to continue using this approach to balance my responsibilities and maintain focus on my long-term goals.

Another challenge I faced was starting this internship with no prior knowledge or experience in the specific research topic. This required me to dedicate extra time not only to learning the technical aspects of the work but also to understanding the broader research culture of the lab. Adapting to this new environment meant I had to familiarize myself with research protocols, lab equipment, and the workflow in a way that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the project. Fortunately, my lab colleagues have been incredibly supportive throughout this learning process. They have been patient in answering my questions, demonstrating procedures, and providing resources to help me get up to speed. I also took advantage of online resources, such as academic articles and instructional materials, to deepen my understanding of the research topic. The combination of hands-on mentorship and independent study has been invaluable in helping me overcome the steep learning curve. This experience has taught me the importance of being proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, whether through direct interaction with colleagues or self-directed research. As I move forward, I will continue to apply this strategy of actively seeking knowledge and support to overcome future challenges.

Overall, the success of being in a supportive lab environment has made a significant difference in overcoming challenges. I’ve learned the importance of being flexible, seeking help when needed, and using available resources to improve my skills and knowledge. The teamwork in the lab, along with the guidance from my mentors, has been essential to my growth. As I progress in my internship, I plan to continue leaning on these resources—whether it’s the mentorship from my lab colleagues, the training I received at LARC, or the materials provided by the lab—to build upon the successes I’ve had so far and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. This experience has not only strengthened my technical skills but has also shown me the importance of collaboration and ongoing learning in the research process.

In February, I reflect on a challenge I faced during one of my projects. Early on, I was asked to analyze a large dataset, but I quickly realized that I lacked experience with the specific software tools required for data analysis. At first, this felt like a major hurdle, as I wasn’t sure how to begin. I found myself struggling to navigate the software and unsure of how to efficiently organize and interpret the data.

However, my internship team was incredibly supportive. One of my colleagues took the time to walk me through the software, offering clear, step-by-step guidance. Another team member suggested additional resources to help me get up to speed. By asking questions, watching tutorials, and practicing with smaller tasks, I was able to gradually build my confidence and skills. The team was patient and encouraging, and their willingness to share their expertise made all the difference in overcoming this challenge.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of asking for help when needed and the value of mentorship and collaboration. The support of my team not only helped me overcome the obstacle but also reinforced the significance of teamwork in a professional setting. Moving forward, I plan to approach new challenges with a growth mindset, knowing that learning from others and embracing teamwork can help me tackle even the most difficult tasks.