23 Feb 2018 Abstracts

Looking for Genetic Link: Two Cancers in Man's Best Friend

Kortney Ebeltoft '18

Dogs have limited genetic background and are great models for human disease. Canine B- cell lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are malignancies of cancer that canines can inherit. These diseases are closely related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and angiosarcoma. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds and have an elevated risk of B-cell lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Dogs have medical records similar to humans because, like we do, they go to regular doctors appointments, which help get more information on their medical background. The question trying to be answered: Is there a genetic link to hemangiosarcoma and B-cell lymphoma in Golden Retriever? A gene wide sequence was done on hemangiosarcoma and B-cell lymphoma, where it was found that there is a determined loci on chromosome 5. These diseases give an approximate 20% of risk

of developing cancer. Gene expression identified B-cell lymphoma showed that there was down regulating of several nearby genes. The genes that are down regulated are: TRPC, KIAA1377, PIK3R6. A discovery of two different cancers B-cell lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are linked to the same inherited risk. There was a found genetic link on chromosome five for hemangiosarcoma and B-cell lymphoma in Golden Retrievers. There is still more research that needs to be done on this

subject.

Genetically altered stem cells as a new treatment for myocardial infarction

Siri Larsen '18

According to the CDC, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack. Also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), this condition is caused by the reduction or complete blockage of oxygenated blood flow to the heart. Without and even with medical attention, mortality occurs if the heart goes too long without this blood supply. Research into and therapy for MI is centered around cardiac regeneration, more recently involving stem cells. These cells have abilities of both regeneration and differentiation, abilities which are important for repairing a damaged heart. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is another factor that has been found to enhance the survival of cardiac cells. In this study, researchers created inducible VEGF-secreting stem cells with the goal of promoting angiogenesis, the development of new blood cells, and protecting the heart against further damage. The stem cells used were isolated from human umbilical cord blood. An inducible VEGF gene cassette was created and inserted into these cells using the transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) method. These genetically altered cells were tested for viability in both in vitro and in vivo models. Results show that they have the ability to induce angiogenesis and improve cell survival in MI induced rats. This new therapy, a combination of both stem cells and VEGF, has the potential to improve the lives of people who have suffered from myocardial infarction. Further research will need to be performed on larger in vivo models before transitioning this therapy to clinical trials.