Juliet Hemmati Rose Hills
Analysis of the TGF induced enhancement of procollagen I secretion
Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals: it is essential for tissue development and homeostasis, and its dysfunction contributes to tumor progression. As a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen is secreted by specialized cells such as fibroblasts. In the tumor microenvironment, transforming growth factor- (TGF) released by tumors can stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen, among many other proteins. In a recent study, when TGF was supplemented to cultured fibroblasts, transcription of procollagen I (PC1) more than doubled and so did the amount incorporated into the ECM. I hypothesize that, in response to increased synthesis, the secretory pathway is upregulated to more efficiently transport PC1 out of the cell, where it is incorporated into the ECM. I will measure the expression level of secretory proteins that are necessary for PC1 secretion by immunoblotting, and elevated expression would be consistent with my hypothesis. In a parallel experiment, I will study by immunofluorescence microscopy whether secretory organelles are enlarged to accommodate the increased production of secretory cargos. Together, I aim to examine the mechanisms involved in enhancement of collagen deposition by TGF. This will help us better understand the role of collagen secretion within the tumor microenvironment.
Message To Sponsor
My experience researching in Professor Randy Schekmans lab has been the highlight of my first two years at UC Berkeley. I appreciate SURF and the Rose Hills Foundation for giving me the opportunity to be able to devote myself to research full-time this summer. I look forward to working towards accomplishing the aims of my project, and growing as a researcher in the process.