Isabel Alvarez
Inhibition of PCSK9 to decrease LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream
High levels of cholesterol in the blood is a very common health concern for Americans. The protein PCSK9 is a chaperone protein, which assists the LDL receptor to become degraded. The number of these receptors determine the levels of LDL cholesterol degraded by the cell. When these LDL receptors are degraded there is a rise in LDL cholesterol. Through inhibiting this protein with a drug target, there will be a decrease in the level of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. My time at the Chorba Lab this summer will consist of me conducting various experiments to further understand the ways in which this potential drug target can be inhibited. I will be expanding my knowledge on drug development and gain more independence in the lab through planning and executing my own experiments.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you for contributing to my research experience! I am so grateful for this experience and I know it will be so valuable for me to develop these skills. As a first generation college student this program has allowed me to get experiences I otherwise would not have had.