Dermatology Shapiro Summer Research Scholars

November

• Faculty projects posted on Shapiro Scholars website
• Dermatology faculty projects posted on this page

December

• Medical students submit interest via Dermatology Shapiro Scholars Survey

January-February

• Dermatology Shapiro Scholar Selection Committee meets to review student proposals
• Medical students are informed whether they have been selected to proceed
• Medical students work on student proposals with mentors prior to submission

March

• Students submit proposals to SMPH Shapiro Program
  
• Proposals reviewed by SMPH Student Research Committee

April

• Proposal decisions announced

May-August

• Shapiro Summer Research Program

August-September

• Student presents their summer research to the Department of Dermatology

November

• Student presents their summer research at the Medical Student Research Forum

In this project we leverage advanced organ-on-a-chip platforms to study several aspects of cancer immunotherapy. We will focus on therapies based on the use of natural killer (NK) cells, which are part of the innate immune system and have cytotoxic capacity against malignant cells. NK cells will be isolated from blood samples and culture in the lab for further expansion and differentiation. Next, we will expose them to tumor cells (e.g., melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma) to monitor their capacity to destroy tumor cells. We will evaluate multiple aspects of NK cell biology such as the capacity to establish a memory-like response, immune exhaustion, etc.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and extremely difficult to treat upon metastasis. Current therapeutic strategies such as targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy have improved treatment outcomes; however, these are associated with sub-optimal responses to single-agent therapies due to resistance or relapse. Thus, combinatorial therapies are now preferred over monotherapies to overcome resistance/relapse. We previously have demonstrated that PLK1 (Polo-like kinase 1), a key cell cycle and mitosis regulator, is overexpressed in melanoma and its inhibition could be a useful strategy against melanoma. Moreover, NOTCH signaling has been shown to play a critical role in melanoma. In a recently published study from our laboratory, based on multiple lines of evidence, we have found that PLK1 and NOTCH positively correlate in melanoma and are associated with EMT and metastasis. Their combined inhibition results in synergistic modulations of key melanoma pathways. In this line, we are working on a BRAF/PTEN mouse model and a PDX model to determine the in vivo therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of concomitant inhibition of PLK1 and NOTCH against melanoma progression and metastasis. Specifically, we have treated different groups of BRAF/PTEN mice with PLK1/NOTCH small molecule inhibitors and collected tumor samples. We will also test PLK1/NOTCH inhibitor combinations in a PDX model. We will next determine the expression of various markers of proliferation, survival and metastasis at transcription and translation levels. We will process the tumor samples from mice to extract RNA and protein and conduct a proteome-wide analysis to identify novel proteins in tumor samples using quantitative global proteomics. It will be followed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the data and validation using Western Blot, PCR and immunohistochemistry.

The aim of this project is to optimize a biosensor for detection of melanoma CTC in blood of patients diagnosed with early stage cutaneous melanoma.

Three decades ago, Marlenga (1995) explored the health beliefs and skin cancer prevention practices of Wisconsin dairy farmers, highlighting the importance of sun protection and the influence of occupational exposures on health behaviors. Given the evolving understanding of skin cancer and advancements in prevention strategies and information dissemination, this study aims to reassess these beliefs and practices among the same population.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate current health beliefs regarding skin cancer among Wisconsin dairy farmers.
2. To analyze changes in skin cancer prevention practices over the past 30 years.
3. To identify factors influencing these beliefs and practices in the contemporary context.

Methodology:

• Participants: Wisconsin dairy farmers, with a focus on both long-term farmers and newer entrants to the profession.
• Design: A mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.
• Data Collection: Surveys will assess knowledge of skin cancer risks, beliefs about prevention, and current protective practices. Follow-up interviews will provide deeper insights into individual experiences and motivations.
• Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software to identify trends over time, while thematic analysis will be applied to qualitative data.

Expected Outcomes:
This study anticipates revealing shifts in health beliefs and practices due to increased awareness of skin cancer risks and the influence of modern educational campaigns. It aims to identify persistent barriers to effective skin cancer prevention and provide recommendations for targeted interventions in the dairy farming community.

Significance:
By comparing findings from this study with those of Marlenga (1995), we can better understand the progression of health beliefs and prevention strategies in agricultural settings. This research will contribute to the development of more effective health promotion programs tailored to the unique needs of dairy farmers, ultimately enhancing occupational health and safety.