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Mechanistic Study of Nanoparticle Entry Through The Blood Brain Barrier And Mitochondrial Dynamics
Location: 9
Mentor: Dr. Shanta Dhar
Mitochondrial fission and fusion are the vital processes that maintain mitochondrial dynamics and cellular homeostasis. To visualize these processes, we use immunofluorescence, which is a microscopy technique that detects target molecules within cells/tissues using the binding of antibodies and antigens. Fission is activated by the OPA1 protein, while fusion is activated by DRP1. Our lab has demonstrated how inhibiting either of these proteins can lead to decreased mitochondrial activity in cancer cells through the PINK1 pathway. Using a targeted drug delivery system (NP), we can pass through selective permeable barriers to reach specific targets within the mitochondria. To visualize the expression of specific proteins, we use immunofluorescence to show the expression of DRP1 and OPA1. Using treated samples, we can show different expressions of the proteins within rat brain tissue samples, allowing us to view changes before and after treatment. The purpose of this study is to understand how different treatments can affect different mitochondrial pathways and dynamics that can assist us in the treatment of various cancers.
