Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. This disease is caused by a genetic change where parts of two chromosomes (9 and 22) swap places which then creates an abnormal gene called BCR-ABL. This gene makes a protein that causes the body to produce too many white blood cells, leading to leukemia. So in a lab we did called Spot on CML, we used a technique called gel electrophoresis to find out if blood samples had this abnormal gene, which would indicate CML. We then ran the mock blood samples through a gel. If a specific band appeared on the gel, it meant the abnormal BCR-ABL gene was present, indicating a positive test for CML.
This lab experience left a strong impression on me because it showed me how science directly affects people’s lives. Handling the mock blood samples and knowing that a single band on a gel could mean a person has leukemia made the whole experiment feel very real and important. It made me realize that the work done in labs is not just for learning it can have serious consequences in the real world. What really stood out to me was how precise science can be, because being able to detect a specific genetic change that causes CML and using that information to then help diagnose and treat people is incredible in my opinion. So this experience made me appreciate the hard work that researchers and doctors do every single day. It also inspired me to think about how I can contribute to making a difference in the world through science!
I just want to thank Fred Hutch and our Pathways Explorer Team for their groundbreaking research and commitment! This not only inspires students like me but also helps to save lives around the world. Thank you for your dedication and impact on the field of cancer research!!!
The image displays the results of a gel electrophoresis experiment,
where distinct DNA bands are visible under fluorescent light.
Our Pathways Explorer Group, all dressed in lab coats, poses together in the training lab, after our CML lab.
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