From the intersectionality of AI and protein folding within synthetic biology to optogenetics I have been able to dive into novel technologies and scientific research within the Fred Hutch community. And while these topics were fascinating to learn about, what I value more is the ability to connect with so many beautiful scientific minds. My time in the Fred Hutch Explorers Program offered me the ability to hear directly from researchers about not only their work, but the life journey that led them to where they are today. One speaker that I connected with was Dr. MaryGrace Katusiime. Throughout her presentation she consistently reached out to spark a dialogue about our experiences and ideas. When she talked she clearly outlined all components of scientific research, such as comparing different samples and reagents in the Lab with her HIV work, to meetings with colleagues. She helped me truly understand the work of a research scientist. Dr. Katsuiime connected her scientific journey with the trials in her life in a way that encapsulated her passion and drive to help change the world. There was a key emphasis on reflection as I remember her asking us, “What are some lessons you are learning about yourself on your career journey?” While sharing her experiences she helped us think and plan about our next steps as scientists all within this very educational yet meaningful 2 hour session.
Screenshots of Dr. Katsuiime sharing advice and Lessons from her career journey
From the hallmarks of cancer, to using one's own body to fight the disease (immunotherapy), my past two weeks in the Fred Hutch Explorers program has given me a vast amount of knowledge and guidance surrounding new developments in medicine. While I had already been familiar with a more holistic approach to medicine, during my time spent with Fred Hutch I encountered an article featuring Dr. Tom Kensler’s work surrounding the application of broccoli sprouts as a form of preventive cancer medicine. Kensler, a toxicologist at Fred Hutch has spent the last few decades investigating how people can be protected from unavoidable carcinogens within their environment through detoxification.
Inspired by his group's identification of sulforaphane (a chemical useful in reducing carcinogens) being produced by chewing broccoli back in 1992, Kensler has continued his research in producing a broccoli-based cancer fighting supplement. When broccoli is eaten, glucosinolates (a sulfurous phytochemical), glucoraphanin, and an enzyme known as myrosinase, react and form sulforaphane. His colleagues had studied the effects of toxins from fungi, air pollutants, and now cosmic radiation. In all of these there was success in tracking biomarkers of aflatoxin and pollutants to demonstrate how chemopreventive agents reduce carcinogens in the body.
What makes toxins dangerous is that they are fat soluble which traps them in the body leading to potential mutations. The end goal is to turn them water soluble and exit the body through urine. To become water soluble, the body attaches a molecular chain that unfortunately can also lead to the toxin reacting more. In order to combat this, additional sugars, enzymes, and amino acids are attached to the chain which makes them water soluble. Green Chemopreventive agents work by enhancing the enzymes that connect these components so they can leave the body. Overall, the broccoli sprout supplements filled with Sulforaphane affect the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the enzymes associated with it that make lipid soluble toxins, water soluble so the carcinogens can be peed out!
Diagram of Nrf2 Pathway (https://drjockers.com/nrf2-benefits/)
What makes the supplements different from just eating straight up broccoli sprouts is the dosage and storage method. Both poor communities and astronauts don't necessarily have consistent access to clean fresh vegitables sprouts. Additionally, it's also important to have a specific dose of the supplements. A pill form that dissolves when entering the GI tract proved to be incredibly successful with a 67% increase in secreted carcinogens!
One application of this supplement I find fascinating is its use in space exploration and how it can protect astronauts from cosmic radiation. In Kensler’s research, 6 control mice and 6 with an inactive Nrf2 transcription factor (a protein that helps control the expression, in this case with antioxidant proteins) were sent to the International Space Station. Here they studied how NFr2 affects the physiology of the mouse in space, which is known to have a lot of stressors on the human body. The results suggested how Critical Nrf2 is for maintaining WAT homeostasis in space. Other results demonstrated how missing NrF2 and space flight contributed to changes in plasma metabolites and induced aging-like properties. This research provides hope for future applications of pharmaceutical development to improve human life within space exploration!
Mice from Kenslers study with a team of Japanese researchers in floating space. (https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/11/1528f85fe44a-space-mice-tests-find-body-proteinpossibly-combats-aging-jaxa.html)
A dashing space mouse looking at the camera like a true model
(https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/11/03/20/space-mice-tests-find-body-protein-possibly-combats-aging-jaxa)
I would also like to give a special thanks to Kay Lalish, my mentor Jamie, Carrie, Ian, Laura, Dr. Raabya Rossenkhan, Alicia, Jeanne, Regina, Hanako, and everyone who made this program as amazing as it was ♡
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