ASURF Spotlight Series
Meet Derek
Interaction of the Hippo Pathway and Phosphatases in Tumorigenesis
Review Paper
Introducing… Derek Zhang
My original project focused on development of a dual CRISPR knockout system with greater knockout efficiency and minimal off-target effects. The objective was to develop constructs expressing a variety of sgRNA genes for targeting and western blot analysis. Given the current global situation and the extensive wet laboratory work required, the project has been modified into three distinct written projects.
Each project focuses on a particular component of the initial proposal, thus allowing for effective exploration of key concepts. The first project was a chapter for the Methods in Molecular Biology focusing on the procedure for developing the originally proposed dual CRISPR knockout system, known as TCGI (tRNA-CRISPR for genetic interactions). The aim was to develop high-efficiency and scalable CRISPR libraries to identify genetic interactions.
My supervisor conducted the necessary experimentation, whilst I developed the manuscript; I wrote the reasoning behind the methodology, organized the materials required, and made the figures. The following project was directed towards the Hippo pathway in collaboration with graduate student Sahar Sarmasti Emami. This research paper in particular introduces the novel usage of various classes of phosphatases for tumor suppression; prior studies focused on kinases. I produced the figures for the interlinked gene interactions of over 40 pathway components and modulators, as well as six different phosphatase groups. The paper has just recently been published by Cancers (MDPI).
The final project is a biosensor manuscript related to COVID-19. I have a minor role in this project, however I will still be producing the figure demonstrating the biosensor mechanism using NanoLuc, a luciferase enzyme with greater sensitivity and luminescence than classical biological luciferases. I will also be aiding the research process, as this project will link the aforementioned Hippo pathway to COVID-19 pathophysiology through modulating LATS kinase activity.
“The ASURF funding has been an invaluable resource that was granted me the opportunity to pursue my research endeavors. From a financial standpoint, the original project and the newly modified versions will simply not be possible without the funding.”
