Eileen T. So

2nd Year Medical Student

Department: School of Medicine

Graduate Program: TBD

Advisor: TBD

Abstract (rotation):

Title:  Elucidating the role of the Beta 5 Proteasome Subunit

Preceptor: Dr. Emily Chen, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, SBU

The proteasome is the main proteolytic machinery in the cell used for protein degradation, a key element for homeostasis. Malfunction of the proteasome system has implications in cancer and neurogenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s Disease.

The Studies have shown that a reduction in proteasome function as a whole is accompanied by proteasome expression of some, but not all of its constitutive subunits. Specficially, it has been found that lowered proteasome function correlates directly with lower levels of beta-type subunits. Likewise, increased expression of the Beta 5 subunit results in increased proteasome activity, as well as enhanced cellular survival after treatment with proteasome inhibitors (increased proteasome inhibitor resistance).

We propose to elucidate the protective qualities of the beta 5 proteasome subunit, specifically with regard to hypoxic stress and serum depletion via immunoblotting. Additionally, we will characterize the levels of beta 5 expressed in various breast tumor samples to determine if there is a corresponding relationship between tumor malignancy and beta 5 subunit expression.