Investigating the Neuroprotective Effect of Methylene Blue in a Cell Model of Huntington's Disease

Project Title

Investigating the Neuroprotective Effect of Methylene Blue in a Cell Model of Huntington's Disease

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a genetic mutation in the Huntingtin gene. This mutation induces a host of responses, including progressive loss of neurons in the striatum and severe motor disorders. Previous research suggests that disruptions in the bioenergetics of the cell’s powerhouse (mitochondria) and increased oxidative stress are potential inducers of HD. Insights into the pathology of HD have made small molecules a promising treatment approach. I am investigating the effect of Methylene Blue (MB) as a potential therapy. MB is a drug that has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in other neurodegenerative disease models by reducing the oxidative stress response and augmenting mitochondrial function. Using an established striatal cell model of HD, we are using cellular, molecular, and biochemical assays to investigate the neuroprotective effects of MB on mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and protein degradation in HD.
 

Why is your research important?

Small molecule therapies are an emerging accessible and inexpensive treatment option in neurodegenerative diseases. Huntington's Disease is a life ending disorder and has no known disease-altering treatments. This research aims to add to the growing body of knowledge about potential disease-altering treatments.
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

There is no typical day in the lab. I spend a lot of time designing experiments with my lab team and PI ,and then carrying them out in the lab. As we collect data, we analyze our findings and go back to the literature to see how our story fits with the work of other researchers in the field. We use a lot of molecular biology and cell biology techniques and data analysis software to generate graphs and run statistical analysis. 
 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

Our findings indicate that MB increases cell proliferation and attenuates neurotoxicity and cell death induced by neurotoxicant exposure. Ongoing experiments aim to elucidate the mechanisms of this protection by examining changes to proteins involved in oxidative stress, proteasomal activity, and mitochondrial bioenergetics.  
 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I presented this research at the Oberlin College research symposium and plan to write a manuscript based on my honors thesis.
 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I reached out to faculty in the Neuroscience department and waited until someone had an open spot for a student assistant. After my first year doing research, I switched to a different lab to gain experience in a different field of neuroscience. I have always had an interest in working in a lab and studying disease progression, and these interests aligned with the work of my current mentor, Dr. Gunnar Kwakye.
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

I really enjoy the collaborative nature of working in a lab. I've been able to work with a team of other students over the last year that have provided such valuable perspectives to the project

 

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

I've gained a lot of confidence in myself and my research skills since working with my mentor. He has been instrumental in the creation of this project and has provided a lot of insight into how to approach experimental design and ethical research practices.

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

Conducting this honors project has not only taught me many lab skills but has given me the opportunity to be a leader in the lab. I feel much more confident in my science communication skills and have been able to speak to lab members at other institutions about career options post graduation.

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

Don't expect to know all the answers. I was hesitant to join a lab until I felt I knew more about the field, but you gain a lot of that knowledge by doing research.The faculty are very supportive and expect you to come with the primary goal of learning.