Investigating the Impact of the Heavy Metal Vanadium on Huntington’s Disease

Project Title

Investigating the Impact of the Heavy Metal Vanadium on Huntington’s Disease

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

 

Project Description: 

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the  huntingtin gene that encodes the huntingtin protein (Htt). Mutant huntingtin (mHtt) is known to  disrupt a host of brain mechanisms needed for healthy function of the nervous system. HD is  known to degrade a specific part of the brain called the striatum, resulting in a myriad of  symptoms- cognitive, motor, and psychiatric impairments. Unfortunately, no disease-altering  treatment exists for HD, with therapy focusing on alleviating the symptoms. Recent studies  suggest that exposure to environmental factors negatively impacts HD progression and  symptoms. One such environmental factor is the heavy metal vanadium. Vanadium is found in the steel and oil industry and our food. Vanadium has been implicated in other  neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, vanadium has been  reported to accumulate specifically in the striatum. Recognizing the similarity between brain  regions affected in HD patients and the selective accumulation of vanadium in those brain  regions, we hypothesize that exposure to vanadium will further disrupt cellular processes related  to the HD gene, thereby contributing to neurodegeneration.

 

Why is your research important?

Vanadium is a metal ubiquitously found in the environment and has been used for a very long  time in steel manufacturing plants. In an area like Cleveland, because of the history of  manufacturing, countless people live in areas exposed to vanadium, which puts them at risk for  vanadium exposure. This is the first study that demonstrates vanadium neurotoxicity in HD. Our  research identifies vanadium as an environmental risk factor for HD and will help educate at-risk  populations. 
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

Each day varies from the others, but I could typically expect to work in a sterile hood running  cell survivability assays, running western blots to understand better the mechanisms involved,  analyzing data for our experiments, reading relevant articles, and preparing presentations. Much  of my work is collaborative, as we interpret the data and support each other while conducting  experiments. 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

We have determined specifics about Vanadium's role in exacerbating the symptomology and  decreasing the onset of HD, contributing to a rapidly growing body of knowledge investigating  the environmental role of neurodegenerative disease. The research is in its final stages, so I'm  not allowed to state [specifics of what we've found.
 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I have been involved in presentations and posters for this research, which we gave and  showed at the Oberlin College Research Symposium.
 

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

During 2020, when I started at Oberlin there was very little to do and my only in person  class was Chemistry 101. I fell in love with working at the bench and conducting  research. I was drawn to the field of neuroscience, so I decided to reach out to  professors whose papers and research fascinate me. Through this I met Professor  Gunnar Kwakye and spent my freshman year attending journal club meetings on Zoom  and learning a lot about the background of this field. 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

My favorite part of this work is pursuing a question from an interdisciplinary perspective. In the  lab, I gather raw data, analyze it, and then consider its meaning in the broader context. As  someone interested in global health, this project allows me to investigate what these findings  mean from a policy standpoint and how they affect the lives of people at risk for HD and living in  areas that increase their vulnerability due to environmental exposures.
 

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

My faculty mentor has been an invaluable resource, training me in assays that help me  complete the research and providing reading materials to understand the project better.  As an undergraduate researcher, my mentor has been instrumental in developing  confidence in a STEM space where I would otherwise feel out of place.
 

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

The research I've conducted at Oberlin has completely guided my development  professionally, academically, and personally. This research has guided me towards a  career in research and has deepened and diversified my academic learning. Finally, through all the tribulations of trying to conduct research and learn so many new skills  I've learned how to preserve, troubleshoot, and get back up when things don't go  according to plan.
 

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

Read as much as you can by the professors at Oberlin in the fields you are interested in then, be brave and reach out to them. Trust that you are smart enough, competent enough, enough to be in these spaces and believe in yourself!