CHRAT Vacation Studentship - Summer 2003 - Get Now DOC

							CHRAT Vacation Studentship - Summer 2008

Student:               Daniel Smyk

Supervisor(s):         Dr. Tom Jacques, Dr. Sherry Yasin (Neural Development Unit, Stem Cell
                       Group)

Title of Project:      Characterisation of Cell Types in Paediatric Brain Tumours and
                       Malformations.



Aim of Project:        To culture cells from resected paediatric brain tumours and malformations,
                       followed by phenotyping of the cells to determine if they express stem or
                       precursor cell markers.




Brief description of project and results. Please also comment on the value of your experience:

         Solid paediatric brain tumours are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood.
Recent data suggests that some tumours may arise from oncogenic stem cells, and that the presence of
these stem cells in tumours may influence the clinical outcome. Normally, stem cells are restricted to
the subventricular zone and dentate nucleus in the paediatric and adult brain. The presence of stem cells
in tumours would therefore indicate that there is a group of pathogenic stem cells present.
         My project focused on growing cells obtained from brain tissue and brain tumours. This
involved dissociating cells from the tissue block, and establishing an in vitro cell culture. These
cultures where grown for several weeks in a sphere media solution fortified with growth factors such as
FGF and EGF. Many of these cultures showed formation of neurospheres, which are spherical
aggregates of stem cells suspended in media. These cells were then fixed, and plated onto coverslips for
immunohistochemistry. These were then visualised using immunofluorescent microscopy. There was
positive staining for Nestin (normally expressed in precursor and stem cells during neural development
as well as in the adult Subventricular Zone), SOX2 (stem cell marker), Musashi1 (a marker of precursor
cells), and CD133 (a glycoprotein marker in neural stem cells as well as glioblastomas). These results
suggest that there may be a group of pathogenic stem cells or precursor cells present in some paediatric
brain tumours and malformations.
         In addition to laboratory work, our department also participated in various journal clubs, lecture
series, and group meetings. This gave me insight into the research conducted by other members of the
stem cell team, as well as the neural development unit.
         The CHRAT studentship allowed me an excellent opportunity to experience research in a world
renowned institute. This first experience in medical research taught me techniques such as tissue
culture, immunohistochemistry, various forms of microscopy, as well as time lapse filming. In addition
to the techniques learned, the studentship also helped clarify the technical aspects of research, such as
project design, data interpretation, as well as the value of collaboration with other groups. The
studentship also allowed me an intimate view of the histopathology department, which is what I plan on
specialising in after medical school. This enhanced the “bench to bedside” aspects of medical research
(which was more bedside to bench in my case!). I feel that this studentship was successful in
establishing a strong foundation for any future research that I may be involved in. I highly recommend
this studentship for any medical student considering a career in academic medicine, or who has a strong
interest the scientific side of medicine. It would also be a good starting point for anyone who is
considering an intercalated BSc.