Proteomic analysis to unravel the underlying mechanisms behind radiation-induced cognitive decline
Radiotherapy is an integral component of managing pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However, radiation to the brain of developing children can result in cognitive impairments that may become manifest many months to years after treatment and can get progressively worse, thereby compromising the patient’s quality of life. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms following radiation exposure of the young brain is of utmost important to identify biomarker signatures and thus therapeutic strategies to prevent/ameliorate radiation-induced cognitive decline in order to improve the quality of life of young cancer survivors.
In this master thesis, we will perform a proteomic analysis of hippocampal and pons tissue after radiotherapy to identify the underlying molecular pathways of radiation-induced cognitive decline. In addition, pathways of interest will be validated using western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining.
Le niveau de diplôme minimum du candidat
- Academic bachelor
Les connaissances préexistantes nécessaires
- Biology