Mentor/s:
Esther Peterson Peguero, PhD
Project Title:
The role of neural receptors in Inflammatory Breast Cancer and metastasis to brain.
Project Description:
We’re investigating the role of NMDA receptors in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) metastasis, particularly to the brain. IBC cells express these receptors and may secrete glutamate, potentially promoting tumor growth. Our study examines how IBC cells respond to glutamate and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, assessing their impact on cell survival, migration, and key signaling pathways. This research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to limit IBC’s aggressive spread.
Mentor/s:
Todd Roberts, PhD
Project Title:
Descending projections of the Avian Motor Cortex: Projections from the Arcopallium to the Thalamus and Brainstem.
Project Description:
We’re mapping the motor control pathways in zebra finches to better understand how the brain coordinates dexterous behaviors like song learning and seed-shelling. By tracing projections from the arcopallium—the avian equivalent of the motor cortex—we identified connections to key thalamic and brainstem regions involved in movement and coordination. These findings provide new insights into the neural circuits underlying complex motor behaviors.
