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Polygence Scholar2022
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Jasmine Wang

Henry M. Gunn High SchoolClass of 2023Palo Alto, CA

About

Projects

  • "The Effect of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Expression of Cancer-Related Genes in Rodents" with mentor Grace (Aug. 23, 2022)

Project Portfolio

The Effect of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Expression of Cancer-Related Genes in Rodents

Started Mar. 2, 2022

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Abstract or project description

How do endocrine-disrupting toxicants affect expression of cancer-related genes in rodents?

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found everywhere, from personal care products to plastics in which we store food. EDCs can affect hormone signaling by inappropriately binding to hormone receptors. For example, bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastic water bottles and is known to cause complications with pregnancy by mimicking the actions of estrogen in utero. However, the contributions of EDCs to cancer development are less well-known. To address this gap in knowledge, I will research gene expression data in rodent liver tissue (treated with EDCs tributyltin oxide, acetylaminofluorene, and benzo[a]pyrene) and pancreatic islets treated with EDC bisphenol A. The log change fold of each cancer-related gene found will each contribute to a chemical's relative "cancer score" and its ranking.