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Arthur Kaplan is a sophomore who has conducted cancer genetics research with Dr. Denis Guttridge in the Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics. He also had previous experience in Dr. Helen Chamberlin’s molecular genetics lab working with C. elegans. After graduation, he plans to pursue a dual medical and graduate degree here at Ohio State.
What specifically do you research?
We deal with the chemical NF-Kappa-B, which is a main component of the primary immune response to combat cancer, and we use mice as our model. The project I’m working on right now has been in progress for a few years, and we’re studying the chemotherapy side effect cachexia, which is muscle atrophy. In patients, their muscles deteriorate and a third of patients die from cachexia as a result of the treatment, not the cancer itself. We’re trying to get rid of that side effect through the use of NF-Kappa-B.
My first research experience was with Dr. Helen Chamberlin. The research was in C. elegans, a type of small worm, studying how caffeine and ultraviolet radiation affect the development of a cancer-like disease in these organisms. The radiation would damage DNA, and normally a checkpoint in the cell cycle would destroy the damaged cell before it can develop into cancer. However, worms that ate caffeine lost this checkpoint, leading to uncontrolled cell division. Currently, scientists are doing parallel studies to see if this also occurs in humans.
How did you get involved in undergraduate research?
I was on a mailing list in the College of Biological Sciences, and I learned about this position. After receiving a solid background in valuable laboratory techniques and practical applications in Dr. Chamberlin’s lab, I applied at the James Comprehensive Cancer Center lab to expand my research into the human realm. Again, I found out about the position via an email from Debbie, and then kept emailing and calling Dr. Guttridge until I received an interview and got the position on the spot. I was extremely excited!
What were the benefits of working on this project?
I have been able to go to many conferences and meet with researchers from all over the country and the world. These experiences have exposed me to many different fields. Originally, I was interested in C. elegans, and that led me to the research I am currently conducting. Before I started research, I was only considering a medical degree. However, after being immersed in this research, I would like to pursue the combined medical and doctoral degree program here at Ohio State.
What advice would you give to current undergraduates who want to get involved in research?
I went to the Ohio State website almost daily looking for openings. As soon as the position came up, I emailed the professor, called her, and stopped by her office. It is really important to show your interest and be persistent. Also, when I started, I didn’t realize that I could get credit for research. Practically every major offers credit for research, and make sure you are aware of credit opportunities through your department.
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