Epigenetic Immunotherapies Combatting Pediatric Brain Cancer
- gphscholars
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Presenter: Philana Hin, Neuroscience and Entrepreneurial Leadership, Global Public Health Scholars
My practicum, a summer internship at Johns Hopkins’ Center of Epigenetics, consisted of both wet lab and biotechnical work centered around the H3K27M mutation in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) cell lines. DIPG is a fatal pediatric brain cancer that typically develops during infancy. The H3K27M mutation is widely considered a key contributor to tumor progression, with histone H3 driving the abnormal cell growth and altered gene expression characteristic of DIPG tumors. One of the lab’s primary objectives was to determine the optimal drug concentrations to effectively inhibit the mutation’s progression. I was fortunate to gain hands-on experience at the bench and deepen my theoretical understanding by shadowing lab members, including post-docs and PhD and MD-PhD students and candidates. I conducted a series of cell viability assays using the lab’s primary drug of interest and its two derivatives, followed by clonogenic cellulose assays to evaluate cellular growth in response to periodic drug treatments. I also performed Western blots to analyze which proteins were affected by the drug. In addition, I assisted with other projects and lab procedures, including research into H3K9 methylation, another potential contributor to DIPG tumor growth, and fluorescence microscopy to assess cellular responses to varying drug dosages. From this experience, I developed and refined skills in cell culture techniques, team coordination, and scientific communication. The lab’s PI and team were welcoming and enthusiastic about enriching my learning, allowing me to take autonomous control of several responsibilities and encouraging curiosity. My understanding of public health came into play during qualitative discussions about gaining broader visibility and funding for our research. Ultimately, this experience reinforced the significance of the drug we studied and its potential to become a life-changing therapy for young patients.
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