Contact information for your PI:
Dr. Shawn Kwatra, skwatra1@jhmi.edu
Approximate number of hours spent on research this term:
120 hours
Research summary: In 2-3 pages (single or double spaced is fine, with extra space as needed for data/figures/tables), please discuss the following:
Like last semester, the Kwatra lab is a translational and clinical Dermatology lab, which focuses on pruritic diseases. We have a specific interest in prurigo nodularis (PN), an understudied disease that predominantly affects people of color. Our study of pruritic diseases is centered around the pathogenesis and treatments required in wet-lab experiments and clinical trials. We also conduct epidemiology and public health studies to better define the scope and impact of the disease. As discussed, this last semester the actual amount of time I was able to commit to the lab only justified one credit worth due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the amount of time that I spent working in the lab over last summer makes up the credit hours. My main responsibilities over the course of this semester were finishing my calcium imaging project (Assessing mrgprX3 ligand binding via calcium imaging), and preparing the lab for transitioning to its new location. As explained last semester:
“The project assessing mrgprX3 ligand binding is a study incorporated into our NIH sponsored grant. MrgprX3 (mass related g protein coupled receptors type X3) was proven recently by the Dong Lab–also on the medical campus, but in the Neuroscience department–to be involved in itch pathways. We wanted to assess the extent to which it was relevant in AD and prurigo nodularis (PN), as it is found to be elevated in patients of both diseases. We knew already that Th22 cells are elevated in AD and PN lesional skin and that african american & black patients have higher levels of Th22 activity than caucasian patients, so we wanted to prove 1) that Th22 upregulates calcium expression from the MrgprX3 channel in AD and PN patients, and 2) that it could provide an explanation for why the disease predominantly and more drastically affects people of color.”
This semester, my calcium imaging project required me to maintain a cell culture of HEK-293-T cells. These cells were plated onto a 96-well plate, on which the treatments would be set out to like the following:
However, before we were able to run the assay, the lab had to move to its new location at the University of Maryland Medical School. Thus, I was unable to obtain data from these experiments. However, it was really fun that I had an independent project of my own that I was responsible for. In addition to the help I provided in the lab, I assisted in transitioning the lab over to the new UMD campus. To this regard, I assisted in uploading documents and ensuring the protocols were uniform before moving. Overall, this semester has allowed me to advance my scientific communication and networking skills. My first paper was accepted for publication into Scientific Reports, a journal run by Nature. I am incredibly grateful for the experience I have had in biomedical research thus far, and am excited to apply what I have learned in my future works.