Mentor Name: David Gutmann

The overarching goal of this project is to determine how pediatric low-grade glioma genetic changes control tumor growth through the MAPK signaling pathway. Based on recent studies in our laboratory, the project aims to understand the impact of two growth regulators downstream of MAPK on NF1-deficient and KIAA1549: BRAF-expressing LGG growth. The methods involve utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) engineering to create LGG models in mice, followed by molecular and cellular assays, including BrdU incorporation, TUNEL assay, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and exploration of downstream effectors through candidate and discovery approaches. Ultimately, the findings aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving treatment outcomes in pediatric brain tumors