Author: Carson Ercanbrack Major: Biochemistry
Carson Ercanbrack
My name is Carson Ercanbrack, and I am majoring in biochemistry within the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. During the spring semester of 2021, I performed research in the chemistry and biochemistry department under Dr. Chenguang Fan, my advisor. A primary goal of the research group is to identify the genes Escherichia coli uses to defend against oxidative stress. When a bacterial cell undergoes oxidative stress, the cell experiences a high concentration of reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals (HO● ) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Specifically, my role in the project was to assist in the validation of the genes in E. coli that allow the bacteria to survive toxic levels of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Identification of the genes utilized by E. coli is key to developing more effective ways to defend against the common pathogen. Going further, E. coli cells are routinely used in many scientific studies. Thus, this research may also allow for a more complete understanding of the bacteria for use in future scientific research and inquiries.
During the spring grant term, I performed the last validation tests regarding HOCl resistance in E. coli cells. Before the validation tests, 23 genes of E. coli were determined by other members in the Fan Lab Group to play a role in the bacteria’s oxidative stress response to HOCl. However, these genes need to be validated to ensure that the candidate genes did play a role in the bacteria’s stress response and that the genes identified were not due to selection pressures or other unaccounted for factors. The validation technique used by the Fan Lab Group required two tests. The first form of testing required measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration of control E. coli cells and then comparing the minimum inhibitory concentration of E. coli cells that had one of the previously identified genes overexpressed. The second portion of the validation test required comparing the minimum inhibitory concentration of the control E. coli cell with knock-out E. coli mutants. Knock-out E. coli mutants had one of the 23 genes removed for its genome. We discovered that all 23 of the candidate genes did play a role in the bacteria’s ability to withstand high levels of HOCl. With these genes validated, we went on to find that the genes had not been previously studied regarding E. coli’s oxidative stress response. Going further, future experimentation could evaluate the effects on E. coli’s oxidative stress response when two or more genes are overexpressed or deleted, as opposed to one gene.
As I continued to perform research and validate genes, I was able to substantially further my scientific knowledge. Intending to go to medical school this fall, having a vast understanding of the life sciences is of utmost importance. I was exposed to many different types of experimental instruments and methods that I had not seen before while performing laboratory procedures. If a question arose about the experiment or the purpose of a procedure, Dr. Fan and other graduate students in the Fan Lab Group were always happy to explain it to me. They were always excited to share their vast scientific knowledge and would always take the time to make sure I fully understood the content. Ultimately, these factors helped me perform better on the MCAT and in other courses I was taking concurrently as I had a more solid foundation of concepts pertaining to my research project, such as the electron transport chain and various genomic libraries and their uses within experiments.
In addition to strengthening my scientific understanding of various cellular functions and research methods, I was able to discover the true value and significance of communication. Unlike previous semesters of research, this semester presented unique complexities due to the coronavirus. I was unable to go into the lab as much as previous years to perform routine experiments because of this. However, Dr. Fan and I were able to create a schedule that ensured the safety of myself and others that were also present in the lab. Additionally, Dr. Fan and I discussed procedures and results primarily through email and video calls, as opposed to in-person contact. While this was sometimes challenging, doing so has shown me the importance of communication and relaying important information to others.
The Honors College Research Grant has, most importantly, allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the intersection between research and medicine. Additionally, it has allowed me to garner my knowledge of the life sciences and improve my communication skills. I look forward to taking this knowledge with me as I go on to medical school!