Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent yet lethal types of cancer, and is difficult to detect until it reaches an advanced stage where treatment is less effective. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small particles released by cells, play an important role in intracellular communication and are emerging as potential biomarkers for cancer detection. Because EVs carry a variety of biomolecules that reflect the profile of their origin cells, they could provide valuable information about cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Our research aims to investigate whether extracellular vesicles from a drug resistant cell line induce effects on nearby cells. During my time with the Colson lab, I will assist in isolating EVs from lung cancer cells, exposing non-drug resistant cells to these vesicles, and assessing any changes in those cells. This research may provide greater insight into the mechanisms by which lung cancer is able to metastasize or become drug resistant. Ultimately, these findings can contribute to improving early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, helping to address lung cancer’s high mortality rate.
Northeastern University
