Katharine’s Undergraduate Research – Endothelial Cells

Hi I’m Katharine, I’m currently researching how the Endothelial Cells (EC) receptors, Neuropilin -1 (NRP1) and Neuropilin-2 NRP2 work together to regulate tumour growth. More specifically, to better understand how NRP1 and NRP2 work together in ECs to regulate signalling responses to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Research case studies > Katharine’s Undergraduate Research – Endothelial Cells

My role entails examining angiogenic signalling pathways downstream of the two receptors. This is done by stimulating ECs in culture with VEGF and then performing Western Blot analysis (Western blotting is a laboratory technique used to detect a specific protein in a blood or tissue sample).

I wanted to study this to gain more laboratory experience in order to develop the key skills and expertise that are important in a research lab such as the one I am working in. In addition to this I wanted to gain a greater insight into what research looks like and to get a better understanding of what the whole process looks like.

I chose this specific cancer to research as it wasn’t something that I have really come across in my lectures, so I wanted to learn more about it. I was particularly interested how important angiogenesis is for tumour development and how ECs drive and impact angiogenesis and thus tumour growth.

Through my research so far, I have found that NRP2 directly affects Paxillin. This is seen in the number of focal adhesions in a cell which increases and the area of the focal adhesions which decreases in size when NRP2 is depleted using SiRNA.

Related news

100 Mile Easter Walk for Canaries Legend Grant Holt and Local Recruitment Agency ARC in Aid of Big C

Canaries legend Grant Holt has teamed up with local recruitment firm ARC to walk an incredible 100 miles in aid of Big C Cancer Charity, starting on Easter Monday.

The Big C team standing by Big C's inflatable Big Bum

Family fun days raise awareness

A weekend of family fun days is taking place on 6-7 April in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, offering people the opportunity to learn more about their bodies, squeeze through a giant inflatable Big Bum and jump into life-sized educational arcade games as part of a health awareness initiative.

A couple dancing in front of the judges at Strictly Big C

Strictly glitter ball event raises over £5,800 for Big C

It was time for Big C to get the sequins out and the glitter ball ready on Saturday evening as a glamorous evening of ballroom and latin dancing was held at Hellesdon Community Centre on Saturday 2 March, raising funds for the local cancer charity.

Chris and Jack Reeve from TNC holding a big cheque

Talk Norwich City fundraising efforts surpass £40k

A charity online raffle and auction which saw the Norwich City squad come together to raise funds for Big C Cancer Charity has raised £7,794. This recent achievement has meant that the Talk Norwich City (TNC) fundraising total has reached an incredible £41,274 since the duo started supporting the charity in 2019.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity, committed to providing outstanding cancer support.

Find out more

Impact

Year on year we’re making progress across the organisation to offer more support to people affected by cancer across Norfolk and beyond.

Find out more

Get involved

Become a volunteer, fundraise or donate – your support is needed more than ever.