Medical research is a vital part of the mission at the Quillen College of Medicine. Our scientists are actively researching the biological bases of medical and psychiatric disorders that reduce the quality of life of the people of our region and beyond. The faculty, staff and students of our institution are expeditiously engaged in research to develop novel treatments and cures for numerous disorders and diseases. QCOM scientists engage in research on a wide variety of medical research problems, but areas of particular focus include disorders that affect the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and the nervous system including the brain.
Another often overlooked yet critically important aspect of research at Quillen is its contribution to the education of our students. Through exposure to and engagement in our research programs, students (undergraduate, graduate, and medical students) develop their critical thinking skills, improve their ability to communicate scientific information, build self-confidence, and learn to question “medical dogma”. These important skills help them become better health professionals.
Congratulations to the Recipients of the Quillen Research Enhancement Grant Awards!
 Dr. Qian Xie, Principal Investigator,Department of Biomedical Sciences |
Project Title: Optimizing Methodology for Targeting MET in Glioblastoma
Proposed Research Project: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor without effective treatment. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of GBM cells showing stem-cell-like properties resistant to the irradiation and chemotherapy. Upregulation of c-met oncogene promotes MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway and is essential for GSC maintenance. This project will optimize methodologies for targeting GSCs bearing MET alterations using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We will establish luminescence-based assays for testing MET-CAR T cell killing activity in vitro, and will apply bioluminescent imaging to monitor MET-CAR T cell trafficking, expansion, and persistence in vivo. |
 Dr. Kun Yang, Principal Investigator, Department of Surgery |
Project Title: The Suppressive Effects of Lacate on B Cell Immunity during Sepsis
Proposed Research Project: Sepsis survivors often experience rapid and profound immunosuppression, increasing their risk of readmission within 30 days. Elevated serum lactate levels, a marker of sepsis severity, are linked to poor outcomes. This work will elucidate that high lactate levels lead to B cell dysfunction by affecting Foxo1 through GPR81-mediated phosphorylation and p300-dependent lactylation, resulting in increased susceptibility to reinfections and mortality in sepsis survivors. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to therapeutic strategies to improve immune function and reduce sepsis-related mortality. |
Award Amounts $25,000
ETSU Research Facilities
Seminars
College of Medicine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Internal Seminars
- Department of Biomedical Sciences External Seminars
College of Arts & Sciences/College of Public Health
Funded Research
Research News