Weekly Report #25 “Confusion” (Week of March 25, 2024)

This week led to a bit of confusion regarding my research. I had read more about the NaPi2b cotransporter itself but found out that while the SLC34A2(the gene that codes for the cotransporter) is underexpressed in cancer cells, the NaPi2b cotransporter was overexpressed. That didn’t make sense because if the protein is underexpressed then the cotransporter should be underexpressed too. If that is true, then it would also change my research plans as I would not be able to compare the effects of the cotransporter to the gene. On the other hand, if this was true, then I wouldn’t even have to experiment to compare the effects, as it would mean that the effects of the cotransporter are not affected by the gene at all(or to a certain extent). Then, I would only focus on the sodium cotransporter for treatment possibilities.I still am a bi cinfused regarding this and other factors so I am going to ask my mentor for some clarity.

Other than the confusion with my research, I celebrated the festival “holi” with my friends and family. It is a festival in which we throw colours at each other. I surprised my friend with bright orange, and it was extremely fun looking at their surprised faces.