Scanlan Lab (2019)

My research career began during my third year of high school, when I joined the Scanlan lab at the OHSU Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry. I used a mouse model to study the pathology of a deadly human genetic disease called X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) that causes demyelination and axonopathy in the central nervous system (CNS). I investigated two pharmacological strategies that enhance the effects of Sobetirome, a drug that reduces the abundance of neurotoxic very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in X-ALD patients. I discovered that the Sobetirome prodrug was more effective than Sobetirome at lowering VLCFAs, with improved CNS penetration and reduced peripheral exposure. I learned lab skills including karyotyping, microscopy, and data analysis of mouse neural activity. But, more importantly, my findings helped advance treatment options for X-ALD patients and inspired me to dissect molecular mechanisms through the lens of chemistry.