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next steps. “The question is now: how do we replicate
this phenomenon with drugs?” Dr. Hope proceeds,
“Asking questions with overexpression is a great start,
but, if we want to apply this to patients, small molecule-based approaches are likely going to be the key to safely
expanding these cells.” The team will be focusing on
the targets of Musashi 2 to better understand how it
is enforcing its effects. They are now planning larger
screens to find the small molecules interacting with the
characterized pathway. The findings have not stopped the
Hope team from exploring other, exciting fronts either.
As Dr. Hope explains the varied interests and projects in
her laboratory, Musashi 2 seems to stay true to its name
origins. Just as there are two sides to a sword, Musashi 2
“fights” in two distinct ways in normal blood stem cells
and their leukemic counterparts. As much as Musashi 2
is required for normal HSC function, elevated expression
of the protein in leukemic stem cells is also associated
with poorer disease prognosis. Through additional
projects, the team hopes to explore the leukemic function
of this protein in further detail. According to Dr. Hope,
“for stem cells of the blood the post-transcriptional
network is a critical, untapped level of regulation. It is
important to cast wider nets in exploring the circuitry of
both leukemic stem cells and their healthy counterparts,
so that we can identify new players and follow these
exciting leads!”
While Dr. Hope sets out to follow her novel leads,
she encourages young biochemists to embrace new
opportunities with the same excitement. Knowing that
it can be overwhelming at the start of a scientific career,
she urges students to reach out to the investigators or
graduate students who may seem intimidating at first.
“Don’t be afraid to send them an email and ask for a
meeting” she notes, “more often than not, they will
carve out the time for young, interested minds”. Giving
her own career as an example, Dr. Hope explains that
she has had phenomenal mentors throughout each stage
of her career. She emphasizes, “it is a sign of strength
to recognize your obstacles in this competitive field
and to seek guidance.” Her fearless formula for success
reappears as she urges young scientists to recognize the
numerous opportunities that will come their way, “Don’t
be afraid to embrace the new. After all, that is what
makes scientific research the best job in the world: we
get to come in everyday, ask exciting questions and, if
we see something new, move with it!”
Nensi Melissa Ruzgar
Level III, BHSc,
Biomedical Sciences Specialization
