Genetic and Epigenetic Features of Cancer Stem Cells: Implications in Lymphoma
Through the Lumiere Research Scholar Program (affiliated with UC San Diego), I conducted a literature-based research project titled “Genetic and Epigenetic Features of Cancer Stem Cells: Implications in Lymphoma” under the mentorship of Mosha Deng, PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. For this work, I earned an A+ evaluation and 3 academic credits, reflecting both academic rigor and depth of analysis.
My paper investigated the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in lymphoma, a hematologic cancer where CSC-focused research remains limited. I explored how CSCs enable self-renewal, therapy resistance, and relapse, while examining genetic and epigenetic drivers such as MYC and RAS proto-oncogene mutations, p53 tumor suppressor dysfunction, and regulatory pathways including PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin. I also analyzed the impact of transcription factors, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle regulators in sustaining stem-like behavior within malignant cells.
“Naavya is hardworking, driven, consistent, and dependable. She is able to maintain her curiosity for learning complex biomedical subjects, all while balancing her extensive curricular and extracurricular workload. She does not shy away from difficult topics or assignments, and even with her weekly schedule becoming more challenging, Naavya consistently communicates about her situation and always finds a way to get things back on track. Her research paper thoroughly explores graduate-level cancer topics in a concise and easy-to-read format, while her abilities and maturity are certainly ahead of her peers.”
Mosha Dang (PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania)
By incorporating functional case studies, such as donor-derived relapse following stem cell transplantation, I highlighted how CSC biology directly correlates with disease progression and treatment resistance. This project not only strengthened my ability to synthesize and critique cutting-edge biomedical literature, but also deepened my interest in advancing translational cancer research, bridging molecular insights with therapeutic innovation.
Naavya Shrivastava 