Caitlyn Snyder, with Dr. Emeka Okeke, at the OSCAR Expo in the Williams Center.
“Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Cancer: Promising Targets for Engineered Nanomaterials,” a research paper written by Department of Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Emeka Okeke, senior Biochemistry major Caitlin Snyder, of Utica, and two University of Michigan researchers, has been published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
Dr. Okeke’s lab studies the white blood cells called neutrophils and the role of neutrophils in driving inflammation. Interestingly, neutrophils can release their cellular contents in a framework of DNA fibers during inflammation and this is known as neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation.
“This experience exposed Caitlin to the art of scientific writing and reviewing scientific literature to interpret data and make conclusions. This is a much-needed skill that will benefit her in her studies here in Fredonia and also in her journey to medical school,” Dr. Emeka Okeke said.
“In the current paper, we highlight the contribution of neutrophils and NET formation to cancer progression and metastasis,” Dr. Okeke explained, “and advocate for new drug delivery strategies to target and modulate neutrophils and NETs in cancer therapeutics.” Ms. Snyder did the literature review and also designed figures for the paper.
“This experience exposed Caitlin to the art of scientific writing and reviewing scientific literature to interpret data and make conclusions. This is a much-needed skill that will benefit her in her studies here in Fredonia and also in her journey to medical school,” Okeke said.
Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in circulation, play a significant role in host defense against pathogens through various mechanisms including the formation of NETs. Accumulating evidence suggests that neutrophils and NETs contribute to cancer progression and are associated with adverse patient outcomes.
“Targeting these inflammatory cells with nanoparticles loaded with anti-cancer drugs is one strategy that can be used to inhibit cancer progression,” Okeke explained.
The 14-page abstract of the paper can be accessed online:
Okeke and Dr. James Moon, a professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Michigan, were the lead authors of the paper. Dr. Cameron Louttit, a lecturer of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, also contributed to the paper.
