“During my PhD research, I presented my work at the Global Young Scientist Summit in Singapore. There, I also had conversations with several Nobel Prize winners. That experience was without a doubt one of the most memorable moments of my PhD journey. I felt grateful and inspired.
Over the past five years, I have studied the newly discovered protein MATCAP. This protein trims the final building block of cytoskeletal microtubules. However, it was unclear what this protein looked like and how the cutting mechanism worked. I have discovered several important properties of this protein, such as how it cuts and how it binds to cytoskeletal microtubules. The cell uses these microtubules, among other things, to distribute DNA over daughter cells.My research falls within fundamental science. Although the results may not directly contribute to cancer treatment, they may help develop new or improved treatments in the future. For example, other researchers have found that the drug Paclitaxel stabilizes not only the structure of cancer cells but also the structure of other cells in the body. This explains why the drug can cause side effects such as tingling in the hands and feet. Understanding proteins like MATCAP better, we may be able to contribute to solutions that reduce these side effects and improve the efficacy of medications.
As a next step, I want to use my scientific background to address societal issues in a sustainable way. I believe there are many important problems in society that need solving, and I would like to contribute to that.”
Jitske Bak will defend her PhD thesis on Thursday, July 3rd at 10:15 AM at Utrecht University.
The research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is funded by KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
Microtubule Modifying Enzymes and Intrinsically Disordered Regions
Prof. Dr. A. Perrakis & Prof. Dr. T.R. Brummelkamp