Lab Experience Personal reflection – Giulia Maria Corradini

I got the opportunity to do my 1st lab rotation at the Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases.
PI of the laboratory: Luca Valenti
Tutor: Alessandro Cherubini

The lab focuses on:
Some genetic mutations that could be related to increase the risk of developing the NAFLD (Non- alcoholic fatty liver disease).
They work mostly on HepG2 cell cultures that had been modified inserting different mutations through the Crisp/Cas 9 technology.
I mostly followed two of the many experiments carried out in the laboratory: the first aimed to explore the effects of estrogen and FFA on HepG2 cells with PNPLA3 mutation to see if those factors increase the risk of developing steatosis.

The second project aimed to explore the effects of a mutated IRF3 gene on HepG2 cells, since IRF3 codifies for IFN⍺ and IFNβ. So, it is a key molecule in the process of fibrosis which is frequently observed in NAFLD disease.

My experience & learnings:
The Laboratory of Metabolic Liver diseases gave me the opportunity to get an insight into the field of research.
Since the very first day, I started to work hands-on. My Tutor closely followed me in the lab and taught me how to handle the cells. It was something completely new for me and I was scared to ruin everything, but I tried to stay focused and challenge myself. Being a beginner, I did make mistakes, but my Tutor and other colleagues were very supportive and encouraging. I learnt the importance of lab safety, following the protocols diligently and most importantly team-work.

My overall experience in this lab has been enriching and has stimulated further my enthusiasm in research. I am looking forward for what’s in next!