Jiamin Chen, COL ’26, Orlando, FL
This summer, I had the invaluable opportunity to engage in full-time research, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the dedication and perseverance required in the pursuit of a Ph.D. I was fascinated by the ability to connect the intricate details of proteins and pathways to the broader picture of human health. A part of Dr. Lorenzo’s lab examines the specific role of AnkB in Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) functions. AnkB is a scaffolding protein that helps to localize other proteins in different parts of the cell to perform their functions. For example, cardiomyocytes help stabilize calcium transporters to the ER to assist with heart contraction. Genetic variants exist in ANK2, a gene that encodes AnkB, which is linked to age-dependent obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans. These genetic variants in our mouse models result in AnkB deficiency in metabolic tissues like adipose tissue, skeletal muscle tissue, and liver tissue, and are associated with age-dependent obesity and T2D in humans.
My summer study investigates the effects of AnkB knockout on metabolic health in mice subjected to an 18-week high-fat diet. Previous research has shown that AnkB plays a crucial role in facilitating GLUT4 endocytosis in adipocytes—a process essential for glucose uptake and metabolism. Deficiency in AnkB within white and brown adipose tissues leads to insulin resistance and obesity. However, the specific role of AnkB in high-fat diet-induced metabolic changes remains unclear. We utilized a mouse model with AnkB deficiency to explore the consequences of AnkB knockout on lipid metabolism and metabolic health under high-fat diet conditions. Contrary to expectations, no increase in lipid accumulation was observed in the adipose tissues of AnkB knockout (AnkB-KO) mice. Histological analysis confirmed that lipid deposition remained consistent with that of control mice, despite the high-fat diet. Through this experience, I also performed qPCR and western blots, collected samples through cryosectioning, and conducted immunofluorescence (IF) staining. It was exciting to delineate and explore the scientific inquiry into how our bodily processes function. So many metabolic pathways are interconnected by different enzymes and intermediates. This research made me acutely aware of the specialization of different parts of my body.
In addition to my research, I had the privilege of volunteering at a free clinic serving the Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood. During my shifts, I encountered many patients struggling with the harsh realities of being uninsured or underinsured while managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. These illnesses often come with comorbidities and are major risk factors for countless other ailments that affect their daily lives. Witnessing the barriers to healthcare that these patients face brought back many memories from my childhood. While other kids my age attended after-school activities like dance classes or writing boot camps, I was just nine years old, caring for my newborn brother, changing diapers, and cooking on a stove I could barely reach. When my family first arrived in the United States, we were uninsured and didn’t speak English. My mom was bedridden for two years postpartum, unable to seek medical attention because we had no insurance and no knowledge or guidance on how to apply for it.
Volunteering this summer reminded me that the lack of access to affordable healthcare is a chronic issue that continues to plague underserved communities. My own experiences and passion for amplifying marginalized voices inspired me to co-found Word for Word, an undergraduate medical humanities journal at Penn. I believe it’s crucial to engage in meaningful conversations and dialogues with the communities we inhabit. Too often, students immerse themselves in college life and graduate without truly getting to know the world beyond the university’s borders. Through Word for Word, I see an opportunity to advocate for more equitable healthcare by harnessing the power of storytelling. Stories are deeply personal; they capture the essence of the human experience and offer a glimpse into someone’s life. For physicians and students who want to pursue a future in healthcare, patient feedback and medical humanities are the mainstays of compassionate care. By sharing and reflecting on these narratives, we can bridge the gap between clinical practice and the lived experiences of patients. Word for Word aims to create a platform where these stories can be shared, fostering empathy and understanding among future healthcare professionals. In doing so, we hope to cultivate a generation of physicians who are not only skilled in medicine but also deeply attuned to the human stories behind the symptoms, ultimately advocating for a more just and compassionate healthcare system.
As pre-meds and researchers, we often lose sight of what is truly important amidst the intense focus on succeeding in STEM classes or making notable discoveries, forgetting what it means to be human. The fundamental values of empathy and connection are at the heart of healthcare. Through Word for Word, we aim to remind ourselves and others that, beyond the science, it is our shared humanity that should guide our journey in medicine.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
