Project Summer (1998) (collaboration with Helen Fillmore, Medical College of Virginia)
Characterization of a Gene Potentially Involved in Glioblastoma Mulitforme Brain Tumors

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest brain cancer. This project confirmed the down-regulation of a gene known as 2A1 in GBM. Previous experiments indicated that 2A1 mRNA is more abundant in normal than in tumor tissue. Northern blotting and semi-quantitative RT-PCR were used to confirm the differential expression of 2A1. DNA sequence analysis also suggested that the product of 2A1 could be NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, a component of the electron transport chain which is involved in energy production in eukaryotic cells.

Presentations
Lhamon M (1999). Characterization of a Gene Potentially Involved in Glioblastoma Mulitforme Brain Tumors. Arts and Sciences Student Symposium. University of Richmond. (Mentors: Helen Fillmore, Val Kish, Jeff Elhai)

Awards
Smart Summer Research Fellowship, 1998
University of Richmond, Outstanding Research Presentation (natural sciences), 1999