Albrecht Lab Hosted Lab Visit for Children with Cystinosis as Part of Cystinosis Research Foundation’s Day of Hope Family Conference
On April 11, Dr. Lauren Albrecht and the Albrecht Lab team hosted a lab visit field trip for middle- and high-school-aged children who are living with cystinosis. During the event, the participants were given a hands-on look at the Albrecht Lab’s research, which broadly focuses on studying the cellular intersections of protein modification, lysosomal degradation, and cellular metabolism to understand disease, including cystinosis. Cystinosis is a genetic condition characterized by a buildup of cystine (an amino acid) in the cells. This buildup of cystine, which forms crystals, damages cells, primarily affecting the kidneys and eyes.
The Albrecht Lab’s research is supported in part by funding from the Cystinosis Research Foundation. The lab visit was part of the foundation’s Day of Hope Family Conference, an annual event that brings together people with cystinosis and their families to learn more about the disease and treatment while connecting with others in the cystinosis community. Beth Albrecht, Special Projects Associate for the volunteer organization L.A. Works (and Dr. Albrecht’s sister), helped to organize the event.
With four different lab stations, the participants were able to experience a day as a researcher in the Albrecht Lab.
Dr. Albrecht utilized live cell imaging technology to present the groups with real-time visuals of biological processes. Steven Nguyen, a second-year PhD in Pharmacological Sciences student, showcased the lab’s fluorescent microscope, which allows users to see cell processes in glowing colors. Third-year cell biology PhD student Melissa Campos guided an experiment in which the participants extracted DNA from strawberries. The fourth station, led by first-year PhD in Pharmacological Sciences student Catherine Livelo, involved looking at Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms under a microscope.
The activities offered a view of the processes involved in developing treatment for cystinosis and other illnesses and showcased careers in research.
“This day changed the path for my son and what he has planned for his career,” shared a parent of one of the participants.
“We were able to host over 30 people from the cystinosis community. After meeting the patients and families, we realized that many were interested in medicine and science,” said Dr. Albrecht. “We were so happy when the Day of Hope organizers said how powerful this trip was and asked if we would hold the event again!”
