Lien Nguyen

My research focuses on the role of neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1) in paclitaxel toxicity. Paclitaxel, also known as taxol, is a common antitumor drug used for treating cancer. However, paclitaxel also induces peripheral neuropathy with symptoms ranging from loss of sensory function, muscle weakness to severe neuropathic pain, therefore significantly reducing the quality of life of patients undergoing cancer treatments. As a student in the neuroscience program, I am interested in the pathway for paclitaxel-induced toxicity in the peripheral and central nervous systems, which previous work in the lab has found to involve the dysregulation of NCS-1- dependent calcium signaling. Through understanding the neurotoxicity pathway, I aim to find interfering strategies that will alleviate the neuropathy induced by paclitaxel without reducing with its antitumor properties.