Zhongzhi - Project

Taking Short Cuts: How Direct Reprogramming Can Transform One Type of Cell Straight into Another


Abstract:
In the first decade of the 21st century, scientists found ways to make one adult cell type turn into a completely different cell type. This has huge implications for the medical field, including being able to take some cells that a person could spare, such as skin cells or blood cells, and turn them into another cell type that might be much more important for that person to have, such as cells to make a new kidney. How are scientists able to accomplish this amazing feat of "reprogramming" the identity of human cells? What potential problems will have to be solved before this technology can be used regularly in hospitals? In this science project, you will explore how scientists use small proteins called transcription factors to turn one cell type into another and what hurdles
must be overcome to make this powerful practice more commonplace. 

Objective:
Determine how transcription factors can be used to directly change one cell type into another cell type.

Hypothesis:
If I change the transcription factor, then the cell type should be changed.

Research Questions:
What is the current research with relation to the transcription factors?
What are the implications of the research on transcription factors?
How should I carry out the experiment?
Are they any tools I could use to help me with the research?
What are the possible difficulties I would face in this research and how should I overcome them?
What are the resources I need to successfully carry out the experiment?