WNCs Summer INBRE research group included, left to right, Dr. Gary Evett, Sophia Jeffs, Karter Conway, Sierra Williams and Rachelle Bassen.

Just by devoting part of their summer to a scientific research project, three Western Nevada College students capitalized on an opportunity usually meant for university students.
Through the efforts and dedication of WNC Professor of Biophysical Sciences Dr. Gary Evett and Biology Professor Rachelle Bassen, the students participated in a project funded by the Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).
Under the professors guidance, students Karter Conway, Sophia Jeffs and Sierra Williams performed research on the expression of cyclooxygenase splice-variants in pancreatic, breast and ovarian cancer.
Cyclooxygenases COX, COX-1 and COX are enzymes that make up prostaglandins, a class of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are lipid hormones that are known to play a part in inflammation and cancer.
Many different forms of COX-1 splice-variants are continually being discovered, Dr. Evett said.
From their research work, the students and professors concluded that a normal pancreas and cancerous pancreas didnt reveal very high levels of COX-1 variants. Samples of breast cancer did not express very high levels of COX-1 either.
When both a normal and cancerous ovary matched pairs expressed COX-1 variants (76-68 and 46-68 primers), the cancerous ovary produced higher levels of COX-1 variants, Evett said.
In the past, WNC INBRE research groups have worked on novel genetic variations of the COX-1 gene that has been linked to chronic inflammation in the body, including rheumatoid arthritis. Those INBRE students gathered scientific data as scientists continue work to create new drugs to help fight inflammation.
Students interested in becoming involved in the INBRE research should contact Dr. Evett at gary.evett@wnc.edu.