Nadia Nunez De La Luz

McNair Scholar
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Summary

  • Major:Biology
  • Faculty Mentor:Dr. Tom Bell
  • Research Topic:A Novel Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment: Selective ER Transmembrane Inhibitors (SERTIs)
  • New Scholar:2025 Cohort
  • Graduating with a Baccalaureate Degree:Spring 2026


Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the United States. Although there are many treatments for this disease, their effects have long-term consequences in the body. Recent breakthroughs have demonstrated that targeting signal peptides, short amino acid sequences that direct proteins into the secretory pathway Sec61, is a novel approach to breast cancer treatment. With this novel approach, we can selectively modulate proteins involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. In my research, I will design unique chemical analogues that share core features with established Sec61 inhibitors such as Cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA).