Heather Brauer

Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Year Entered: 2004
Prior Degrees: BA, Kenyon College (OH), 2004

Research Interests:
My research interests to date have focused on the use of technological advancements in proteomic platforms to identify and validate clinically useful biomarkers of breast cancer found in human plasma that can be utilized in the development of blood tests. Our platform for biomarker discovery utilizes novel sample preparation methods, followed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) to compare the patterns of peptide expression of individuals. As a scientist, I am interested in understanding how to accelerate the identification of small proteins or peptides that are key players in cancer so we can best focus on understanding their biological role.

I have investigated the peptidome in a rat model of breast cancer, as a proof of principle experiment, which revealed numerous peaks of interest. Further evaluation of one of these peaks, 4209 m/z, found Dermcidin (DCD) to be a potential peptide biomarker candidate. Over the past six months, I have been working to identify and characterize this peptide in breast cancer tumorgenesis as a blood based biomaker of breast cancer. Dermcidin is an antimicrobial protein that has been implicated to play a role in invasive breast and prostate cancers. I have carried this work out through the application of the following: western blotting, gel electrophoresis, electrospray, MALDI-TOF/TOF MS, and ELISA. I am working on confirming the exact sequence of the peptide.

I am currently investigating two sets of pre-diagnosis human breast cancer samples. Dermcidin is especially intriguing, as one of the top candidates from a subset of cases in one of these studies has a similar molecular weight to a different known fragment of Dermcidin. I am currently following up on this possible identification.

As a doctoral candidate, I have had the unique experience of teaching a biology-based undergraduate course in nutrition at Seattle Central Community College. I had a diverse class of students, many were fluent in multiple languages and had spent years of their lives in other countries. I made time for discussions as they brought such unique ideas to the table. The teaching of this course really expanded my knowledge of diet and nutrition. By incorporating my research into the material that I was teaching, I began to truly link nutrition and cancer studies.

I am very interested in continuing to develop and teach about this connection. As a result of my breast cancer biomarker research, I am also very interested in teaching about breast cancer epidemiology or types/challenges in cancer screening methods. Teaching takes many forms and dimensions in my life. As a coach, tutor, mentor, instructor, student, and volunteer—I am constantly learning and developing my skills as an educator. I also am passionate about my work at the bench and hope to continue to explore science from an experimental approach post-graduate school.

The Molecular Medicine Certificate program at the University of Washington helped bridge the gap between the bench and bedside, and the knowledge I gained from this training will allow me to teach and carry out research at a smaller liberal arts school focused on teaching the next generation of scientist in a well-rounded manner.