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About This Simulation
Perform a western blot experiment to ultimately provide data and knowledge to identify a promising treatment for breast cancer. Investigate the connection between blood vessel growth and cancer development, by understanding signal transduction.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how a Western Blot is performed
- Explain how to interpret Western Blot results
- Explain receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) cell signaling
- Analyze dysregulated signal transduction in human cancer cells
- Understand the connection between angiogenesis and tumor growth
- Investigate the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling in human breast cancer
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Western blotting
- Inhibitor treatment
- Histology
- Cell culture
Related Standards
- No direct alignment
- Supports Biology Unit 4: Cell communication and cell cycle
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Signal Transduction” simulation.
What is the western blot and what can it be used for? In this simulation, you will learn how tumor cells send signals to surrounding cells to help promote tumor growth, and how this signal is transmitted inside the cell. You will mainly apply the method of Western Blotting and SDS-PAGE to the case study of finding an effective treatment for breast cancer.
Analyze patient samples by western blotting
As a researcher in the R&D department of a big pharma company, your mission will be to test the hypothesis that increased blood vessel growth, also called angiogenesis, plays a role in breast cancer development. To investigate this idea, you will perform a western blot experiment to test for the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression in patient samples compared to healthy tissue samples.
Interpret the Western Blot results
Now that you have performed the western blot, you will be given the opportunity to learn how to interpret such results and detect the relevant information from it that you require to apply it to the case of breast treatment. You will be prompted to identify the key findings.
Report your findings
As expected when working as a part of any research group, you will be required to report your findings back to the head of the pharmaceutical research and decipher whether your western blot results validate the hypothesis you decided at the beginning after learning more about the research project.
Are you ready to contribute towards a major breakthrough in cancer treatment?
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Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
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Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.