Molecular Archeology: Unveiling the Identity of a Microscopic ‘Volcano’

At Scripps Research in California, Assistant Professor Danielle Grotjahn considers herself a “molecular archeologist,” uncovering microscopic discoveries inside cells. If successful, Grotjahn’s project will reveal new pathways that help healthy cells adapt to stressful conditions and show how these processes are hijacked during cancer drug resistance.

Cancer drug resistance is a common challenge in cancer treatment. These treatments usually work by making conditions inside the cells of our body harsh for cancer cells, causing them to die. In cancer drug resistance, cancer cells exploit pathways to adapt and survive in harsh conditions that would otherwise trigger cell death in healthy cells. At the core of this adaptation are tiny compartments within the cell called mitochondria. Assistant Professor Danielle Grotjahn and her team at Scripps are using cutting-edge imaging technology to reveal the microscopic changes within mitochondria that influence whether a cell lives or dies. The Bachrach Family Foundation’s support is critical for her team’s exploration into the pathways that enable healthy and cancerous cells to navigate and adapt to stressful cellular conditions. If successful, the Grotjahn lab will uncover a molecular “blueprint” describing the parts of mitochondria that contribute to cancer therapy resistance.