Kannan Sharma

Abstract: 
Cholesterol can be synthesized in every cell except red blood cells (RBCs), but no cells have the machinery to degrade cholesterol. Cholesterol is eliminated from organisms by secretion into  bile, which is made in the liver. We addressed the question: How does cholesterol get from peripheral tissues to the liver for secretion into bile? One route is through high density lipoproteins (HDL). But mice with no HDL do not accumulate cholesterol. How do these mice get rid of cholesterol? Our hypothesis is that RBCs participate in transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver via the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. To test this hypothesis, our goal is to develop an in vitro assay to identify if cholesterol is transported from RBCs to hepatocytes. It was identified that RBCs and hepatocytes were successfully fractionated after co-incubation using Ficoll rate sedimentation gradients. With the established protocol, we will further elucidate the function of RBCs in the Reverse Cholesterol Transport Pathway by testing the direct transfer of 1H-cholesterol
from RBCs to hepatocytes using hepatocytes from wild type mice. 

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What does research mean to you? 
Research is a puzzle. I see it as a wonderful way to use problem solving and all the knowledge we gained in school to actually work on an experiment and project that may one day impact someone’s health. 
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Tell us about your journey.
I first began research in high school. At the time, all the scientific jargon went over my head. But, in that space I learned how to ask questions and cultivate an inquisitive nature. I then began performing cognitive science research my freshman year of college. It was completely different from the bench research I had performed before, and I truly enjoyed the ability to work with patients while running cognitive tests. But, I really longed to return to the bench. As a Green Fellow, I was able to do so in the Hobbs-Cohen Lab. 

What was your favorite part about the program?
I think my favorite part is the community. The research environment in UT Southwestern is so supportive. Other post-docs in and outside of your lab are always willing to help you and give advice. I really liked the family-like environment at UT Southwestern and in the Green Fellowship. 

What was the biggest thing you learned from the program?
I think the biggest thing I learned is to have greater confidence in myself. When beginning
this process, I did not think I would be able to perform surgery on mice. But, after practice, and really trying to understand how to improve, I now perform these surgeries successfully. I learned to be more confident in my ability to overcome hurdles. 

 

Advice for Future Green Fellows

​Embrace the unknown! When I started on my project, I had no idea where and how to begin. I
encourage you to jump into the experience, read as many papers as you can, ask many questions as you need to. When you do this, and truly find enjoyment in working everyday in the lab, will you see yourself making discovery after discovery.