Tumor Pathways in Glioblastoma

What issue did you address in your research, and what did your studies find?

My research focuses on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain cancer that often returns despite treatment. These tumors are especially difficult to treat because cancer cells can adapt, resist therapy, and spread into surrounding brain tissue. I studied glioma stem cells, a small population of cells that drive tumor growth and treatment resistance, to better understand how genes work together to influence tumor biology. 

Using molecular approaches and patient-derived tumor models, I discovered that two proteins, known as OLIG2 and STAT5B, work together to support the survival and growth of glioblastoma cells. I showed that disrupting their interaction reduced tumor cell survival, cell motility, and resistance to therapy. These findings suggest that the proteins function as part of larger systems that drive glioblastoma behavior.

I also discovered that OLIG2 and STAT5B control overlapping gene programs and biological pathways that drive glioblastoma progression. By identifying this cooperative network, my work provides a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting the mechanisms that allow glioblastoma cells to survive treatment and recur. Future studies will focus on determining how this pathway can be targeted to improve treatment responses and patient outcomes.

What opportunities at Mayo did you take advantage of to further your growth as a scientist and future career goals?

My experience at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences equipped me with the skills to think critically, design rigorous experiments, and communicate complex scientific ideas clearly. Through my research, I learned how to translate basic science discoveries into clinically relevant insights and identify the gaps that limit progress in patient care. The interdisciplinary environment at Mayo also strengthened my ability to collaborate across scientific and clinical fields and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

I was fortunate to receive the graduate school’s Dean’s Award, which provided valuable financial and research resources, allowing me to further develop my skills in translational cancer biology and scientific communication. 

I served as a student representative on the Predoctoral Program Executive Committee and as an Arizona site representative for the Graduate Student Association, where I contributed to admissions, supported recruitment efforts, and acted as a liaison between students and leadership. One particularly meaningful experience was serving on interview panels for leadership positions, including associate dean and program director roles, which provided insight into institutional decision-making.

What's next?

I plan to pursue a career as a medical science liaison in the pharmaceutical industry, where I can bridge the gap between research and clinical practice and support the development of therapies that improve patient outcomes.

This article was written by Lizz Cervantes, a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical and Translational Science at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.