Fellowship Start Year
2022
Status
Continuing
Research Topic
Exploring the effects of mitochondrial genetic variation on tumor antigen rejection and SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity in mice
Arnold Olali
Bio
I am excited about understanding how mitochondria affect overall health. The mitochondria are maternally inherited and highly variable, which allows for easy adaptation to adverse environments and energy demands. However, these variants can predispose us to common diseases, including cancer, and increase symptom severity following viral infection. The current project I am working on is focused on understanding how mitochondrial DNA variation drives the risk of developing cancer, or worsening symptoms following COVID-19 infection.
Postdoc Appointment
Center, Lab, or Institute
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine
Penn Faculty Mentor
- Douglas C. Wallace, Ph.D.
Education
Degrees
- 2022, Ph.D., Integrated Biomedical Science, Rush University, Medical Center
- 2015, B.S., Conservation Biology, St. Lawrence University
Disertation Title
The Effects of HIV-Inflammatory Mediators and Combined Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) on Osteoblast Function, Bone Mass, and Bone Quality: Potential Role of the Wnt/ β -Cantenin Signaling Pathway
Research Advisors
- Ryan D. Ross, Ph.D.
- Lena Al-Harthi, Ph.D.