Vesna Jurjevič: Exploring MAGE proteins
The American Slovenian Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the Student Organization of the Biotechnical Faculty, is organizing a second popular science lecture that will focus on cancer research from a biological perspective. It will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 6 p.m. and given by Vesna Jurjevič, an MSc student of Molecular and functional biology at the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana and ASEF Junior Fellow 2024. The lecture is entitled “Exploring MAGE proteins?” and will be held at the Biotechnical faculty in the lecture room B5 (Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana).
REGISTRATION
To attend the lecture, please register by December 5, no later than 5 p.m.
ABOUT THE LECTURE
The MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene) protein family has been studied for over 40 years, as it is often associated with aggressive cancer types. Although their precise functions remain only partially understood, these proteins play significant roles in tumor cell survival, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, making them a focal point in cancer research. This summer, Vesna had the opportunity to spend two months collaborating with the Fon Tacer lab at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas, to study MAGE proteins. In her presentation, she will share her research experience from both a laboratory perspective and her exploration of America. Additionally, she will present a part of her master’s thesis, which focuses on defining the function of a specific MAGE protein and its role in cancer development.
ABOUT THE LECTURER
Vesna Jurjevič is an MSc student of Molecular and functional biology at the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana. Currently she is working on her master thesis under the guidance of Dr. Barbara Breznik from the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, studying the role of melanoma antigen MAGEC2 protein in glioblastoma and antitumor immune response. Vesna comes from a small town in Slovenia called Kamnik. In her spare time, Vesna enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends or working in the educational department of the Ljubljana ZOO, where she gives guided tours and educates visitors about various animal species and conservation.
ASEF YOUNG MINDS
ASEF Young Minds is a series of popular science lectures, which encourages young people to present their research work and experience gained within the framework of the ASEF fellowship program in a way that is accessible and understandable to the general public. In the project, ASEF connects with local organizations that operate in the places where the lecturers come from. The aim of cooperation is to connect and integrate young learners into the local Slovenian environment.
ASEF connects and unites Slovenian scientists and academics all over the world.
The project is supported by the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth and the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad.