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Vesna Jurjevič: Exploring MAGE proteins and Experiences in the USA

January 06, 2025 | 7:40 am |
December 06, 2024

On Thursday, December 5, ASEF, in collaboration with the Student Organization of the Biotechnical Faculty (ŠOBF), hosted a public science lecture as part of the ASEF Young Minds series. Vesna Jurjevič, a master’s student in Molecular and Functional Biology and an ASEF Fellow of the 2024 generation, presented her work titled Exploring MAGE Proteins to microbiology students and other natural science majors.

The event was opened by Miha Rožič, also an ASEF Fellow from the 2024 generation, who then handed the microphone to Jon Budihna, a representative of ŠOBF. Budihna highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific projects and student support, stating that the primary goal of ŠOBF is:

“Covering a broad spectrum of sciences and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students in various extracurricular projects.”

In her presentation, Vesna Jurjevič outlined her research on the role of MAGE proteins in aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Her master’s thesis, supervised by Dr. Barbara Breznik from the National Institute of Biology, focuses on the MAGEC2 protein and its impact on anti-tumor immune response.

Vesna also emphasized her two-month research visit with the team of Prof. Dr. Klementina Fon Tacer at the TTU SVM College of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, Texas. There, she developed new MAGE protein cell lines and gained skills in working with laboratory animals, cell transfection, and Western blot analysis. Her findings contribute to understanding how MAGE proteins enhance cancer cell resistance to therapies.

Vesna enriched her talk with stories about her free time, spent exploring natural wonders such as Palo Duro Canyon and Colorado Springs, as well as cultural landmarks, including the NASA Center and a seminar by renowned researcher Temple Grandin. She often shared these experiences with fellow ASEF scholar Jerneja Koren, who also conducted her research visit under Prof. Dr. Fon Tacer.

The event was part of an ASEF project aimed at disseminating the research achievements of young scholars, supported by the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth and the Office for Slovenians Abroad. Vesna concluded the event with the reflection:

“Despite the differences between America and Slovenia, the research environments in both countries offer excellent opportunities for personal and academic growth.”

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