Training Program for Mariam Yaacoub: Investigating p53-Mediated Immune Regulation in Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma Using Zebrafish Models

ABSTRACT Pediatric diffuse midline glioma (pDMG) is a devastating brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. TP53 mutations, occurring in over 70% of cases, contribute to immune evasion and poor response to therapy. This project investigates the role of p53 in tumor immune interactions using zebrafish models of pDMG. We will examine how p53 mutations influence immune cell infiltration and activity within the tumor microenvironment. Insights gained could inform immunotherapeutic strategies for pDMG. This fellowship provides Mariam Yaacoub with hands-on training in pediatric oncology research, including zebrafish model development, fluorescence microscopy, immune cell profiling, and experimental design, preparing her for a career in biomedical research.