Shivi Kumar

Mind Matters Foundation, Marcus High School, United States

Abstract Title: Metabolic Pathway Alterations in Glioblastoma Stem Cells Under Hypoxia: Computational Analysis of Hypoxia-Activated Pathways

Biography: Shivi Kumar is a passionate high school researcher and aspiring neurosurgeon with a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the fields of neuroscience and genomics. As an emerging researcher, Shivi has made significant contributions to understanding complex medical topics, including metabolic hypoxia and brain tumors. Her work in these areas has earned her recognition as a semifinalist for the AAN (American Academy of Neurology) Research Neuroscience Award and a participant in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search. Shivi’s academic journey is marked by her extensive involvement in various research projects, most notably her current focus on AI-powered precision medicine for neurofibromatosis, where she combines machine learning and genomic data to create innovative therapeutic solutions. With a strong interest in neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer, Shivi is determined to make groundbreaking contributions in the medical field, aspiring to one day win a Nobel Prize for her research. In addition to her academic pursuits, Shivi is an active member of her community. She is the founder of the Mind Matters Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and support research for marginalized pediatric populations diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. Through this foundation, she advocates for better healthcare resources and more equitable access to medical care for underserved groups. Shivi is also a dedicated leader, co-founding the nonprofit GEWL (Global Education Women Leaders), which focuses on empowering young girls through education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Outside of her research and philanthropic endeavors, Shivi enjoys mentoring others and fostering the next generation of women in STEM. With her eye on the future, Shivi is focused on expanding her knowledge and skills, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance her understanding of neuroscience, genomics, and AI to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of medicine.

Research Interest: This study investigates how glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) adapt their metabolism under hypoxic stress, a condition common within tumors that impacts cellular survival pathways. Focusing on three key metabolic pathways—glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutaminolysis—we utilized transcriptomic data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to analyze metabolic shifts in U87-MG glioblastoma cells. Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of glycolytic enzymes such as LDHA and GLUT1, along with changes in lipid biosynthesis mediated by fatty acid synthase (FASN), highlighting GSCs’ metabolic flexibility. These adaptations enable GSCs to sustain energy production and structural support despite oxygen limitations, suggesting that their survival depends on the strategic modulation of these pathways. By identifying these critical metabolic shifts, this study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets within GSCs’ unique metabolic network. Targeting glycolysis and lipid metabolism, specifically enzymes like LDHA and FASN, could disrupt the energy production and structural maintenance of GSCs, making them more susceptible to treatment. The findings provide new insight into how hypoxic environments drive GSC survival, emphasizing metabolic reprogramming as a promising target for developing therapies to enhance treatment efficacy in glioblastoma. Keywords: Brain Tumors, Cancer Metabolism, Hypoxic Signaling Pathways, Metabolic Hypoxia, Tumor Microenvironment