I was born in the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a genuine interest in biological science, and I’ve always known that it was what I wanted to do in the future. I completed high school in Jakarta before my dad encouraged me to pursue my undergraduate degree abroad. With my parent’s support, I took a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The University of Western Australia. During my undergraduate studies, my hands-on experiences in the lab sparked my curiosity for research, leading me to pursue a Master’s dissertation degree.
During the last semester of my undergraduate, I was unsure of what career pathway I should pursue, and I was at a crossroads on whether I should continue with a master’s degree. During this time, I had the opportunity to work on a small research project in Dr. Iyer’s lab. The project primarily involved computational work to predict G-quadruplex and I-motif structures in oncogene promoter regions. This experience exposed me to research in the field of molecular science, which significantly sparked my interest in pursuing a research career. Dr. Iyer was an excellent supervisor, and the research papers published by the Bionano Lab aligned with my interests, which led me to decide to join the centre.
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inheritable skin disorder which can greatly impair an individual quality of life. RDEB is caused by a mutation in COL7A1 gene which encodes for collagen VII, a vital component of anchoring fibrils that is responsible in holding the epidermis and dermis layer of the skin together. My project plans to investigate the distribution, sustained presence and function of COL7A1 targeting ASO in skin cells to better understand the potential for ASO therapies to treat RDEB. To achieve this, I aim to (1) develop an imaging workflow for correlative imaging that will analyse the subcellular distribution and persistence ASOs within skin cells, (2) analyse the functionality of ASOs simultaneously with localisation within skin cells, and (3) analyse COL7A1 expression and basement membrane integrity over time after ASO treatment in a 3D model of RDEB. The development of a correlative imaging workflow to visualise the distribution of ASOs within skin cells with subcellular resolution will provide important feedback for evaluating the potential of ASO approaches to treat EB. This could uncover interactions with biological barriers and molecules that affect stability and efficacy and support chemical modifications or other changes in approach to better develop effective ASO therapeutics. Ultimately, this research serves to provide a groundwork to support future RNA-based therapeutic developments, especially in treating genetic diseases.
Through this research, I hope to make a significant contribution to RNA-based therapeutic developments. I believe that joining the center will be vital in reaching my goals. The center’s cutting-edge facilities, collaborative environment, and expertise in molecular and genetic research, as well as microscopy, will provide the resources and support needed to carry out my project successfully. Furthermore, working alongside experienced researchers will offer valuable guidance and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that my research can make a meaningful impact.
