Characterzation of a Puerto Rican cohort of Essential Thrombocytemia patients and the use of this disease as the theoretical context of high school students' short scientific investigation

Abstract

Essential Thrombocytemia (ET) is part of the spectrum of myeloproliferative disorders that affect the myeloid progenitor cells. This neoplasm is characterized by a cytokine overproduction, persistent thrombocytosis, thrombotic events, and the presence of mutations that constitutively activate the JAK-STAT pathway such as JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL. Unfortunately, the characterization of the mutational, cytokine, and thrombotic profile of the ET Puerto Rican sub-population is still totally unexplored. For this reason, we determined the mutational background of ET Puerto Rican patients and then we analyzed the levels of 37 analytes including cytokine, thrombotic factors, and growth factors. Because this research topic allows the discussion of a variety of molecular biology concepts, this framework was used as a platform to introduce high school students to a wide range of molecular biology topics and experimentation.<br /> <br /> Since CALR mutation is the most recently discovered mutation and its mechanism is not completely understood, we use this topic to introduce high school students to cutting edge science. Students were able to develop an ET CALR cell line using CRISPR-Cas9 gene modification tool. To identify if authentic research experiences were the key to improve students' competences and performance, one group of students were part of the research experience and other group was part of research demonstrations and simulations. As part of the experience, we were able to validate a Spanish Science Identity Survey that was used to determine the influence of scientific experiences on students' science identity. The use of this platform allows us to understand how scientific experiences influence students and which components of scientific experiences are key to developing students' science identity.