覃梦娟 （Qin Mengjuan）

During the PhD thesis, I studied the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 with palbociclib in HER2-positive breast cancer as a therapeutic approach to increase the effectiveness of standard anti-HER2 therapies, consisting of the use of trastuzumab and pertuzumab. I developed both in vitro and in vivo experiments using cell cultures and molecular biology techniques. I maintained cell lines and performed viability assays, Western blot, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and microscopy. I also carried out experiments with complex preclinical models, such as 3D tissue cultures, organoids, and cell co-cultures, and processed patient tumor samples ex vivo. My results demonstrated that the combination of these drugs induced cellular senescence in vitro. In 2024, I started my postdoctoral work, during which I developed new techniques necessary for our research group. I wrote the laboratory protocols and provided support in the general management and organization of the laboratory. I also trained new members of the group in the proper management and compliance of the protocols and procedures.