Research Spotlight

This spotlight will highlight the educational and professional journeys of the faculty and students.  

December Research Spotlight – M.D./Ph.D. student Tanner Bakhshi, earned a first author publication in the Blood Cancer Journal sponsored by Nature Research. “Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma,” explores the clinical aspects and molecular mechanisms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Bakhshi, in his sixth year of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. program, is examining epigenetic dysregulation in DLBCL. DLBCL. Known for being the most common type of lymphoma and subtype of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), DLBCL is notorious for its heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and the frequent development of resistance and/or relapse after treatment with standard chemotherapy.

This publication is contributing to DLBCL research as it “provides a comprehensive review of the literature regarding some of the most important mechanisms that drive DLBCL and highlights emerging trends in the conceptualization and treatment of this type of cancer,” Bakhshi said.

He heavily emphasizes that these emerging trends might be the key to changing how DLCBL is approached therapeutically. Bakhshi is thrilled to expand on this research alongside his mentor Philippe Georgel Ph.D., as he chose Marshall to work with familiar professors who inspired him.  

While Bakhshi is not in the lab, he is spending time with his wife whom he met in the Biomedical Research Graduate program. In addition to spending time with his wife you can also find him reading, watching movies, listing to music and getting outside for a run to enjoy the West Virginia scenery.