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Golden Spatula 2021

Winner of the Golden Spatula 2021

Jildou van der Werf

Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences - Understanding the regulation of interleukin-6 expression and the effect of rs1800795 in the context of cancers and exercise-induced metabolic adaptation

This year, the KNCV Golden Spatula selection committee nominated Jildou van der Werf's thesis, written as part of her bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, for the Golden Spatula award.

The report, which was awarded a grade of 10, clearly describes the research she conducted during her graduation at the University of Otago (New Zealand) in the Department of Pathology under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas Fleming.

Jildou van der Werf has conducted research into the relationship between a genetic variation in the promoter of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene and the development of obesity and the progression of cancer. IL-6 is produced as a result of inflammatory responses and contributes to the metastasis of cancer, but is also produced by muscles during exercise. The promoter that codes for IL-6 production contains a base pair change (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, SNP) called rs1800795. The G allele is associated with an increased risk of cancer and the C allele with obesity. The SNP is polygenic for Europeans but mainly homozygous G for people of Pacific descent. The aim of this study was to determine whether rs-1800795 influences the expression of IL-6 and whether this effect differs per cell type (muscle cells versus leukemia cells). Furthermore, it was investigated whether cells derived from mice could be used to study this mechanism.

In five months, Jildou accomplished an impressive amount of work, including cell culture and cell differentiation, reporter assays, site-directed mutagenesis, and working with the relatively unknown variant of CRISPR-Cas technology, namely CRISPR-Cas12a. Her supervisor praised her professional attitude, the fact that she took charge of her project, and her understanding of the techniques and background associated with the project. Jildou has an open personality, communicates well with colleagues, is critical (also of herself), and handles feedback excellently.

The jury was impressed by the clear formulation of the problem and plan of action, the description of the research results, and the drawing of correct conclusions. In addition, the techniques used are excellently described. The enthusiasm and clear language with which Jildou presented the results in her report make it easy to read, even for a “layman.” All of the above makes Jildou van der Werf an excellent winner of the “Golden Spatula 2021.”

The second prize was awarded to:

Guus Aalbers - Fontys Hogeschool
Discriminating the Mechanisms in Plasmon-Activated Chemical Reactions via a Light-Driven Au@Ag Core@Shell Nanorod Synthesis