Derek Wu, BS, Receives ANF's 2024 Best Abstract Award

Derek Wu, BS, received the 2024 Best Abstract Award for his research on “Profiling Granzymes in Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.” Motivated by the lack of understanding surrounding the pathogenic mechanisms of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and the fact that treatment largely depends on systemic immunosuppressants or costly therapies, Mr. Wu’s team hoped to identify novel biomarkers for understanding and managing AIDP. 

According to Mr. Wu, “Granzymes are a family of pleiotropic serine proteases with roles in cytotoxicity as well as aberrant inflammation, tissue injury, matrix remodeling, impaired healing, and autoantigen generation. There are five granzymes identified in humans: Granzymes A, B, H, K, and M. Breakthroughs over the past decade have identified roles for granzymes in the pathologies of many inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune blistering, aneurysm, and systemic sclerosis. Our research identified granzymes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with AIDP and showed a profile distinct from non-AIDP controls.” He says that one specific granzyme correlated strongly with CSF protein levels, and while their findings are preliminary, he believes this data potentially identifies a novel biomarker in AIDP. 

Mr. Wu is pleased to receive this award, saying, “Receiving this award is incredibly affirming, and I am very grateful for it, as these data are the culmination of several years of significant effort and collaboration.” He credits Drs. David Granville and Mike Berger’s ideas, guidance, and mentorship for the project’s success and his interest in neurology. In the future, he is particularly interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders. He hopes to become a clinician-scientist and contribute to the understanding and treatment of complex neurological conditions. 

Mr. Wu's abstract will be presented at the 2024 AANEM Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia, Oct. 15-18 among all abstracts, including the Best Abstract Runner-Up Award, Technologist Best Abstract Award, Pediatric Research Award, Residency and Fellowship Member Award, Medical Student Award, and President's Research Award abstracts.