A genius? I just love studying.

Chapter 311 This must be a provocation tactic
"Validation of downstream non-canonical pathways of EGFR mutants."

Liu Jishou pointed out the problem directly: "The PhDs in our team have been working on this for several months, but there's still no progress. You know, we're in biology, and math isn't our strong suit. We urgently need someone with strong computational and modeling skills."

"EGFR mutant?"

Chen Hui let out a soft "hmm," showing interest. If the national key project the other party mentioned was related to cancer, he was indeed interested in joining. Moreover, his research was about to enter the experimental verification stage, and he could take advantage of this professor's laboratory, or even his manpower, to conduct his own experiments.

"Tell me in detail." Chen Hui had made up his mind. Although he could make requests to Elder Qian and the others for resources and manpower, if he could solve it himself, there was no need to trouble Elder Qian and the others.

Song Chaoming was overjoyed. "That's right. I just noticed that you're also researching tumor-related issues. You should know that EGFR is one of the most important driver genes in lung cancer."

“Targeted drugs for it, such as gefitinib and osimertinib, have become standard treatments. After EGFR is activated, it usually transmits instructions downstream through a clear signaling chain: EGFR->RAS->RAF->MEK->ERK. This pathway mainly promotes cell proliferation, and drug design is mainly focused on blocking this pathway.”

"However, after taking targeted drugs, some cunning cancer cells will find alternative ways to activate some alternative signaling pathways that do not rely on the above-mentioned classic pathways to maintain survival and proliferation. This is one of the main reasons for drug resistance."

We hypothesize that a novel, unknown, non-classical pathway is at work in the specific EGFR mutants we studied.

Chen Hui listened attentively. He had to admit that the professor was quite capable. His guess was very reasonable. If they continued down this path, they might eventually be able to solve the problem of EGFR resistance, which would be a very significant breakthrough in tumor research.

This roadmap was equally invaluable to him.

If he can clearly elucidate this pathway, it will not only help Professor Song, but also provide a real, verified non-classical drug resistance pathway mechanism as the cornerstone truth for him to build a more ambitious model.

This pathway can also be used as a touchstone to test whether his designed prediction model is powerful and accurate enough.

This signal transmission pattern that bypasses classic nodes might provide unexpected inspiration for the radical solution he is currently pondering.

This isn't about helping out; it's an excellent opportunity for scientific research collaboration!

"However, our team used techniques such as mass spectrometry to compare the phosphorylation levels of tens of thousands of proteins in cancer cells before and after drug administration, and we did discover a series of abnormally changing signaling proteins. These proteins, like ghosts, hint at a potential new pathway, but we still cannot confirm it."

Song Chaoming said helplessly, "We simply can't tell whether the activation of these proteins is the cause or the result? Who's upstream and who's downstream?"

"As you know, biological experimental data contains a lot of background noise and random fluctuations, and the real signals are buried in it and difficult to identify."

His tone indicated that he didn't treat Chen Hui as an undergraduate student at all, but rather as an expert with extensive experience in tumor research.

Of course, after studying so much material, Chen Hui had indeed become an expert in this field, and he really knew the answers to the questions Song Chaoming had mentioned.

"Our team was unable to construct a clear, verifiable mathematical model to describe the interactions between these proteins."

Traditional linear modeling methods, such as those that assume A activates B and B activates C, are completely ineffective. The data points are scattered like a fog, making them impossible to fit. Without a model, it's impossible to design subsequent gene knockout and overexpression experiments for biological validation.

"The traditional research model of hypothesis -> experimental verification has reached a dead end here because there are too many and too vague hypotheses. Each verification experiment takes several weeks and is very costly. After several months, our team made a lot of attempts, but it was like going around in a maze and getting nothing."

Song Chaoming looked at Chen Hui as if he were a lifeline. He could tell from Chen Hui's research that this guy's mathematical ability was absolutely top-notch, even comparable to the math professors he had met before.

Most importantly, Chen Hui also understands biology and oncology, which is exactly the kind of talent he needs most.

His key project has been underway for over three years and has consumed a large amount of research funding. If he doesn't produce any decent results soon, he won't be able to explain himself.

“I can solve this problem.”

After confirming that the professor was researching tumors, Chen Hui decided to collaborate with him.

Chen Hui might not be so certain about other problems, but he is confident about math problems. He believes that if he can't solve a math problem, then there is no answer to it.

Song Chaoming was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, thank you!"

Although he felt that Chen Hui was being a bit arrogant, he thought it was normal for someone with ability to be a little cocky.

"However, I have one condition: after I solve your problem, I would like your experimental team to help me conduct a few experiments."

Chen Hui stated his conditions, "They are also related to tumors, so they shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Song Chaoming was slightly puzzled. Generally speaking, those who can conduct this kind of research are experts in the field and do not need to borrow his manpower and laboratory.

Could it be that this guy is actually an undergraduate student?
He was now even more curious about Chen Hui's identity.

"no problem!"

Song Chaoming agreed without hesitation. As long as his problem could be solved and the modeling of the downstream non-classical pathway of the EGFR mutant could be completed, he would not hesitate to do a few experiments to verify the equation, let alone have his lab work for Chen Hui for two months.

"Take me to see the data first."

Liu Jishou clearly overestimated Chen Hui. While Chen Hui is indeed very strong in mathematics, he is not yet at the point where he can build models without looking at the data.

"No rush, let's go eat first."

Song Chaoming had heard Chen Hui's stomach growling long ago. Not to mention Chen Hui, who had been engrossed in his research all afternoon, even he himself was hungry.

"It's too late today, I'll go prepare the experimental data first. See you in the lab at 9 a.m. tomorrow."

After finishing his meal, Song Chaoming excitedly waved goodbye to Chen Hui.

Chen Hui rubbed his nose. It was only 9 p.m. He had originally planned to go to the lab to check the data, but since the other party was preparing to rest, he couldn't say anything. He was just quite envious of the relaxed attitude these experts had towards their research.

Of course, everyone has their own research methods, and sufficient rest and a relaxed atmosphere may be more conducive to inspiring research.

……

China Academy of Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Research
Song Chaoming and Chen Hui had arranged to meet at 9 o'clock, but the students had already arrived at the lab at 8 o'clock. Working people always complain about the 996 work schedule, but for these doctoral students, 8127 is commonplace.

"Senior Brother Tang, I heard that our teacher invited a math whiz. Do you know which professor from the Mathematics Department it is?"

While eating breakfast, the students chatted quietly. Song Chaoming said that he would have these students prepare the data, and the students had all heard some rumors about it.

When asked, Senior Brother Tang shook his head. "This time it's not from the School of Mathematics. I heard it's a student from our school."

"A student?" The students were even more curious. "Which professor's top student is he? Do we know him? Does our college have such a math whiz?"

"It seems so, an undergraduate student."

Tang, the senior student, also expressed some uncertainty. He was quite shocked when he heard the news from his teacher, since the other student didn't have a tutor and could only be an undergraduate.

"undergrad?"

The students who were eating all stopped what they were doing and looked at Senior Brother Tang with a look of absurdity in their eyes.

"Could it be that the teacher is suffering from anxiety and is desperately seeking any treatment?"

"Can undergraduates solve our problems?"

The junior student who asked the first question voiced everyone's doubts. They had all been undergraduates themselves, so they naturally knew what level undergraduates were at.

"Alright, it's because we haven't solved that problem for so long. The teacher is definitely using reverse psychology to motivate us."

After a moment of contemplation, Senior Brother Tang spoke with certainty.

The other students nodded slightly; this must be the truth of the matter.

"It's not that we're incompetent, it's just that this problem is beyond our capabilities. Not to mention us, I'm afraid the entire academy wouldn't be able to find a student who can solve this problem."

A junior female student complained with a bitter face that they all depended on the project to produce results so that they could publish papers. A high-quality paper would not only help them graduate smoothly, but also serve as a stepping stone for their future careers.

"Don't even mention students, you probably couldn't find a professor either."

Another junior student also complained that they had been stuck on this for months, so they were well aware of the difficulty of building the model. That's why they were certain that this was not something an undergraduate could do.

"Alright, alright, the teacher has his reasons for making this arrangement. We just need to do our job well."

Tang interrupted his juniors' complaints, and after finishing breakfast, he turned on his computer to continue organizing the data.

Seeing their senior's attitude, the other junior students also returned to their positions and began to organize the data diligently.

……

At 9 a.m. sharp, Chen Hui appeared outside the laboratory, where Song Chaoming had been waiting for him for a long time.

Good morning, young man. Have you had breakfast yet?

"I still have steamed buns and soy milk here, would you like some?"

Song Chaoming greeted them warmly.

The students in the lab were speechless. When had they ever seen a teacher treat someone like this, even a college leader? As teachers, they treated people as equals.

Their curiosity is now at its peak: just who is this undergraduate student?
"Let's start looking at the data."

Chen Hui shook his head. He had gotten up at 6 a.m., eaten breakfast, and read papers for more than two hours before coming over.

"Okay, come with me."

Song Chaoming led Chen Hui into the laboratory, past the students' desks, and into the lab. A heavy automatic door slid open, and after they entered, the door behind them closed automatically. Disinfectant began to spray around them. Song Chaoming then had Chen Hui put on a lab coat before the door in front of them opened.

A unique blend of smells wafted over, a mixture of pungent disinfectant alcohol, the warm, sweet scent of cultured cells, and the faint electronic odor emitted by precision instruments in operation.

To Chen Hui, this smell was like the smell of gunpowder smoke to a soldier—the smell of a cutting-edge scientific research battlefield.

The scene before him was a stark contrast to the quiet space he spent his days immersed in, filled only with books and code; it was a wondrous fusion of vibrant life and the cold glow of technology.

Pass through this door, and you'll find the actual testing area inside.

The laboratory is spacious and bright, divided into several functional areas. Various high-end instruments, like soldiers waiting for inspection, operate quietly, emitting low white noise, playing a symphony of scientific research.

On one side is a huge clean bench. Under the soft white light, a fully equipped researcher is performing aseptic operations with a pipette, his movements as precise as embroidery.

Behind them were rows of carbon dioxide constant temperature incubators, humming softly, maintaining a constant environment of 37°C and 5% CO inside, like warm wombs nurturing countless cancer cells that would serve as experimental materials.

Several key pieces of equipment stood in the center of the room.

The indicator light on a high-throughput mass spectrometer is flashing. It can measure the mass and quantity of thousands of proteins in a sample with astonishing precision and is the core weapon for mapping proteomics.

A liquid chromatograph is connected to the side, separating the complex sample mixture one by one through thin tubing.

On the other side, a new generation of gene sequencers is running quietly, its chip reading the base sequence of DNA at an astonishing speed, revealing the deepest genetic code of cancer cells.

A confocal microscope is placed against the wall. Its complex lens group can perform optical sectioning of cells, generate gorgeous three-dimensional images, and observe the localization and interaction of proteins in cells in real time. On the screen, fluorescently labeled cells are displayed, with green and red light spots intertwined, like stars in a microscopic universe.

Through an observation window, you can see the SPF-grade animal facility next door, where transgenic mouse models are kept for experiments; they are the living battlefields for verifying the effects of drugs.

There weren't many people in the lab, but everyone was walking briskly and completely focused.

A doctoral student was frowning at the electrophoresis gel imaging system, another senior student was carefully separating precious samples in front of an ice box, and someone else was frantically recording data in front of a computer, their face full of fatigue and focus.

An invisible pressure permeated the air, a collective anxiety stemming from the project's months-long stagnation.

Chen Hui was very satisfied with this. As expected of a national key laboratory, it had the best of the best in terms of both equipment and personnel, which would be of great help to his subsequent research.

“Look,” Professor Song pointed to a row of cryovials next to the liquid nitrogen tank, “these are the cell lines we constructed, carrying different EGFR mutants. And over there,” he pointed to the mass spectrometer, “the one running now is the latest batch of samples collected at different time points after drug administration.”

Data keeps flowing out, but we... can't understand what it's trying to tell us.

He led Chen Hui out of the laboratory and into a small conference room, turned on the projector, and looked at Chen Hui with great anticipation.

(End of this chapter)