This Biophysics Week, the Committee for Inclusion and Diversity is highlighting some of the outstanding researchers who participated in the Justice for Underrepresented Scholars Training in Biophysics (JUST-B) Poster Session at the Biophysical Society's 66th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Today's featured student is Cheyanne Lewis, a Junior Specialist at the University of California, Davis.
What is your current position?
I am a Junior Specialist in the Physiology and Membrane Biology department at UC Davis in the lab of Dr. Theanne Griffith. In the Griffith Lab, we investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underly different somatic sensations in both health and disease.
Please share a brief description of your research.
My research is focused on the role of voltage-sodium channels (NaVs) in proprioception. Proprioception is critical for the execution of purposeful movement and complex motor tasks, yet little is known about which isoforms are responsible for the transmission of proprioceptive information in sensory neurons. I am particularly interested in the functional role of NaV1.1, and how loss of this channel can affect circuitry and behavior.
Can you please provide a few potential applications of your research?
Scn1a, the gene that encodes for NaV1.1, is known as a “super culprit gene” due to its association with hundreds of disease-causing mutations related to brain disorders such as epilepsy, migraine, and ASD. Due to its wide expression in the central nervous system, the role of this channel in the peripheral nervous system remains understudied. This research will provide insight into its role in proprioceptive signaling and will help identify therapeutic targets that aid in restoring proprioceptive function in instances of disease.
How might your research be relevant to those who are not working in your specific field?
This research highlights the intricacies of sensory transmission. By understanding how dysfunction of electrical signaling in the periphery affects higher level circuitry, we can further explore the physiological crosstalk between the peripheral and central nervous systems to tackle more complex heterogenous disorders.
What was your favorite thing about the recent BPS meeting in San Francisco?
My favorite part of the BPS meeting was the opportunity to sit in on various symposiums and platforms and learn about the latest research in the field. There were many networking opportunities, and I enjoyed participating in fruitful discussions.
What is your favorite thing about biophysics?
My favorite thing about biophysics is how interdisciplinary it is! Structure, electrophysiology, optics – there are so many ways that we, as researchers, try to understand various biological processes. There is also a lot of potential for collaboration.
What do you like to do outside of work/school?
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends, taking long road trips, and trying new restaurants. I have recently gotten into graphic design and digital artwork.
Do you have a website where our readers can view your recent research and follow your career? Or want to share professional social media handles?
You can find me on Twitter @chylew!