The lab's immediate focus is on mechano-transduction, the process by which cells convert mechanical stimulus into electrical and chemical response.
The Syeda Lab investigates PIEZO-dependent mechanotransduction. We take an interdisciplinary approach that integrates molecular neuroscience and biophysics, mechanobiology and ion channel physiology to address three research directions: the structure–function relationship of PIEZO channels, their roles in cellular physiology, and the pathophysiology of PIEZO-related disorders. To study how cells respond to mechanical stimuli (pressure, tension, shear stress), the lab employs combination of techniques on cells, mouse models and human tissues, including single-channel and whole-cell electrophysiology, large scale protein purification, fluorescence-based cellular assays, advanced imaging and screening methods.
Meet the PI
Ruhma Syeda, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Syeda’s long-term research interests focus on the physiological and pathophysiological implications of ion channel gating and modulation with respect to health and disease. She has received rigorous training in the fields of chemical biology, neurobiology, and biophysics.
Membrane biology and ion channels first came to her attention during undergraduate studies at Karachi University, where she earned a BSc in Chemistry and an MSc in Physical Chemistry. Due to the fundamental role that ion channels play in health and disease, Dr. Syeda found them to be captivating and promising research opportunities.
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