معرفی
Chantelle F. Sephton, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience within Laval University's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on identifying therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), through investigations of RNA-binding proteins TDP-43 and FUS.
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan
- Post-doctoral Fellowship, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Faculty Instructor (non-tenure), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dr. Sephton's research centers on synaptic dysfunction in neurodegeneration, examining how RNA-binding proteins regulate protein production essential for neuronal health. Her work employs novel mouse models and neuron cultures to investigate mechanisms of synapse loss—a critical early event in ALS and FTD—using biochemical and imaging techniques. The lab's overarching goal is identifying drug targets to slow or prevent neurodegeneration, addressing the urgent need for effective therapies given the 2-10 year life expectancy post-diagnosis.
Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on RNA regulation in neurodegeneration, with prominent themes in FUS/TDP-43 pathology, synaptic integrity, and therapeutic interventions targeting protein homeostasis. Key methodologies include transgenic models, biomarker analysis, and molecular pathway modulation.
Scientific Recognition:
- John R. Evans Leaders Fund Grant (Canada Foundation for Innovation, 2017) for ALS/FTD research ($300,000)
Dr. Sephton actively mentors graduate students and research staff while leading the Sephton Laboratory. Her team includes Ph.D. candidates Mari Carmen Pelaez and Bastien Glasson, MSc students Antoine Desmeules and Pauline Gelon, research assistant Laetitia Marcadet, and undergraduate scholars. Current projects investigate NF-κB inhibition for ALS phenotypes, progranulin translation enhancement, and FUS granule dynamics in neurodegeneration, supported by competitive funding.
Operating from Lab F-3516 with resources from the John R. Evans Leaders Fund, the Sephton Laboratory utilizes advanced imaging and molecular techniques to study synaptic maintenance mechanisms. The lab maintains active collaborations with international neurodegeneration research groups and contributes to Canada's neuroscience infrastructure through its focus on RNA biology in neurodegenerative disease pathways.
