Researcher Profiles

Sheena Manghera

Sheena Manghera, 4th year, Biochemistry Honours

Briefly describe the professor and research project you are working with.

I am working with Dr. Renée Douville on Human Endogenous Retrovirus (ERV) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research. Surprisingly, about 8% of the human DNA is made up of chunks of retroviral genomes, called endogenous retroviruses. Although required for pregnancy to be possible, these sequences are also activated in specific human cells in many diseases including cancer, arthritis, HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, and ALS – the latter being the focus of our research. We do not yet understand how ERVs are re-activated during disease conditions. So, the focus of my research project is to determine human cellular proteins which may induce these viral sequences in our cells.   

Why do you want to do this kind of research?

This research is very interesting! Just the fact that ERVs make up 8% of our DNA, whereas only 1% of our DNA actually codes for human proteins, is quite astonishing. On top of that, these viral sequences are not just silent passengers within our DNA – they can be both beneficial and potentially harmful for us. The benefit is illustrated by the fact that a specific ERV, called ERV-W, is absolutely essential for the formation of placenta. Thus, endogenous retroviruses govern the very nature of our existence. On the other hand, ERVs may also pose a risk to our health if they are indeed responsible for progression of specific diseases such as ALS – a relationship which is yet to be determined. With respect to their involvement in disease pathogenesis, so much is yet to be discovered, which motivates me to be involved in this research.

How do you think this research benefits you in developing your skills and abilities?

This research experience has been very beneficial in developing laboratory skills, critical thinking skills, and other research related abilities. We get a chance to work in a biosafety level II laboratory, which is exciting on its own. We get hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, preparing human tissue cultures, cell transfections – just to name a few. We also have the opportunity to attend local, national, and international conferences, where we can present our research and build strong social networks with other scientists in the field. Besides this, I also consider myself extremely lucky to have had the chance to have published an academic article in the journal of Retrovirology. Overall, this research has prepared me very well for succeeding in my future career.        

What is the best part, or what has surprised you in doing this research?

The best part of this research is its unexpected nature. We never know what kind of results we will get. And often, we get surprising and unexpected results. The thrill of not knowing what will happen at the molecular level within cells while performing experiments makes this research quite challenging and an adventure on its own!

What would you say to students thinking about attending UWinnipeg regarding research opportunities here?

I would strongly recommend UWinnipeg to students who are interested in doing research work. With the establishment of the Richardson College, which has attracted excellent and well-funded researchers, UWinnipeg now offers a much wider variety of interesting research opportunities and hands-on research experience for undergraduates as well as for graduate students. This university also offers a very pleasant research atmosphere, where the students and the professors share caring and hospitable relationships. This institution provides prospective students with excellent opportunities for success in scientific research, such as attending conferences and publishing manuscripts – opportunities usually only available to graduate students in other institutions.          

What are your personal goals, how do you hope to use your education down the road?

My goal is to obtain a Master’s followed by a PhD in virology, particularly focusing on the role of endogenous retroviruses in pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. Dr. Douville’s lab has provided me an excellent opportunity to expand my research skills and specialize in this growing field of ERV research. I hope to eventually return as a professor to give back to the institution which has given me so much!