Sehrish Afsheen

Advisor: Bikash Pattnaik, PhD

Research
My research focus is on one of the least studied potassium channels in the retina, named KCNQ voltage-
gated potassium channel (Kv7), which is mostly studied in the brain in the context of therapeutic targets
to treat epilepsy Anti-epileptic drugs targeting KCNQ channels in the brain also have been reported to
cause visual contraindication as a side effect. Future KCNQ targeting drugs can be generated by avoiding
the retina-specific action of these drugs, provided the role and composition of retina KCNQ channels are
known. With this in mind, my thesis aim is to explore the contribution of M-current (Kv7 subtypes) in the
retina. The molecular composition and physiology of the KCNQ channel (Kv7) in the retina will be studied
using tissue and cell-specific experiments. I would also like to learn and use multi-omics approaches and
electrophysiology with RNA sequencing. Because of the heterogeneity in KCNQ channel composition and
diversity of retinal neurons, my specific focus is to determine the functional association of KCNQ
channels with the retina cells and the effect of anti-epileptic drugs on retinal KCNQ channels in
the retina. I am a current member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Publications

1. A brief study of mammals: a review

2. Status and cultural uses of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in selected sites of Pakistan

3. Human interaction, conflict, threats and role of mammals-a review