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Juan C. Sanchez-Arias, MD, PhD
Trained as medical doctor and neuroscientist, I use my expertise in neurobiology, computational biology, and experimental design to magnify the impact of BenchSci’s platform and mission to empower scientists to improve the speed and quality of preclinical research with the most advanced biomedical AI.
Education
20202015
Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience
University of Victoria - Division of Medical Sciences Victoria, BC, Canada- Dissertation: Pannexin 1 regulates dendritic spine formation.
- Relevant coursework: Developmental neurobiology, Tools for the study of ion channels.
- GPA: 8.2/9.0.
20142007
Doctor of Medicine (Médico y Cirujano)
Universidad del Valle - School of Medicine Cali, Valle, Colombia- Pre-Diploma Rotatory Internship: Hospital Universitario del Valle ESE ‑ Universidad del Valle. Cali, Valle. Colombia.
- Research Internship: Centro de Estudios Cerebrales (Centre for Brain Studies). Universidad del Valle. Cali, Valle. Colombia.
- Observership: Functional Neurosurgery. Department of Neurosurgery. University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System. University of Illinois at Chicago. Chicago, IL. USA. Supervisor: Dr. Konstantin Slavin.
- Professional elective: Neurosurgery and Neurocritical Care. Department of Neurosurgery.Hospital Universitario del Valle ESE ‑ Universidad del Valle. Cali, Valle. Colombia.
- Relevant Coursework: Functional Neuroanatomy, Cerebral cortex cytoarchitectonics, Scientific Integrity, Biostatistics, Toxicology & Pharmacodependence, Systems Pathology. GPA: 4.4/5.0
Industry Experience
Current2022
Scientific Associate (Experimental Data)
BenchSci Remote- Envision and evaluate features to improve BenchSci’s platform and future roadmap using scientific insights.
- Work in collaboration with Product and Engineering teams to magnify the impact and applications of BenchSci’s platform.
- Work in collaboration with R&D to improve the data processing cycle within BenchSci’s platform.
Research Experience
20222020
Postdoctoral Fellow
Division of Medical Sciences University of Victoria- Advisors: Leigh Anne Swayne, PhD; Laura Arbour MSc, MD,
- Area of study: ankyrin adapter proteins, ion channels, calcium and voltage dysregulation in cardiomyocytes and neurons with ankyrin variants.
- Community medical genetics in inherited arrhythmias.
- Cardiomyocyte and neuronal calcium homeostasis
- Bioinformatics and computational modelling of cardiomyocyte physiology.
20202015
Graduate Research Assistant
Division of Medical Sciences University of Victoria- Advisor: Leigh Anne Swayne, PhD.
- Area of study: Pannexin 1 channels, dendritic spine plasticity, synapse formation, channel trafficking, neuronal cytoskeleton dynamics, neural stem cells, advanced microscopy for cell biology.
- Generated conditional and conditional‑inducible knockout models for the study of cerebral cortex development.
- Optimized protocols to generate primary neuronal cultures from neonatal mice suitable for network analysis.
- Developed methods to visualize dendritic spines and filopodia in tissue sections and living primary neurons.
20142013
Research Medical Intern
Centro de Estudios Cerebrales Universidad del Valle- Advisors: Martha Escobar, MSc; Hernán Pimienta, MSc, Efrain Buritica, PhD.
- Area of study: functional neuroanatomy, cerebral cortex organization, traumatic brain injury, stroke, neuroprotection.
- Performed carotid ligation in Wistar rats using microsurgery techniques.
- Investigated diffuse traumatic brain injury using a weight-drop model, organotypic rat rain brain slices. fluorescent immunochemistry and microscopy.
20112010
Undergraduate Medical Researcher
School of Public Health Universidad del Valle- Advisors: Enrique A. Estevez, MD and Elsa P. Muñoz, MD, MPH
- Area of study: Cardiovascular risk factor assessment in spinal cord injured patient assisting to a tertiary‑level hospital.
- Prepared a research project proposal, liaised with ethical boards, and established a network of collaborators to complete a standardized and regional survey in cardiovascular health.
- Led data management and prepared reports and presentations to share project results in local and national meetings.
- Contributed to the assessment and management of patients with chronic spinal cord injury, including prescribing rehabilitation plans and ordering of radiological and laboratory ancillary tests. Discussed cases with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation attendings and residents.
Research interests
Translational research
Bio-image analysis
Neuronal and cardiac physiology
Bioinformatics
Clinical genetics
Open science.
Teaching philosophy
I strive to foster an active learning and respectful environment for students in which each student has equal opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions. I believe that discussing ideas is key for developing critical thinking, communication skills, and an inquisitive mind; while providing immediate feedback on students’ understanding of the discussed topic.
Society memberships
Canadian Society for Molecular Bioscience
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Canadian Association of Neuroscience
Society for Neuroscience
Colegio Colombiano de Neurociencias - COLNE
Teaching Experience
20202017
Foundations of Medical Practice I and II
Island Medical Program University of Victoria- Courses: MEDD412 (Year 1), MEDD421 (Year 2), MEDD422 (Year 2).
- TA for Neuroanatomy Bootcamp and Laboratories.
- Subjects: Cranial Nerves V & VII and Pain, Eye Movements and Brainstem, Cerebral Cortex, Functional Areas, and Blood Supply, Control of Movement and Cerebellum, Limbic System/Dementia
Service & Leadership
Current2021
Who Can Become a Scientist?
Co-founder and Co-organizer University of Victoria- “Who can become a scientist?” is a symposium for a high school age audience that discusses equity, diversity, and inclusion issues in science.
- It reflects on the stereotypical image of scientists and the importance of leveraging support from role models and mentors to increase diversity in STEM.
20222018
Let’s Talk Science
University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada- Contribute to Neuroscience Outreach talks and high school science excursions at the University of Victoria ‑ Division of Medical Sciences.
20222017
CIHR Brain Bee
Victoria Chapter Victoria, BC, Canada- Organize and coordinate social media for the Victoria Brain Bee. Mentored high school students from the Greater Victoria Area who participated in the Brain Bee competition
- Secure funding to sponsor Victoria Brain Bee winners traveling to the CIHR National Brain Bee.
20202017
Neuroscience Graduate Student Association (NGSA)
University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada- Student Representative ‑ Division of Medical Sciences 2017‑2018.
- Investigated diffuse traumatic brain injury using a weight-drop model, organotypic rat brain brain slices. fluorescent immunochemistry and microscopy.
Awards
20242021
Research Trainee Award
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research20192019
NB Gilula Star Award
International Gap Junction Conference- Star Award and lecture for top-ranked abstracts.
20192019
John & Myrtle Tilley Graduate Scholarship
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20192016
Vera Allen Travel Award for Medical Sciences,
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20192015
James A. & Laurette Agnew Memorial Scholarship & Award
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20182018
BC Regenerative Medicine Travel Award
BC Regenerative Medicine Network20182017
Donald Wagg Graduate Scholarship
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20172015
University of Victoria Graduate Award
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20162016
University of Victoria Student Travel Grant
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20152015
University of Victoria Fellowship Entrance Award
University of Victoria - Faculty of Graduate Studies20142007
School of Medicine Dean’s List
Universidad del Valle ‑ School of Medicine- Years awarded: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
20072006
Valle del Cauca Public High School Academic Excellence Scholarship
Infivalle-ColombiaPublications
20212021
A systematic, open‑science framework for quantification of cell‑types in mouse brain sections using fluorescence microscopy
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Michael Carrier, Simona D. Frederiksen, Olga Shevtsova, Chloe Mckee, Emma van der Slagt, Elisa Gonçalves De Andrade, Hai Lam Nguyen, Penelope A. Young, Marie‑Ève Tremblay, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.722443.
- Type: Original research article.
20212021
Purinergic signaling in nervous system health & disease: Focus on pannexin 1
Pharmacology & Therapeutics- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Emma Slagt, Haley A. Vecchiarelli, Rebecca C. Candlish, Nicole York, Penelope A. Young, Olga Shevtsova, Afnan Juma, Marie‑Ève Tremblay, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107840.
- Type: Review article.
20202020
ATP Triggers Macropinocytosis That Internalizes and Is Regulated by PANX1
bioRxiv- Andrew K. J. Boyce, Emma Slagt, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.19.389072.
- Type: Original research article.
20202020
Pannexin 1 Regulates Dendritic Protrusion Dynamics in Immature Cortical Neurons
eNeuro- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Rebecca C. Candlish, Emma Slagt, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0079-20.2020.
- Type: Original research article.
20202020
PANX1 in Inflammation Heats up: New Mechanistic Insights with Implications for Injury and Infection
Cell Calcium- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Rebecca C. Candlish, Emma Slagt, Irina Paci, Praveen P. N. Rao, Brian A. MacVicar, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102253.
- Type: Review article.
20202020
Consideration of Pannexin 1 Channels in COVID‑19 Pathology and Treatment
American Journal of Physiology‑Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology- Leigh Anne Swayne, Scott R. Johnstone, Chen Seng Ng, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Miranda E. Good, Silvia Penuela, Alexander W. Lohman, Abigail G. Wolpe, Victor E. Laubach, Michael Koval, Brant E. Isakson.
- DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00146.2020.
- Type: Perspective article.
20202020
Ankyrin‑B p.S646F undergoes increased proteasome degradation and reduces cell viability in the H9c2 rat ventricular cardiomyoblast cell line
Biochemistry & Cell Biology- Lena Chen, Catherine S. W. Choi, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Laura T. Arbour, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2019-0082.
- Type: Original research article.
20202020
Ankyrin B and Ankyrin B variants differentially modulate intracellular and surface Cav2.1 levels
Molecular Brain- Catherine S. W. Choi, Ivana A. Souza, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Gerald W. Zamponi, Laura T. Arbour, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0494-8.
- Type: Original research article.
20192019
A novel motif in the proximal C‑terminus of Pannexin 1 regulates cell surface localization
Scientific Reports- Anna L. Epp, Sarah N. Ebert, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Andrew K. J. Boyce, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46144-5.
- Type: Original research article.
20192019
Exploring the Pannexin 1 interactome: In silico cross‑analyses with postsynaptic proteins and neuropsychiatric disorder susceptibility genes
bioRxiv- Simona D. Frederiksen, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1101/801563.
- Type: Original research article.
20192019
Pannexin 1 Regulates Network Ensembles and Dendritic Spine Development in Cortical Neurons
eNeuro- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Mei Liu, Catherine S. W. Choi, Sarah N. Ebert, Craig E. Brown, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0503-18.2019.
- Type: Original research article.
20182018
Probenecid Disrupts a Novel Pannexin 1‑Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 Interaction and Increases Microtubule Stability
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience- Xiaoxue Xu, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Mei Liu, Maria S. Weaver, Catherine S. W. Choi, Leigh A. Swayne.
- DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00124.
- Type: Original research article.
20172017
Upregulation of inflammatory mediators in the ventricular zone after cortical stroke
PROTEOMICS - Clinical Applications- Adrianna N. Gunton, Juan C. Sanchez-Arias, Esther O. Carmona‑Wagner, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1002/prca.201600092.
- Type: Original research article.
20162016
Perspectives on the role of Pannexin 1 in neural precursor cell biology
Neural Regeneration Research- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.193221.
- Type: Review article.
20162016
What Are Neural Stem Cells, and Why Are They Important?
Frontiers for Young Kids- Leigh Anne Swayne, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Agbay Andrew, Stephanie M. Willerth.
- DOI: 10.3389/frym.2016.00020.
- Type: Review article.
20162016
Pannexin 1 Differentially Affects Neural Precursor Cell Maintenance in the Ventricular Zone and Peri‑Infarct Cortex
Journal of Neuroscience- Leigh E. Wicki‑Stordeur, Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, J. Dhaliwal, Esther O. Carmona‑Wagner, Valery I. Shestopalov, Diane C. Lagace, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0436-15.2016.
- Type: Original research article.
”Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain.” Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Datasets
20212021
PFIA ‑ Pipeline for Image Analysis of Cell Density in Mouse Brain Sections
Scholars Portal Dataverse- Juan C. Sanchez‑Arias, Michael Carrier, Simona D. Frederiksen, Olga Shevtsova, Chloe Mckee, Emma van der Slagt, Elisa Gonçalves De Andrade, Hai Lam Nguyen, Penelope A. Young, Marie‑Ève Tremblay, Leigh Anne Swayne.
- DOI: 10.5683/SP2/KRGFTC
- Test Image Files and Associated Scripts
Other education
20222022
Curso Introductorio en Epidemiologia Genetica y Epigenetica
Universidad del Valle - School of Public Health Virtual- Two-week introductory course on Genetic Epidemiology and Epigenetics.
20212021
CodeinPlace 2021
Stanford University Virtual- 5-week introductory online Python programming course based on material from the first half of Stanford’s introductory programming course, CS106A
- Project Showcase #153: BrainBeez