research
2019 Emerging Research Grants recipient Victor Wong, Ph.D., cycles competitively.
Investigating Molecular Tracks By Victor Wong, Ph.D.
photo credit (top right): atkinns to
I was diagnosed with a profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at the age of 4, and since then I have worn hearing aids. My hearing has greatly affected my career decisions as I not only want to learn more about hearing loss but also am motivated to find solutions for it. I am a postdoctoral scientist working in the area of neuroscience, which provides me the opportunity to study the auditory system. My current work focuses on nerve cells (neurons). The success of cochlear implants as well as future therapeutic approaches to hearing loss depends on the integrity of spiral ganglion neurons—most notably the availability of functional neurites (axons) for direct electrical stimulation and the transmission of the sound signal. Not much is known about how these neurites grow and are regenerated. I originally specialized in diabetes and metabolism research during my graduate studies, and when I arrived at Burke Neurological Institute in New York, I started working with Brett Langley, Ph.D. He and I had a particular interest in post-translational modifications of microtubules in central nervous system neurons. Microtubules provide structural support and molecular “tracks” for transporting mitochondria and mRNA, which are important for neurite function and growth. “Post-translational modifications” refers to chemical modifications that regulate cellular activity, among other key roles. One of the modifications is the process of acetylation, which is a type of chemical reaction that can change protein function. A number of studies show that if you can increase this modification in microtubules, or in the mitochondrial transport protein called MIRO1, there are significant benefits such as neurite growth. Given my interest in hearing loss, I wondered whether this biological process also occurs in the specialized neurons in the auditory system. Thanks to the Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program, I am continuing the investigation into the role of molecular microtubules, establishing the importance of acetylation as a potential
therapeutic target to treat hearing loss. Eventually I hope my work will be an integral part of the push for therapeutic development for neurological disorders, including hearing loss. I am also motivated to use my work as a platform to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, particularly encouraging people with various abilities to join STEM research (science, technology, engineering, and math). I have just begun working with Weill Cornell Medicine’s Diversity and Inclusion Office to make science and medical education and training accessible to all, and also to raise awareness of hearing health. We are planning to create an outreach program that allows students who are deaf and hard of hearing to gain an immersive experience in a laboratory. I am a staunch believer that passion and motivation are roots to success, and all of us, especially those with disabilities, have hidden potential and passion waiting to be unlocked.
Victor Wong, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral scientist at Burke Neurological Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, in New York, and a 2019 ERG recipient. For more, see hhf.org/erg.
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winter 2020
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