Latisha Franklin
About Me
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama
Bachelor of Science focusing on biology and minoring in chemistry from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana
Research Interest
I use C. elegans, microscopic worms, as a model organism to study muscle dysfunction associated with human disease.
Research Summary
Inborn errors of purine metabolism, such as ADSL Deficiency, result in muscle dysfunction, however the cascade of molecular mechanisms is unknown. Adenylosuccinate Lyase (ADSL) Deficiency is a disorder with clinical symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, delayed development, muscle dysfunction, autistic like behaviors, and seizures. Purine metabolism aids in muscle function by generating and maintaining optimal purine levels as well as facilitating energy metabolism. Due to purine metabolism conservation, we can model ADSL Deficiency using RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans. I hypothesize using metabolomics to identify changes in global metabolism specific to impaired adsl-1 function I will be able to elucidate metabolic networks important to muscle function as well as the disorder etiology.
Programs and Training Centers
University Committees
- OGEEP Representative - Graduate Student Alumni Society Board
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2018-2019 Graduate Student Alumni Society Board OGEEP Representative
Honors and Awards
- Bunton-Waller Fellow
- Sloan Scholar
- 2019 1st Place I AM STEM speaking competition
- 2019 2nd Place Poster Presentation Life Science Symposium
- 2019 AAUW State College Branch Conference Scholarship Recipient
- 2019 PSU Eberly College of Science Climate and Diversity Award
- 2018 BGSA Stephanie Danette Preston Service Award
- 2018 2nd Place Poster Presentation Restek Student Symposium