Dr. Cheryle Séguin

Biography

Cheryle Séguin is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Western University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and both an M.Sc. and B.Sc. from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focuses on understanding the pathways that regulate the fate and function of cells within the intervertebral disc, with an emphasis on spine pathologies. As back pain is a common issue leading to physician visits in North America, her work addresses critical areas in intervertebral disc development and disease. She utilizes novel genetic mouse strains and both in vivo and ex vivo models to examine intervertebral disc cells, including their mechanobiological responses and the impact of mechanical loading on disc health. Séguin’s lab has made significant contributions to the field, such as elucidating the developmental origins of intervertebral disc cells, and her work has led to advancements in understanding disc degeneration mechanisms. Her goal is to identify processes involved in disc formation and to facilitate tissue repair strategies to combat disc degeneration.

Research Interests