Meet a Postdoctoral Scholar: Grisel Cruz-Becerra

August 24, 2022

Name: Grisel Cruz-Becerra

School of Biological Sciences Laboratory: Professor James T. Kadonaga

Ph.D. Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico)

Tell us about your field of study

I study chromatin dynamics. Chromatin, which is composed of repeating units of the nucleosome, is the substrate of all of the processes that utilize DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Because DNA must be replicated (i.e., copied), transcribed and repaired, chromatin is highly dynamic and finely regulated. In this regard, I aim to understand two important aspects of chromatin biology:

1. How does chromatin influence nuclear DNA-based processes?
2. What are the key factors and the mechanisms that modulate the functions of chromatin?

My current research focuses on the tardigrade damage suppressor protein and the vertebrate-specific high mobility group N family of proteins. Both factors are nucleosome-binding proteins that are unexpectedly related. My studies aim to shed light on the role of these mysterious proteins in genome integrity, gene expression and chromatin dynamics, which are frequently altered in disease.

Why is this important?

The regulation of chromatin structure and dynamics is essential for development and has important implications in aging and pathologies such as cancer. By identifying the key factors and the mechanisms by which these factors modulate the functions of chromatin in genomic stability and in processes such as gene activation, we could better understand the underlying basis of a number of human diseases and therefore design more effective therapeutic approaches.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Generally, my work involves experimental design and execution; data collection, analysis and interpretation; and literature search and reviewing. In practice, every day is quite different! For instance, I might perform a gene-editing experiment in cells one day and assemble chromatin from scratch in a tube the next day. My daily work converges to address a specific question in the long run, so I like to think of every day as a new adventure on the way to an exciting discovery!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am very curious, so I really love doing research! I think it is a privilege to have the opportunity to dig into the beauty and the complexity of how our cells function at the most fundamental level. I particularly enjoy being able to address the questions in biology that I am passionate about.

What advice do you have for someone starting as a new postdoctoral position at UC San Diego?

Maximize your potential to succeed by leveraging all of the available training and networking resources at UC San Diego! I encourage new postdocs to attend seminars and to join workshops and courses that are outside of their specific field of study. In addition to professional development, these activities provide unique opportunities to connect with peers and networking. I have very much enjoyed getting to know students, postdocs, faculty and staff from the UC San Diego Bioscience community by these means.

What is your favorite type of food?

The food that is made with love! This includes everything that my mom cooks. On a side note, my family has historically used food as a mean to express love, and I feel a tremendous admiration for people that enjoy cooking, especially for their loved ones.

What's something most people don't know about you?

I love attending rock concerts and standing up at the front of the stage. The effort it takes is definitively worth to it! (Same as a career in science!)