한빛사 인터뷰
- 등록2023-12-27
- 조회845
1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper?
The paper published in EMBO is titled “B. subtilis MutS2 splits stalled ribosomes into subunits without mRNA cleavage”. The paper shows the mechanism of how MutS2 recognizes stalled ribosomes versus elongating ribosomes and what its catalytic function is. Previous work in the field had shown that collided ribosomes are conserved not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria when there are problems on an mRNA that prevents ribosomes from moving along it. Our lab previously showed that in E. coli, the rescue of collided ribosomes involved cleavage of the mRNA. This paper shows that in B. subtilis, rescue of collided ribosomes involved splitting of the ribosomes into subunits without utilizing mRNA cleavage. The cryo-EM structures also show that MutS2 recognizes the interface of the collided ribosomes albeit from a different approach as compared to SmrB in E. coli.
B. subtilis MutS2 splits stalled ribosomes into subunits without mRNA cleavage. EMBO J.
2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?
The main difficulties I faced when I started my Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins was learning proper molecular biology and genetic techniques. My previous research experiences were in structural biology and in vitro biochemistry. Learning in vivo techniques and genetics required a different way of approaching scientific questions as well as diligence in careful laboratory practices. I overcame them by not being afraid to ask for help and guidance when necessary. I think it is very important to acknowledge what you don’t know and to seek those that can help you learn and become proficient.
3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.
I am currently a 5th year Ph.D. student at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Dr. Rachel Green’s lab studying translational quality control and mRNA surveillance in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. My Ph.D. program is called the Program in Molecular Biophysics which is an interdisciplinary program across multiple departments across Johns Hopkins. I started my Ph.D. in 2019 and my work utilizes many techniques such as molecular biology, genomics, and biochemistry.
4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.
I grew up in the US, so I am only familiar with the training structure here which I find to be quite rigorous and focused on training scientists to be independent. I participated in research as a undergraduate which many students planning on getting a Ph.D. do here, and I had my own research project which was a key element for applying the a Ph.D. During my Ph.D. so far, my training has been focused on every aspect of scientific research. So not only becoming independent on the bench, but also proficient in all the soft skills such as presenting, writing, and critical thinking.
5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?
I think it’s imperative to find great mentors who will guide you along the way. I have been very fortunate to have worked for many investigators and scientists who have invested in my career thus far by not only training me but also connecting me with the right people to help me along the transitions in my career.
6. Future plan?
I plan to continue in the field of science after defending my Ph.D. in the biotech industry.
7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?
I want to thank BRIC for allowing to share my research and experiences to the broader scientific community in Korea. I think especially students should focus on what interests them and excites them. Where there is good science and good questions, there will always be opportunities for growth and achievement. Never quit on learning.
#ribosomes
#mRNA
#quality control
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