한빛사 인터뷰
- 등록2024-09-03
- 조회190
1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper?
Genetic oscillators are fundamental to all living organisms, playing crucial roles in processes such as cell division regulation, circadian rhythms, and even the formation of repetitive structures during embryonic development, like the vertebral column. In this work, we developed a synthetic genetic oscillator that is inducible by blue light (“optoscillator”), meaning it oscillates only upon light exposure. By delivering light pulses with different periods, we synchronized the cells to produce intricate spatial patterns within a bacterial colony. This was achieved through phenomena such as harmonic and subharmonic resonance, period doubling, and chaos. Our simplified, bottom-up approach to studying genetic oscillators opens new avenues for understanding how complex oscillatory dynamics can drive the generation of diverse spatial patterns in biological systems.
2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?
The main challenge was to construct the light-inducible oscillator, which we referred to as the "optoscillator". In the initial trials, the plasmid carrying the genes for the synthetic oscillator were frequently mutated or did not oscillate upon blue light exposure. I experimented on several light inducible systems and a couple of oscillators until I got a combination that worked robustly.
3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.
I am a PhD student in the Schaerli Lab (https://www.yschaerli.com) at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The group is focused in using synthetic biology to study pattern formation, engineered living materials, construction of CRISPRi/a-based circuits and biosensors for bacteria-host interactions.
4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.
Conducting research in Switzerland has been a fantastic experience for me. The lab group is highly diverse, fostering connections and collaborations with teams across the globe. We have ample resources to advance our projects, yet interestingly people are more concerned about sustainability. Additionally, the work culture is well-balanced, with a genuine care for the mental health of students and staff, which creates a less stressful and more supportive environment.
5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?
You are going to spend at least half of the time with your lab colleagues. So, choose a group where people are nice and collaborative, people that can become your friend and a PI who cares about your professional growth as a scientist and will support you when facing setbacks in your project (this will eventually happen in your research at some point).
6. Future plan?
After completing my PhD, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position in the field of synthetic biology. My long-term goal is to establish and lead my own research group.
7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?
Consistent hard work will yield long-term results. But you should also rest, otherwise your efficiency will drop. You will learn how to balance as you get to know yourself better.
#Oscillator
#resonance
#chaos
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