ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Benjamin Roberts is first author on ‘ Characterization of lipoprotein lipase storage vesicles in 3T3-L1 adipocytes’, published in JCS. Benjamin conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Dr Saskia Neher's lab at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA. He is now a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr Prasanna Krishnan at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA, investigating regulated secretory trafficking and cargo sorting.
Benjamin Roberts
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Following a meal, sugars, fats and protein need to be digested and transported throughout the body. After a meal, blood insulin levels rise, triggering the uptake of glucose to tissue from the blood. Whereas the mechanisms behind the maintenance of plasma glucose are well understood, the regulation of lipid clearance is less well understood. In order to travel through the bloodstream after digestion, lipids (fats) are stored in lipoprotein particles. These particles are removed from the blood by a family of lipases that break down and transport lipids out of the bloodstream. We found that insulin promotes the release of the key enzyme lipoprotein lipase from adipocytes through a pathway that is dependent on two major regulators of intracellular vesicle formation: ARF1 and protein kinase D. In a physiological context, this mechanism helps to explain how adipocytes respond to feeding by targeting circulating lipid-rich lipoprotein particles for clearance from the blood.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
Conducting research during COVID-19 restrictions was challenging because of restricted access to the laboratory and some shared equipment. I'm sure a lot of scientists can say the same.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
When I realized that our enzyme lipoprotein lipase doesn't traffic like the regulated cargo GLUT4, I knew we were onto something interesting.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
Journal of Cell Science publishes the kinds of papers that I read on protein trafficking and mechanistic molecular biology, so it was a natural choice. In addition, the journal offered me the opportunity to publish in a special issue relating to my area of research in lipid metabolism.
A fixed 3T3-L1 adipocyte stained for lipoprotein lipase. Fixed cells were imaged using structured illumination microscopy (SIM). Zoom boxes show circular lipoprotein lipase-marked structures.
A fixed 3T3-L1 adipocyte stained for lipoprotein lipase. Fixed cells were imaged using structured illumination microscopy (SIM). Zoom boxes show circular lipoprotein lipase-marked structures.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
I received good advice and guidance from several experts in different departments. These PIs shared their equipment and a significant amount of their time to teach me new techniques and help me understand their science. Without their interest and assurance, it would have been harder to branch out of my scientific comfort zone. At the same time, I've been very thankful to the mentors who have helped to make me a better writer. If there is one thing in your professional life worth spending extra time on, it's working to become a clearer writer. It was never easy, but it has paid off.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
I became interested in science when I read an article about how engineered cassava could end global food shortages. I decided to pursue a scientific career centered around human nutrition. Now I work with mammalian cells rather than plants, but my interest in translatable research still drives me. I think that the single most impactful moment of my PhD came when I learned to image live cells. Watching discrete vesicles zipping around inside cells gives you a real appreciation for how life works and how science can answer the smallest questions.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
It's hard not to name Anthony Fauci among one's scientific role models, especially given that I'm interested in policy. However, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin has been a role model of mine since I learned about her career in astronomy on a podcast. As the first PhD in astronomy from Harvard, she made major contributions to the fields of astronomy and physics, inspiring a generation of astrophysicists. What struck me about her was her humbleness – unsure of her work, despite the way that academics around her were holding her in the highest esteem. She reminds me that dedication and hard work can transcend both external impediments to academic success and our own fears of failure.
What's next for you?
I just started a postdoc, and I'm very excited about the work that I'm beginning to do. But I'm also interested in pursuing a career in science policy. I'm interested in how scientists can work with policymakers to facilitate fact-based legislation and communicate with non-scientists. I plan to pursue fellowships and other avenues to policy in a few years. I see communication and advocacy for basic research as essential parts of the research process.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I love cycling, repairing bicycles and beating my records on Strava. I've met some of the nicest people while cycling, and I'm always looking for the next new route.
Benjamin Roberts's contact details: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
