ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Inga Mohr is first author on ‘ Characterization of the small Arabidopsis thaliana GTPase and ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2 protein TITAN 5’, published in JCS. Inga is a postdoc in the lab of Petra Bauer at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, investigating small ARF-like GTPases in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Inga Mohr
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Small GTPases are proteins that play a crucial role in signal transduction within cells. They achieve this by binding to GDP or GTP, compounds with different energy levels. GTPases perform their functions by alternating between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state. We are conducting research on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and have focused on a protein called TITAN 5 (TTN5), which has been classified as an ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-like GTPase. Through biochemical assays, we discovered that TTN5 not only exhibits GTPase activity but also displays atypical behaviour by predominantly existing in an active form within cells. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy revealed that TTN5 is likely mobile within cells and can be active on various cell organelles. We hypothesize that TTN5 plays a crucial role in intracellular transport pathways, aligning it functionally with the ARF-GTPase family.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
In general, working with TTN5 is challenging, not only due to the embryo-lethal phenotype of TTN5-knockout plants, but also because it requires significant patience and dedication. Its biochemical characterization posed additional difficulties for us, as our expertise does not lie in GTPases and the rapid reaction times of TTN5 prevented the use of traditional activity assays. Fortunately, we found an expert on small GTPases, Reza Ahmadian, right on our campus. With the help of his PhD student Amin Mirzaiebadizi, we were able to embark on this successful collaboration.
The beauty of fluorescence in hypocotyl cells captured through maximum intensity projection.
The beauty of fluorescence in hypocotyl cells captured through maximum intensity projection.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to everyone involved in this project for their cooperation and support. Additionally, I had the opportunity to grow both personally and scientifically within an outstanding research team. I am delighted that many people continue to accompany me on my scientific journey.
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?
From an early age, I began questioning how things work, which ultimately led me to study biochemistry. During my bachelor's degree, I discovered my passion for plant sciences and have remained dedicated to it ever since. My journey to where I am today is largely thanks to the wonderful senior scientists who supported my curiosity, encouraged me and challenged me as a scientist.
What‘s next for you?
As my postdoctoral position at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Institute of Botany comes to an end, I am eagerly seeking a new and exciting challenge. I look forward to discovering what the future holds for me.
Inga Mohr's contact details: Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institute of Botany, Universitätsstrasse 1 26.24.01.65 40225 Düsseldorf Germany.
E-mail: [email protected]
