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. M. H. D. Fouad Zakaria is first author on ‘ NaV1.1 contributes to the cell cycle of human mesenchymal stem cells by regulating AKT and CDK2’, published in JCS. He is a PhD student in the lab of Takayoshi Yamaza at Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan, investigating stem cells, ion channels and neural differentiation.
M. H. D. Fouad Zakaria
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Voltage-gated Na+ channels are expressed in excitatory cells, such as neurons, to generate action potentials. However, they have also been found to be expressed in non-excitatory cells, where they display non-canonical functions. Here, we demonstrated the expression of the voltage-gated Na+ channel NaV1.1 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and found a novel function of Nav1.1 in regulating the cell cycle in MSCs.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
My PhD journey has been full of these moments. Special moments are when I confirmed NaV1.1 expression in MSCs by western blotting, and when I saw the cell cycle shift after knocking down SCN1A for the first time.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
I selected Journal of Cell Science due to its diverse readership and wide range of topics in cell biology. Additionally, Journal of Cell Science has a well-established reputation for rigorous scientific review. I believe my research will contribute meaningfully to the journal's existing body of work and to its wonderful Forest of Biologists.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
My PhD supervisor, Hiroki Kato, played a pivotal role in my scientific development. His mentorship involved meticulous observation of my experiments, the creation of tailored protocols and encouragement of independent thinking. Under his guidance, I was able to explore my own research ideas and contribute meaningfully to our collaborative projects.
Fluorescence microscopy image of CDK2 in MSCs. CDK2 expression and nuclear localization decrease in MSCs in response to silencing of SCN1A.
Fluorescence microscopy image of CDK2 in MSCs. CDK2 expression and nuclear localization decrease in MSCs in response to silencing of SCN1A.
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?
Science was not my first choice as a career after graduation. However, when I began clinical work, I realised that pursuing a scientific career can have an even broader impact on humanity. In other words, I wanted to focus on improving medical science for the benefit of millions of people, not for a limited number of patients.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
My scientific role model is Professor Takayoshi Yamaza. His unwavering dedication, clear objectives and ongoing professional growth inspired me to pursue a career in science and set high standards for my own research endeavors.
What's next for you?
I will be working in Molecular Cell Biology in the Oral Anatomy Lab at the Kyushu University Graduate School of Dental Science in Japan as an assistant professor.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I am interested in areas of the humanities such as political science and economics. I love reading, exploring new experiences and driving, which reflects my outgoing personality.
M. H. D. Fouad Zakaria's contact details: Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
E-mail: [email protected]
