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. Annika Möller-Kerutt and Ann-Christin Groh are co-first authors on ‘ PALS1 is a key regulator of the lateral distribution of tight junction proteins in renal epithelial cells’, published in JCS. Annika is a postdoc in the lab of Thomas Weide at University Hospital of Münster, Germany, and Ann-Christin undertook this work while a PhD student in the same laboratory lab and is now a Key Account Manager for Merck Healthcare, Germany. They are interested in how junction formation is dependent on cellular polarity.
Ann-Christin Groh (left) and Annika Möller-Kerutt (right)
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
A.-C.G. and A.M.K.: PALS1 is important for the filtration and re-absorption process in the tubular system of the kidneys. As part of the Crumbs polarity complex, the protein plays a key role in epithelial cell–cell contact formation and cell polarization. In our study, we wanted to address the effects of PALS1 loss on the cellular junction and its permeability. We observed a strong (‘spike’) phenotype regarding the distribution of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in 2D monolayers and 3D cysts with loss of PALS1. We therefore found that PALS1 has an important function in the interplay between tight junctions, the cytoskeleton and their coupling. Our study adds novel aspects to the regulatory mechanisms of cellular junction dynamics.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
A.-C.G.: Seeing the ‘spike’ phenotype in MDCKII knockout (KO) cysts was a special moment to me. It was not only a surprising phenotype but was also quite pretty to look at. To me, it was a first hint at the function of PALS1 and its importance in the complex system of polarization.
A.M.K.: For me, the experiments addressing the actin cytoskeleton using inhibitor treatment and washout experiments were really nice results. They were impressive to image and gave us an idea of the underlying mechanism of the observed phenotype in PALS1 KO cells.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
A.-C.G. and A.M.K.: Journal of Cell Science is a very good journal to reach a broad audience that is interested in the fundamental questions of cell biology and cellular dynamics.
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?
A.M.K.: I have always been interested in science and fascinated by biological phenomena. The best part of working in the lab is the generating new hypotheses and devising plans to address new ideas. It needs creativity. I think it's pretty cool that you look for a small new piece/aspect that has never been addressed by someone else before. Science is a field where you really can observe something completely new and actively gain new knowledge.
What's next for you?
A.-C.G.: I managed to successfully finish my PhD, and as a reward, I took some time for traveling before starting my career as a Key Account Manager in the field of oncology. I really enjoyed being in science, but I was ready for a new adventure with new tasks and challenges.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
A.-C.G.: I have a passion for hiking, especially long-distance hiking. The nature I hike through is often just stunning – hiking gives me the possibility to clear my mind and load my batteries.
A.M.K.: I love being outside and taking photos of all sorts of things; not only through the microscope.
Ann-Christin Groh’s and Annika Möller-Kerutt’s contact details: University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A 14, 48149 Münster, Germany. E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]
