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. Liheng Yang (杨利恒) is first author on ‘ Trophoblast organoids with physiological polarity model placental structure and function’, published in JCS. Liheng is a Senior Research Associate in the lab of Carolyn Coyne at Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA, investigating using human placenta organoids to explore the underlying mechanisms of the innate immune defense against pathogen infection at the maternal–fetal interface.
Liheng Yang
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Here, we report a method that can efficiently generate human trophoblast organoids (TOs), miniature versions of the placenta that can be grown in the lab. We show that these TOs can reflect the physiological polarity of the human placenta, and thus can faithfully recapitulate human placenta structure and function, which will provide a useful tool for this research area.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
We struggled with determining which methods were better to evaluate generated TOs with physiological polarity (referred to as ‘STBout TOs’). We finally took advantage of immunofluorescent staining of both whole-mount organoids and organoid cryosections to perform the evaluation. Furthermore, by leveraging the power of a quantitative electrophysiological technique, patch clamp, we could quantitatively evaluate the STBout TO model with much more confidence.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
We did have headaches with TOs clumping together (aggregating) during the STBout TO generation process. But after a couple rounds of culture method optimization, including keeping low organoids density, routine aggregate dissociation, etc., we were able to greatly minimize the aggregation that happens.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
We thought that our manuscript was a perfect fit for this Special Issue on Cell and Tissue Polarity. Additionally, we appreciate JCS organizing such a great Special Issue focusing on polarity, which we believe is a perfect platform and opportunity for polarity research scientists to post their most recent research progress, which will no doubt push this field to a new horizon.
Confocal microscopy immunofluorescent image of STBout TOs with syncytiotrophoblasts stained in green and cytotrophoblasts stained in red. The nuclei are stained in blue.
Confocal microscopy immunofluorescent image of STBout TOs with syncytiotrophoblasts stained in green and cytotrophoblasts stained in red. The nuclei are stained in blue.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
My current mentor, Dr Coyne, who is also my loyal collaborator in my human placenta research project, is amazing. Going through this project, I always felt we were working as a team instead of working alone. I would also like to acknowledge Dr Yang, Associate Prof. of Biochemistry at Duke University, whose expertise in the electrorheological field really drove us to utilize the unique patch clamp technique to evaluate our model, and we believe this is the first time this technique has been applied in the placenta research field.
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 have been interested with biological science since I was a high-school student studying biology. From basic biological knowledge to diverse scientific techniques, as well as scientifically questioning and solving, I have been motivated by countless excellent scientists, including my current supervisor Prof. Dr Coyne, whose great enthusiasm for science always inspires me. One most interesting moment was when I first observed late gestation placenta tissue-derived TOs under the microscope. I was so excited, and all my subsequent research projects have been based on this.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
Of course, it's my current Prof. Dr Coyne, whose enthusiasm for and devotion to science has always inspired me to move forward in science.
What's next for you?
I'm interested in pursuing a career in academia and hope to continue working in the placenta field.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I had a funny experience attending a virtual academic meeting with my 1-year-old son: he seemed very focused with a talk and accidently typed some unrecognizable words in the chatting panel. I quickly apologized but the organizer responded with: “Hope your baby enjoyed this talk”.
Liheng Yang's contact details: Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine Bay 17, Medical Sciences Research Building III, 3 Genome Court, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
