First person – Roma Dahara Free

Roma Dahara

How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?

The Golgi functions as the shipping and sorting center of the cell, where proteins and other molecules are processed and sent to their destinations. It consists of flattened disc-shaped structures called cisternae. Interestingly, the appearance of the Golgi varies across species, ranging from free-floating cisternae in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to stacked cisternae in another budding yeast, Pichia pastoris, and even more complex ribbon-like arrangements in mammalian cells. Despite these differences, a common feature across most organisms is that the cisternae are neatly stacked, like pancakes. This stacking is crucial for the Golgi to function properly, as it enables the efficient processing and sorting of proteins and optimizes transport efficiency. Our study focuses on understanding how these cisternae are held together in a stack. We investigate the role of a special group of proteins called Golgins, which act like scaffolds to maintain Golgi stacking.

Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, this project came with its challenges. Creating the double-knockout mutant strain was particularly demanding, requiring multiple rounds of experimentation before it could be successfully generated and prepared for electron microscopy. Similarly, generating the chimeric constructs and strains required significant time and effort. Another challenge was calculating the trans-Golgi network (TGN) peeling frequency in the double-knockout mutant from the 4D live-cell movies. The rapid rate of peeling events in this mutant made manual counting troublesome and error prone. With an insightful suggestion from my mentor, Dr Dibyendu Bhattacharyya, we modified our approach for calculating TGN peeling frequency compared to our previous paper, which significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of our analysis.

When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?

Absolutely! A memorable eureka moment occurred during the electron microscopy analysis of the PpIMH1PpSGM1 double-deletion mutant. In the single mutants, we observed partial unstacking of the late Golgi cisternae, leading us to hypothesize that a double knockout of these Golgins might produce a more pronounced, additive effect. Despite the challenges in creating the double mutant strain, the true breakthrough came when we observed a complete separation of the late cisternae from the Golgi using electron microscopy. This finding validated our hypothesis and was an exhilarating moment, making all the effort worthwhile.

Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?

We selected Journal of Cell Science for its strong reputation in cell biology and its alignment with the core focus of our research. Moreover, our previous study on the role of PpImh1 in Golgi stacking was published in JCS. Given that the current study builds directly on that work, submitting our manuscript to JCS was a logical and fitting choice.

Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?

My advisor, Dr Dibyendu Bhattacharyya, has been an exceptional mentor, always encouraging critical thinking and granting me the freedom to plan and execute my experiments. His emphasis on asking the right questions has been instrumental in shaping both my research and my overall approach to problem solving in science. I am truly grateful for his mentorship, which has profoundly impacted my scientific and personal growth during my PhD. I am also very grateful to my thesis committee member, Dr Sorab Dalal for his insightful feedback and constructive suggestions during our meetings, which provided fresh perspectives.

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?

My passion for science, particularly cell and molecular biology, began during my Bachelor's and Master's programs, where I was fortunate to learn from exceptional professors who inspired and motivated me to explore the field. Their encouragement fueled my determination to pursue a career in research. I started preparing for national-level exams like NET and GATE, securing All-India ranks within the top 50. These achievements opened doors to apply for PhD programs at premier Indian institutes. Ultimately, I was selected for the PhD program at ACTREC through its rigorous interview process, marking the beginning of an exciting PhD journey. I've been fortunate to conduct my research in the Bhattacharyya lab, surrounded by an inspiring mentor and supportive colleagues. It has been a rewarding path, filled with both challenges and growth, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of science.

Who are your role models in science? Why?

My role models in science are James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof, who were awarded the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking discoveries of the machinery that regulates vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.

What's next for you?

I am seeking postdoctoral research positions.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV

Outside of my academic pursuits, I love listening to music and working out, which are my favorite ways to relax and stay inspired. I'm also passionate about traveling to new places, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and exploring local cuisines. Above all, I truly cherish spending time with my family and friends.