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. Akira Sugawara is first author on ‘ AID–2×RBD27, an auxin-inducible degron-based Rab27 trapper that reversibly inhibits the function of Rab27A in melanocytes’, published in JCS. Akira is a master's student in the lab of Mitsunori Fukuda at Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms, Tohoku University, Japan, investigating melanosome transport in melanocytes.
Akira Sugawara
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
To determine the function of small GTPase proteins called Rabs in intracellular membrane trafficking, various approaches, such as gene editing and suppression of Rab GTP/GDP cycling, have been used. Because these approaches are basically irreversible, additional experiments are usually needed to determine the relationship between an observed phenotype and functional inhibition of Rabs. In this study, I developed a novel tool, named AID–2×RBD27, that reversibly inhibits the function of Rab27 and successfully observed 3-dimensional anterograde melanosome dispersion from the peri-nucleus to the cell edge in melanocytes. Application of this tool to other Rabs could provide new insights into the mechanisms of dynamic membrane trafficking events in the future.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
Initially, I had trouble combining AID–2×RBD27 with 3D live-cell imaging, and I was unable to acquire images that were good enough to use to track melanosome movements. To overcome this issue, I changed my imaging protocols again and again according to my colleagues' advice. Finally, I succeeded in acquiring ideal imaging data.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
I was very excited when I performed live-cell imaging of anterograde melanosome transport in ‘dendritic’ melanocytes. I was impressed by observing two contrasting kinds of melanosome movements − i.e. fast, long-range movement in the central region of the dendrite and slow, intermittent movement along the plasma membrane.
Expression and degradation of AID–2×RBD27 in melanocytes reversibly changed intracellular melanosome distribution.
Expression and degradation of AID–2×RBD27 in melanocytes reversibly changed intracellular melanosome distribution.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
Journal of Cell Science publishes ‘Tools and Resources’ articles, which report on practical and novel tools aimed at researchers in cell biology. I thus decided to submit my manuscript to JCS to make the AID–RBD system known to many researchers, including those in the Rab research community. I hope that this system will provide new insights into the molecular machinery of membrane trafficking events that are regulated by Rab small GTPases.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
Dr Mitsunori Fukuda has provided me with valuable advice as a mentor. First, I learned the background of melanocyte research, experimental techniques and how to understand and write academic articles from him. Furthermore, he taught me essential knowledge required to be a scientist, including how to develop research independently and how to explain my studies to others. I really appreciate his guidance.
What's next for you?
After obtaining my master's degree, I would like to continue on to a doctoral program to deepen my understanding of cell biology. In the doctoral program, I hope to learn from my supervisor the skills that I will need as a scientist.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I often go out for walks in order to get a change of scenery. When I find a path I haven't walked yet, I tend to follow it to see where it leads.
Akira Sugawara's contact details: Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms, Department of Integrative Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai Miyagi 980-8578, Japan.
E-mail: [email protected]
