First person – Jonathan Kelebeev and Anastasia MacKeracher

Jonathan Kelebeev

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

J.K. and A.M.: Proteins don't usually work alone – they often need to team up with other proteins to do their jobs in the body. This research introduces a method that uses nanobodies to identify and study protein interactions in cells that are usually difficult to analyze. With this approach, we uncovered how two proteins work together during muscle repair, the process that helps muscles heal and grow after injury. This method not only helps us understand how proteins cooperate in muscle cells but also provides a versatile new tool for studying protein interactions in various cell types.

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

J.K.: One of the key challenges I faced was organizing a large interactome dataset and determining meaningful cutoff values to generate a practical list of candidates. This challenge became clearer when I mapped out all previously established interactions, providing a solid comparison and context to help identify those interactions likely to be physiologically relevant.

A.M.: It was challenging to choose which protein, among the biochemically validated candidates interacting with TAZ, to prioritize for functional validation. Ultimately, I selected CARM1 because of its previously studied role in muscle biology. The potential for CARM1-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of TAZ adds an intriguing dimension to our understanding of Hippo signaling in the context of muscle development and differentiation.

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

J.K. and A.M.: The biggest ‘eureka’ moment in this research project came when our mass spectrometry results revealed methylation on CARM1 arginine 77, which perfectly complemented our western blot findings. It was a breakthrough that validated our hypothesis and opened up new avenues for understanding the role and mechanism of CARM1 relationship with TAZ in muscle.

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

Journal of Cell Science is a highly respected journal with a rich history and strong legacy. It is known for publishing high-quality research, and we are very happy that our work is now associated with such esteemed content. We also appreciate the journal's commitment to transparency in its peer-review process, data presentation and authorship, ensuring clarity and openness throughout the entire publication cycle.

Anastasia MacKeracher

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

J.K.: I was incredibly fortunate to begin my research career in Dr John McDermott's lab, where his mentorship and expertise played a pivotal role in fostering my interest in muscle biology. I would also like to highlight the invaluable mentorship I received from co-author Dr Tetsuaki Miyake, who was always available to help clarify my thoughts. Finally, and most importantly, I'd like to thank my family for their unwavering support, love and encouragement.

A.M.: In addition to our co-authors mentioned by Jonathan, I've been fortunate to have incredible mentors, starting with my parents and sister, who have always supported me and shown unconditional love. My grandparents, Yia Yia and Papou, instilled in me values of hard work, passion and discipline. My Papou, who recently passed away from cancer, inspired me to pursue a PhD in cancer biology. In the lab, Dr Gino Somers at The Hospital for Sick Children gave me my first research opportunity, believing in my potential and mentoring me to strive for excellence in both my career and life.

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?

J.K.: For me, research in regenerative medicine has always been captivating because it addresses the root causes of diseases rather than merely treating symptoms. Cardiac and skeletal muscle are especially fascinating to study, as they represent opposite extremes in regenerative capacity. Deciphering the mechanisms that govern these differences is both an exciting and rewarding challenge. I will never forget the first time I looked into a confocal microscope and was awestruck by the stunning beauty of immunofluorescence.

A.M.: I was motivated to pursue a career in science because it challenges us to think creatively, solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions. My passion for biology and cellular science stems from their profound everyday relevance and transformative potential in healthcare. I'm particularly inspired by the interdisciplinary nature of science, where basic research leads to therapeutic breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes. The collaborative environment, where diverse perspectives come together to address pressing challenges, has been a driving force in my journey. My summer studentships at The Hospital for Sick Children fueled my passion for patient care, whereas my master's research at York University sparked my enthusiasm for wet-bench science.

What's next for you?

J.K.: Currently, I am a third-year PhD student in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University, working in Dr Colin Crist's lab at the Lady Davis Institute. My research focuses on understanding muscle development in the mouse embryo. I am investigating the role of the epigenetic regulator protein CTCF in facilitating divergent myogenic programs and exploring the connection between craniofacial and cardiac muscles. Through my work, I aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms that govern muscle differentiation, which could have important implications for regenerative medicine and muscle-related diseases.

A.M.: I am currently in the first year of my PhD in the Interdisciplinary Cancer Sciences program at McGill University. My research focuses on characterizing osteosarcoma subgroups by developing innovative liquid biopsy technologies to analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), with the goal of predicting therapy response and improving patient outcomes. As part of the program, I benefit from multifaceted training in cancer biology, therapeutics, epidemiology and psychosocial oncology. This comprehensive training allows me to explore the diverse aspects of cancer research and its impact on patient care.

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

J.K.: I love biking, both road and mountain. It's a great way to challenge myself physically while enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.

A.M.: I love to sing and even earned a minor in vocal music. I've been part of several choirs and have also had the chance to perform with a band a couple of times.